N-substituted 4-(5-indolyl)benzoic acids. Synthesis and evaluation of steroid 5α-reductase type I and II inhibitory activity

The synthesis of N-alkyl and N-arylalkyl substituted 4-(5-indolyl)benzoic acid derivatives as inhibitors of steroid 5α-reductases is described. For the human type II isozyme a benzyl substituent (IC50 6.20 μM) and for the human type I isozyme a cyclohexanemethyl substituent (ICin50 2.10 μM) on the indole nitrogen proved to be most efficacious, thus providing interesting leads for the development of drugs for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).