Hybrids of 16E-arylidene steroids and nitrogen mustard have been synthesized and evaluated
for their in vitro cytotoxic activity to develop tissue specific antineoplastic agents
from steroids. These hybrids displayed specificity towards leukemia cell lines, however
somewhat reduced potency was observed in comparison with the earlier reported 16E-arylidene
steroids. The in silico reverse screening experiments were employed to find out the
probable pharmacological mechanism of these hybrids. Molecular docking studies suggested
glucocorticoid receptors as a probable target for the antileukemic action of these
steroid-nitrogen mustard hybrids.
Key words
Anticancer agents - 16E-Arylidenosteroids - Benzaldehyde mustard - Antileukemic activity