Synthesis and biological activity of bile acid-derived HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The role of 21-methyl in recognition of HMG-CoA reductase and the ileal bile acid transport system.

To increase hepatoselectivity of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors by using the specific bile acid transport systems, deoxycholic acid-derived inhibitors 9 and 11 have been synthesized, on the basis of the concept of combining in one molecule structural requirements for specific inhibition of the HMG-CoA reductase and specific recognition by the ileal bile acid transport system. The 1-methyl-3-carboxylpropyl subunit of deoxycholic acid was replaced by the 3,5-dihydroxyheptanoic acid lactone of lovastatin, and position 12-OH was esterified with 2-methylbutyric acid. Compounds 9 and 11 were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on rat liver HMG-CoA reductase, cholesterol biosynthesis in HEP G2 cells, and [3H]taurocholate uptake in rabbit brush border membrane vesicles and compared with methyl derivatives 8 and 10. The steroidal 21-CH3 group affects both activity on HMG-CoA reductase and recognition by the ileal bile acid transport system.