Biological activity of new bioactive steroids deriving from biotransformation of cortisone

Cortisone is a metabolite belonging to the corticosteroid class that is used pharmaceutically directly as a drug or prodrug. In addition to its large consumption, its use is linked to several side effects, so pharmaceutical research aims to develop effective drugs with low or no side effects, alternative compounds to cortisone are part of an active investment in ongoing research on drug discovery. The field of biotechnology, particularly biotransformation, can be considered a source of new molecules with potential therapeutic use.The present work focuses on a preliminary in vitro study aimed at evaluating the mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective activity of SCA and SCB molecules obtained from the biotransformation of cortisone using Rh. Rhodnii strain DSM 43960. The results obtained are very encouraging, in fact the compounds studied can be considered as non-genotoxic for Ames test, presented a very high antioxidant capacity and regarding the anti-inflammatory activity both compounds inhibited the TNF alpha-stimulated expression and secretion of NFkB target cytokines, also inhibited COX activity and can activate the glucocorticoid receptor. Finally SCA and SCB display neuroprotective properties.