title: Steroid structure and steroid activity.
abstract: The diverse biological effects associated with naturally occurring steroids are reviewed, with particular reference to the effect upon biological activity of changes in chemical structure. The motives for synthetic modification of the natural products are discussed and are illustrated by reference to the development of systemic and topical anti-inflammatory agents, with improved potency and reduced side-effects.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D002301:Cardiac Glycosides; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D002784:Cholesterol; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D011278:Pregnanes; D013256:Steroids / Q000494:pharmacology; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D002301:Cardiac Glycosides; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D011278:Pregnanes; D013256:Steroids; D002784:Cholesterol