WO2003009826A1

WO2003009826A1 - Use of steroids as slimming agents

Info

Publication number: WO2003009826A1
Application number: PCT/FR2002/002387
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elisabeth Picard-Lesboueyries
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2001-07-24
Filing date: 2002-07-08
Publication date: 2003-02-06
Also published as: FR2827762A1

Abstract

The invention concerns the cosmetic use, by topical application on the skin, of at least a steroid selected among 7OH DHEA and its chemical derivatives, as slimming agent, in particular for preventing and/or treating cellulitis or orange peel skin and/or for refining the face contours. The invention also concerns a composition containing, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least a steroid such as defined above and at least a lipolytic and/or lipogenesis inhibiting agent other than said steroid.

Description

Use of steroids as slimming

The present invention relates to the cosmetic use, by topical application to the skin, of at least one steroid chosen from: 7OH DHEA and its chemical derivatives, as a slimming agent, in particular for preventing and / or combating cellulite or orange peel and / or to refine facial contours.

It further relates to a composition containing, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one steroid as defined above and at least one lipolytic agent other than said steroid.

The bulges and or overweight are linked to the dysfunction of certain cells of the hypodermis, called adipocytes, which contain variable amounts of fat stored in the form of triglycerides. These triglycerides are synthesized in vivo by the adipocytes themselves, according to reactions of the enzymatic type (lipogenesis), from the free fatty acids contained in the blood in the form of lipoproteins and the glucose provided in particular by means of certain foods. The transformation of lipoproteins into fatty acids is done using an enzyme, lipoprotein lipase, contained in adipocytes or via cellular receptors for HDL, LDL or VLDL lipoproteins. The transformation of glucose leads either to the formation of glycerol or to the formation of free fatty acids via a specific enzyme, acetylCoA-carboxylase which transforms glucose into acetyl-CoA and then into fatty acids.

However, in parallel, the triglycerides thus formed, then stored, in the cells of the adipocytes can also degrade (lipolysis), always under the action of specific enzymes, the triglycerides lipases, contained in these same cells, and which are susceptible to '' be activated by cyclic AMP. Cyclic AMP is regulated by adenyl cyclase and capable of being hydrolyzed to 5'AMP by phosphodiesterase. This lipolysis mechanism leads to the release of fatty acids on the one hand and glycerol and / or mono- and or di-esters of glycerol on the other hand.

The fatty acids thus released can then either diffuse in the organism to be consumed or transformed in different ways, or be re-captured (immediately or a little later) by the adipocytes to generate triglycerides again by lipogenesis.

If, for various reasons (too rich or unbalanced food, sedentary lifestyle, variation in metabolism, aging and others), a substantial imbalance is established in the body between lipogenesis (formation of triglycerides by enzymatic reaction between fatty acids and the glycerol) and lipolysis (enzymatic breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol), that is to say more precisely if the quantities of fat formed by lipogenesis become significantly and constantly greater than those which are eliminated by lipolysis, it occurs then in the adipocytes an accumulation of triglycerides which, if it becomes excessive, can gradually result in a deformation of the skin caused by the thickening of the hypodermis in which the adipocytes are found. The surface of the skin becomes irregular ("orange peel") and of a more or less flaccid or gelatinous consistency, finally giving the silhouette an unsightly general appearance which can evolve between simple local overload (lipodismorphism), passing by overweight, and finally real obesity.

However, taking into account in particular the deep discomfort, both physical and aesthetic, and sometimes psychological, that it causes for individuals who are affected by it, in particular in women, adiposity is a less and less good condition these days. supported or accepted.

Solutions have therefore been proposed in the prior art to intervene in the metabolism of fatty acids which is, as we have seen, one of the preferred targets in the control of this adipocyte lipid overload.

This can be adjusted:

- either by blocking the transport of glucose inside the adipocyte which leads, as we have seen, to a decrease in fatty acids entering the adipocyte, - or by inhibition of lipoprotein lipase,

- Either by activation of the triglyceride lipase (or hormone-sensitive lipase), generally by stimulating cyclic AMP, generally by activation of adenyl cyclase, or by causing its accumulation by inhibition of phosphodiesterase.

Other biological pathways have been explored to act on the mechanism of lipogenesis and or lipolysis. It has thus been proposed to use neuropeptide Y receptor antagonists (NPY), which is a neuromediator involved in a certain number of physiological processes and whose involvement in the regulation of lipolysis has been demonstrated (P. Valet , J. Clin. Invest. 1990, 85, 291-295). One can also use oc _z receptor antagonists or β3-adrenergic receptor agonists.

The cosmetic compositions hitherto proposed for the treatment of adiposity therefore contain so-called slimming compounds which act on one or more of the mechanisms mentioned above. Among these, mention may more particularly be made of xanthine bases (ie xanthine derivatives), such as theophylline, caffeine, theobromine and 1-hydroxyalkylxanthines and their compatible salts (see in particular the document FR -A-2 617 401), which are phosphodiesterase inhibitors, nicotinic acid derivatives such as more particularly alpha-tocopherol nicotinate and hexyl nicotinate (see in particular in this connection document EP-A -371 844), the so-called alpha-2 blocking substances capable of blocking the alpha-2 receptors on the surface of adipocytes such as, for example, ginkgo biloba (see in particular on this subject the document FR-A-2 669 537), and β3-adrenergic receptor agonists such as alverine and its salts.

Furthermore, it has been demonstrated (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 1989, May; 86 (20); 3852-6) that DHEA has the capacity to inhibit the differentiation of adipocytes in vitro and in vivo, allowing to consider its use as slimming. It was further proposed in application ES-2 098 193 to use topically a composition containing DHEA and a xanthic base for the treatment of obesity. Topical anti-cellulite compositions based on DHEA are also disclosed in documents US-5,869,090 and US-6, 120,779.

The effect of DHEA and certain of its derivatives as an agent promoting weight loss was confirmed in documents US-5,296,481, US-5,424,463 and GB-2 203 941. In these documents, 7-keto DHEA and its derivatives have been described as promoting thermogenesis by the oral or injection route, which has the effect of facilitating weight loss. The fact remains that there is still today a great need for a means of treatment for obesity and unsightly overweight that does not have the hormonal effects that DHEA and some of its derivatives are likely to generate.

However, the Applicant has now discovered that topical application to the skin or the oral administration of certain steroids could meet this need.

It has indeed appeared to the Applicant that these steroids were capable of inhibiting lipogenesis and / or of stimulating lipolysis, in particular when they are applied to the skin, while being devoid of the hormonal effects linked to DHEA itself even.

Thus, the invention relates to the cosmetic use, by topical application to the skin, of at least one steroid chosen from: 7OH DHEA and its chemical derivatives, as a slimming agent.

In particular, the subject of the invention is the cosmetic use, by topical application to the skin, of at least one steroid chosen from: 7OH DHEA and its chemical derivatives, to prevent and / or fight against cellulite or the skin orange and / or to refine the contours of the face.

By "7-OH DHEA" is meant, according to the present invention, both 7α-OH DHEA and 7β-OH DHEA. This term will therefore be used subsequently to identify either of these compounds. 7α-OH DHEA is however preferred for use in the present invention. Its method of preparation is notably described in patent applications FR-2,771,105, WO 94/08588 and FR 01/01998.

As derivatives of 7-OH DHEA, there may be mentioned in particular those corresponding to the following formula (I):

(I)

in which :

R1 and R2 are independently chosen from:

- a C1-C12 alkyl group, saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched or cyclic which may optionally contain one or more heteroatoms, and optionally substituted by one or more groups chosen from -OR 'and / or -SR' and / or -COOR 'and / or -NR'R' and or halogen and / or sulfate and / or phosphate and / or aryl and / or heterocycle, said heterocycle can advantageously be chosen from an indole, a pyrimidine, a piperidine, a morpholine, a pyran , furan, piperazine, pyridine;

an alkylcarbonyl group, the C1-C24 alkyl part of which is saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched or cyclic, and optionally substituted by one or more groups chosen from -OR 'and / or -SR' and / or -COOR 'and / or -NR'R 'and / or halogen and / or sulfate and / or phosphate and / or aryl and / or heterocycle, said heterocycle can advantageously be chosen from an indole, a pyrimidine, a piperidine, a morpholine, a pyran, a furan, piperazine, pyridine;

- an arylcarbonyl group, preferably a phenylcarbonyl, or an arylalkylcarbonyl group, preferably a benzylcarbonyl, optionally substituted by one or more groups -OR 'and / or -SR' and / or -COOR 'and / or -NR'R' and / or halogen and / or aryl and / or heterocycle;

- a group O = P (OH) OR ';

- a group (O) ₂ SOR ';

- a trialkylsilyl group (SiR ' ₃ ) in which the 3 R' groups can be identical or different; - a carbonyloxyalkyl group (R'OCO);

- a carbonylaminealkyle group (R'NHCO);

in which R 'is chosen from a hydrogen atom, a C1-C12, preferably C1-C6, saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group which may optionally contain one or more heteroatoms, optionally functionalized with one or more several groups -OR ", -COOR", halogen, -NR "R"; or by an aryl group, preferably a phenyl, optionally functionalized by one or more groups -OR ", -COOR", halogen or -NR "R";

R "representing a hydrogen atom, an alkyl chain, preferably C1-C6, saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched or cyclic, it being understood that in each of the groups -NR'R 'and -NR" R ", the substituents R ', respectively R ", are the same or different.

Among the derivatives of formula (I), used according to the invention, there may be mentioned in particular the diesters of 7-OH DHEA and more preferably 3-O-acetyl-7-benzoyloxy dehydroepiandrosterone which is in particular available from the company

GATTEFOSSE under the trade name 3-acetoxy 7-benzoate DHEA.

The steroid according to the invention is advantageously used in a composition containing a physiologically acceptable medium. By "physiologically acceptable medium" is meant a medium compatible with the skin, the mucous membranes and / or the integuments.

The composition according to the invention can be applied locally to the areas of the face or of the body to be refined, in particular on the hips, the buttocks, the thighs, the belly, and the oval of the face. One of the great advantages of the present invention lies in the possibility of being able to carry out, whenever necessary or - desirable, very localized and selective "mild" treatments thanks to the mode of application by topical route.

The amount of steroid which can be used according to the invention obviously depends on the desired effect and must be in an amount effective to promote thinning. By way of example, the steroid can represent from 0.001% to 10% of the total weight of the composition and preferably from 0.001% to 5% of the total weight of the composition.

Depending on the mode of administration, this composition can be in all the galenical forms normally used.

The composition can thus have the form in particular of an aqueous, alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solution or suspension or of an oily suspension or of a solution or dispersion of the lotion or serum type, of an emulsion of liquid or semi consistency -liquid of the milk type, obtained by dispersion of a fatty phase in an aqueous phase (O / W) or vice versa (W / O), or of a suspension or emulsion of soft consistency of the O / W or E / cream type H or an aqueous or anhydrous gel, an ointment, a free or compacted powder to be used as it is or to be incorporated in an excipient, or else microcapsules or microparticles, or vesicular dispersions of ionic type and / or non-ionic. These compositions are prepared according to the usual methods.

It is also possible to envisage a composition in the form of a foam or also in the form of aerosol compositions also comprising a propellant under pressure.

When the composition is an emulsion, the proportion of the fatty phase can range from 2% to 80% by weight, and preferably from 5% to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. The oils, waxes, emulsifiers and coemulsifiers used in the composition in the form of an emulsion are chosen from those conventionally used in the cosmetic field. The emulsifier and the coemulsifier are present in the composition in a proportion ranging from 0.1% to 30% by weight, and preferably from 0.5 to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. The emulsion may, in addition, contain lipid vesicles.

When the composition is an oily solution or gel, the fatty phase can represent more than 90% of the total weight of the composition.

In known manner, the cosmetic composition may also contain adjuvants customary in the cosmetic field, such as hydrophilic gelling agents or lipophilic, hydrophilic or lipophilic additives, preservatives, antioxidants, solvents, perfumes, fillers, filters, odor absorbers and coloring matters. The amounts of these various adjuvants are those conventionally used in the cosmetic field, and for example from 0.01% to 10% of the total weight of the composition. These adjuvants, depending on their nature, can be introduced into the fatty phase, into the aqueous phase and / or into the lipid spherules.

As oils or waxes which can be used in the invention, mention may be made of mineral oils (petroleum jelly oil), vegetable oils (liquid fraction of shea butter, sunflower oil), animal oils (perhydrosqualene), synthetic oils ( Purcellin oil), silicone oils or waxes (cyclomethicone) and fluorinated oils (perfluoropolyethers), beeswax, camauba or paraffin. Fatty alcohols and fatty acids (stearic acid) can be added to these oils.

As emulsifiers which can be used in the invention, there may be mentioned for example stearate, glycerol, polysorbate 60 and the mixture of PEG-6 / PEG-32 / Glycol Stearate sold under the name Tefose ^R 63 by the company Gattefosse.

As solvents which can be used in the invention, mention may be made of lower alcohols, in particular ethanol and isopropanol, propylene glycol.

As hydrophilic gelling agents which can be used in the invention, mention may be made of carboxyvinyl polymers (carbomers), acrylic copolymers such as acrylate / alkyl acrylate copolymers, polyacrylamides, polysaccharides such as hydroxypropylcellulose, natural gums and clays, and, as lipophilic gelling agents, mention may be made of modified clays such as bentones, metal salts of fatty acids such as aluminum stearates and hydrophobic silica, ethylcellulose, polyethylene.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition containing the steroid in a physiologically acceptable medium also contains at least one lipolytic agent and / or inhibitor of lipogenesis, other than said steroid. In this embodiment, the composition is preferably, but not necessarily, suitable for topical application to the skin. The lipolytic agent can in particular be chosen from: phosphodiesterase inhibitors, α-2 blocking compounds capable of blocking α-2 receptors on the surface of adipocytes, β-adrenergic agonists, compounds inhibiting the synthesis of LDL receptors or VLDL, compounds stimulating β receptors and / or G proteins, glucose transport blockers, neuropeptide Y antagonists (NPY) capable of blocking NPY receptors on the surface of adipocytes, agents modifying acid transport fatty, lipolytic peptides and lipolytic proteins.

As phosphodiesterase inhibitors, mention may in particular be made of xanthic bases and natural extracts containing them. Examples are constituted by cefine and its derivatives, in particular the 1-hydroxyalkylxanthines described in document FR-A-2 617 401, caffeine citrate, theophylline and its derivatives, theobromine, acefylline, aminophylline, chloroethyltheophylline, diprophylline, diniprophylline, etamiphylline and its derivatives, etofylline and proxyphylline. These xanthic bases can be used alone or in commercial mixtures such as the combination of caffeine and alginate and caffeinate of methylsilanetriol sold by the company EXSYMOL under the trade name Caféisilane C. As natural extracts containing xanthic bases, mention may be made extracts of tea, coffee, guarana, mate, cola (Cola Nitida) and in particular the dry extract of guarana fruit (Paulina sorbilis) containing 8 to 10% caffeine. We can also cite the Ma Huang (Ephedra plant) which contains ephedrine.

As β-adrenergic agonist, mention may in particular be made of alverine or an organic or inorganic salt of alverine such as alverine citrate.

Other examples of lipolytic agents which can be used in the present invention are certain plant extracts not containing caffeine and certain extracts of marine origin. Among these, we can mention in particular:

- as plant extracts: extracts of Garcinia cambogia, Bupleurum chinensis, climbing ivy (Hedera helix), arnica (Arnica montana), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis N.), marigold (Calendula officinalis), sage ( Salvia officinalis L), ginseng (Panax ginsβng), St. John's wort (Byperycum perforatum), fragon (Ruscus aculθatυs L), ulmaire (Filipendula ulmaria L), orthisiphon (Orthosiphon stamincus benth), birch (Betula alba), cecropia, argan, Ginkgo biloba, horsetail, escin, cangzhu, Chrysanthellum indicum, diosgenes rich in diosgenin including Dioscorea opposita or mexicana or villosa, plants of the genus Armeniacea, Atractylodis platicodon, sinom-menum, Pharbitidis or Flemingia, Coleus such as Coleus forskhiii or blumei or esquirolii or esquirolii or or barbatus, of ballote, of Gu / oa, of Davallia, of Terminalia, of Barήngtonia, of Tréma and ά'Antirobia;

- as extracts of marine origin: algae or phytoplankton extracts, such as an extract of Laminaria digitata sold under the name PHYCOX75 by the company SECMA, the skeletonema alga as described in particular in patent FR-2,782 921 or diatoms such as those described in patent FR-2774292.

As a variant, it is possible to use as lipolytic agent peptides or proteins such as the peptides derived from parathyroid hormone, described in particular in patents FR-2 788 058 and FR-2 781 231 or the peptides described in document FR-2 786 693, without this list being exhaustive. Mention may also be made of protamines and their derivatives such as those described in document FR-2758724.

As agents inhibiting lipogenesis, any compound acting on the metabolic pathways leading to the synthesis of triglycerides can be used. By way of example, mention may be made of inhibitors of the synthesis of lipoprotein receptors (LDL or others), such as extracts of Dioscorea opposita, or inhibitors of glucose uptake such as serine or rutin or else inhibitors enzymes of fatty acid synthesis, such as acetyl CoA carboxylase or fatty acid synthetase and in particular cerulenine.

The amount of lipolytic active agent or inhibitor of lipogenesis, other than the steroid, present in the composition according to the invention can vary to a large extent and will preferably be between 0.001 and 20% by weight, better still, between 0.1 and 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the slimming composition according to the invention also contains at least one additional active agent chosen from: - the active ingredients acting on the microcirculation (vasculoprotectors or vasodilators) such as flavonoids, ruscogenins, natural or synthetic esculosides (including Permethol sold by the company SOCHIBO), escin extracted from horse chestnut, nicotinates, heperidin methyl chalcone, small holly, essential oils of lavender or rosemary, extracts of Ammi visnaga;

- the firming and / or anti-glycant active ingredients (preventing the fixing of sugar on the collagen fibers) such as the extracts of Centella asiatica and Siegesbeckia, silicon, amadorine, ergothioneine and its derivatives, hydroxystilbenes and their derivatives, in particular resveratrol, plant extracts of the Ericaceae family, in particular extracts of bilberry (Vaccinium angustifollium), vitamin C and its derivatives and retinol and its derivatives.

Again, the amount of these complementary assets can vary to a large extent. Preferably, these active agents will be present in the composition according to the invention in an amount representing from 0.01 to 15% and, better still, from 0.05 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The present invention further relates to a cosmetic treatment process with a view to preventing and / or combating cellulite and / or orange peel and / or refining or thinning the silhouette or the contours of the face, comprising topical application to the skin of a composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one steroid chosen from: 7OH DHEA, 7-oxo DHEA and their chemical derivatives.

The present invention also relates to the use of at least one steroid chosen from: 7OH DHEA and its chemical derivatives for the preparation of a composition intended for the treatment of obesity.

In this application, the steroid according to the invention can be administered orally. In this case, the steroid according to the invention can be administered at a rate of 1 to 200 mg / day, preferably from 25 to 75 mg / day. This composition can be in any dosage form suitable for this mode of administration, for example in the form of breakable tablets or not, granules, capsules, capsules, solutes, suspensions or solutions comprising an appropriate excipient.

The following examples of compositions illustrate the invention without limiting it no. In the compositions, the proportions indicated are percentages by weight, unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLE 1 Slimming Gel for the Body

A Acrylate / C 10-30 alkylacrylate copolymer 0.5%

Water 12% B Hexyldecanol 5%

Isononyl isononanoate 5% Cyclohexasiloxane 5%

3-O-acetyl-7-benzoyloxy-DHEA 0.5% C Triethanolamine 0.5%

Water Qsp 100%

Glycerin 6%

Preservatives 0.25%

Caffeine 3%

Salicylic acid 0.5%

Coleus extract 0.05% D Ethanol 15% E Polyacrylamide and C13-14 isoparaffin and Laureth 7

(Sepigel 305 supplied by SEPPIC) 1%

Procedure:

The polymer of phase A is dispersed in water at 40 ° C. The constituents of phase B are heated to 70 ° C until complete dissolution and then the temperature is reduced to 40 ° C. The constituents of phase C are mixed at 50 ° C. Phase B is introduced into phase A at 40 ° C with stirring and then phase C is added to them. Phases D then E are introduced into the mixture previously obtained.

This cream is particularly well suited to the treatment of cellulite.

EXAMPLE 2 Face Slimming Gel-Cream

A 0.5% acrylate / C10-30 alkyl acrylate copolymer Water 12%

B Hexyldecanol 5%

Isononyl isononanoate 5%

Cyclohexasiloxane 5%

Octyl methoxy cinnamate 1%

7-beta-hydroxy DHEA 0.5%

0.5% triethanolamine

Water Qsp> 100%

Glycerin 6%

Preservatives 0.25%

Bupleurum chinensis extract 0.5%

Green tea extract 0.05%

D 10% ethanol

E Polyacrylamide and C13-14 isoparaffin and Laureth 7

(Sepigel 305 marketed by SEPPIC) 1, 5

This gel-cream can be prepared in the same way as the composition of Example 1.

It is well suited for application to the face to reduce puffiness under the eyes and refine the oval of the face.

EXAMPLE 3 Slimming Cream

A Acrylate / C10-30 alkylacrylate copolymer 0.5

Water 12% B Hexyldecanol 5%

Isononyl isononanoate 5%

Cyclohexasiloxane 5%

7 alpha hydroxy DHEA 0.5% C Triethanolamine 0.5%

Water Qsp 100%

Glycerin 6%

Preservatives 0.25% D Ethanol 15% E Polyacrylamide and C13-14 isoparaffin and Laureth 7

(Sepigel 305 marketed by SEPPIC) 1%

This cream can be applied morning and evening to the localized curves on the belly, buttocks and thighs to reduce them.

EXAMPLE 4 Lotion forming a patch in situ

A lotion having the following composition is prepared, conventionally for a person skilled in the art, intended to be introduced into an aerosol device.

- Ethanol 70%

- Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) (Luviskol K30 from BASF) 5%

- Caffeine 2%

- 7 alpha hydroxy-DHEA 1%

- Triethyl citrate 0.2%

- Glycerol 1%

- Diosgenin 0.1% - Coleus Barbatus extract 0.1%

- Water qs 100%

This lotion can be applied morning and / or evening by spraying on the parts of the body to be refined, where it forms a patch in situ which allows good penetration and prolonged diffusion of the active ingredients in the skin.

EXAMPLE 5 Gel for Oral Administration

Sugar syrup 50% Maltodextrin 17%

0.8% xanthan gum

0.2% sodium benzoate

7-OH DHEA 0.035%

Water qs 100% This gel can be administered at the rate of 100 to 200 ml per day to treat overweight.

Claims

1. Cosmetic use, by topical application to the skin, of at least one steroid chosen from 7OH DHEA and its chemical derivatives, as a slimming agent.

2. Cosmetic use, by topical application to the skin, of at least one steroid chosen from 7OH DHEA and its chemical derivatives, to prevent and / or fight against cellulite or orange peel and / or to refine the contours of the face.

3. Use according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the 7OH-DHEA is chosen from 7oc-OH DHEA and 7β-OH DHEA.

4. Use according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said 7-hydroxy DHEA derivative corresponds to the following formula (I):

(I)

in which: R1 and R2 are independently chosen from:

- a C1-C12 alkyl group, saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched or cyclic which may optionally contain one or more heteroatoms, and optionally substituted by one or more groups chosen from -OR 'and / or -SR' and / or -COOR 'and / or -NR'R' and / or halogen and / or sulfate and / or phosphate and / or aryl and / or heterocycle, said heterocycle can advantageously be chosen from an indole, a pyrimidine, a piperidine, a morpholine, a pyrane, furan, piperazine, pyridine;

an alkylcarbonyl group, the C1-C24 alkyl part of which is saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched or cyclic, and optionally substituted by one or more groups chosen from -OR 'and / or -SR' and / or -COOR 'and / or -NR'R 'and / or halogen and / or sulfate and / or phosphate and / or aryl and / or heterocycle, said heterocycle possibly advantageously being chosen from an indole, a pyrimidine, a piperidine, a morpholine, a pyran, a furan, a piperazine, a pyridine;

- a group O = P (OH) OR ';

- a group (O) ₂ SOR ';

- a trialkylsilyl group (SiR ' ₃ ) in which the 3 R' groups can be identical or different;

- a carbonyloxyalkyl group (R'OCO);

- a carbonylaminealkyle group (R'NHCO);

5. Use according to claim 4, characterized in that said derivative of 7-hydroxy DHEA is a diester of 7-hydroxy DHEA.

6. Use according to claim 5, characterized in that the diester of 7-hydroxy DHEA is 3-O-acetyl-7-benzoyloxy DHEA.

7. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said steroid is used in a composition containing a physiologically acceptable medium.

8. Use according to claim 7, characterized in that said steroid represents from 0.001 to 5% of the total weight of the composition.

9. Composition containing, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one steroid as defined above and at least one lipolytic agent and / or inhibiting lipogenesis, other than said steroid.

10. Composition according to claim 9, characterized in that it is suitable for topical application to the skin.

11. Composition according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said lipolytic agent is chosen from: .phosphodiesterase inhibitors, α-2 blocking compounds capable of blocking the α-2 receptors on the surface of adipocytes, β agonists -adrenergic, compounds inhibiting the synthesis of LDL or VLDL receptors, compounds stimulating β receptors and / or G proteins, glucose transport blockers, neuropeptide Y antagonists (NPY) capable of blocking NPY receptors the surface of adipocytes, agents modifying the transport of fatty acids, lipolytic peptides and lipolytic proteins.

12. Composition according to claim 11, characterized in that said phosphodiesterase inhibitor is chosen from xanthic bases and natural extracts containing it.

13: Composition according to claim 11, characterized in that said β-adrenergic agonist is alverine or an organic or inorganic salt of alverine.

14. Composition according to claim 11, characterized in that said lipolytic agent is chosen from a plant extract not containing caffeine and an extract of marine origin.

15. Composition according to claim 14, characterized in that said plant extract is chosen from extracts of Garcinia cambogia, Bupleurum chinensis, climbing ivy (Hedera helix), arnica (Arnica montana L), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis N.), marigold (Calendula officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis L), ginseng (Panax ginseng), St. John's wort (Byperycum perforatum), fragon (Ruscus

- aculeatus L), ulmaire (Filipendula ulmaria L), orthisiphon (Orthosiphon stamincus benth), birch (Betula alba), cecropia, argan, Ginkgo biloba, horsetail, escin, cangzhu , Chrysanthellum indicum, dioscore rich in diosgenin including Dioscorea opposita or mexicana or villosa, plants of the genus Armeniacea, Atractylodis platicodon, sinom-menυm, Pharbitidis or Flemingia, Coleus such as Coleus forskhiii or blumei or esquirolii or scutaroi barbatus, de ballote, de Guioa, de Davallia, de Terminalia, de Barringtonia, de Tréma and ύ'Antirobia.

16. Composition according to Claim 14, characterized in that the said extract of marine origin is chosen from: extracts of algae or phytoplankton, such as an extract of Laminaria digitata, the skeletonema alga or diatoms.

17. Composition according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said agent inhibiting lipogenesis is chosen from: inhibitors of the synthesis of lipoprotein receptors, inhibitors of glucose uptake and inhibitors of acetyl CoA carboxylase or fatty acid synthetase.

18. Composition according to any one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that it also contains at least one complementary active agent chosen from:

- active ingredients acting on the microcirculation,

- firming and or anti-glycant active ingredients;

- and their mixtures.

19. Composition according to Claim 18, characterized in that the said active agents acting on the micro-circulation are chosen from: flavonoids, extracts of Gingko biloba, ruscogenins, esculosides, escin extracted from horse chestnut, nicotinates, hesperidium methyl chalcone, ruscus or holly, and essential oils of lavender or rosemary.

20. Composition according to Claim 18, characterized in that the said firming and / or anti-glycant active agents are chosen from: extracts of Centella asiatica and Siegesbeckia, silicon, amadorine, ergothioneine and its derivatives, hydroxystilbenes and their derivatives, in particular resveratrol, plant extracts of the Ericaceae family, in particular extracts of blueberry (Vaccinium angustifollium), vitamin C and its derivatives and retinol and its derivatives.

21. Cosmetic treatment method for preventing and / or combating cellulite and / or orange peel and / or refining or thinning the silhouette or contours of the face, comprising topical application to the skin a composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one steroid chosen from: 7OH DHEA, 7-oxo DHEA and their chemical derivatives.

22. Use of at least one steroid chosen from: 7OH DHEA and its chemical derivatives for the preparation of a composition intended for the treatment of obesity.