The synthesis of 3β-hydroxy-androsta-5, 7-dien-17-one from 3β-hydroxy-androst-5-en-17- one (dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA) via microbial 7α-hydroxylation has been accomplished. At the first stage, 3β, 7α-dihydroxy-androst-5-en-17-one was obtained in high yield (71.2%) using a strain of Gibberella zeae VKM F-2600, which was first applied for DHEA conversion. The further route included the substitution of 7α-hydroxyl group with ...