Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds to ameliorate or treat an condition such as a cystic fibrosis, neutropenia or other exemplified conditions. Exemplary compounds that can be used include 3?-hydroxy-17?-aminoandrost-5-ene, 3?-hydroxy-16?-fluoro-17?-aminoandrost-5-ene, 3?-hydroxy-16?-fluoro-17?-aminoandrost-5-ene, 3?-hydroxy-16?-fluoro-17?-aminoandrost-5-ene, 1?,3?-dihydroxy-4?-fluoroandrost-5-ene-17-one, 1?,3?,17?-trihydroxy-4?-fluoroandrost-5-ene, 1?,3?-dihydroxy-6?-bromoandrost-5-ene, 1?-fluoro-3?,12?-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene-17-one, 1?-fluoro-3?,4?-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene and 4?-fluoro-3?,6?,17?-trihydroxyandrostane.