Androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. They can exert strong effects on the human body that may be beneficial for athletic performance. A review of the literature revealed that most laboratory studies did not investigate the actual doses of AAS currently abused in the field. Therefore, those studies may not reflect the actual (adverse) effects of steroids. The available scientific literature describes that short-term administration of these drugs by athletes can increase strength and bodyweight. Strength gains of about 5-20% of the initial strength and increments of 2-5 kg bodyweight, that may be attributed to an increase of the lean body mass, have been observed. A reduction of fat mass does not seem to occur. Although AAS administration may affect erythropoiesis and blood haemoglobin concentrations, no effect on endurance performance was observed. Little data about the effects of AAS on metabolic responses during exercise training and recovery are available and, therefore, do not allow firm conclusions. The main untoward effects of short- and long-term AAS abuse that male athletes most often self-report are an increase in sexual drive, the occurrence of acne vulgaris, increased body hair and increment of aggressive behaviour. AAS administration will disturb the regular endogenous production of testosterone and gonadotrophins that may persist for months after drug withdrawal. Cardiovascular risk factors may undergo deleterious alterations, including elevation of blood pressure and depression of serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-, HDL2- and HDL3-cholesterol levels. In echocardiographic studies in male athletes, AAS did not seem to affect cardiac structure and function, although in animal studies these drugs have been observed to exert hazardous effects on heart structure and function. In studies of athletes, AAS were not found to damage the liver. Psyche and behaviour seem to be strongly affected by AAS. Generally, AAS seem to induce increments of aggression and hostility. Mood disturbances (e.g. depression, [hypo-]mania, psychotic features) are likely to be dose and drug dependent. AAS dependence or withdrawal effects (such as depression) seem to occur only in a small number of AAS users. Dissatisfaction with the body and low self-esteem may lead to the so-called 'reverse anorexia syndrome' that predisposes to the start of AAS use. Many other adverse effects have been associated with AAS misuse, including disturbance of endocrine and immune function, alterations of sebaceous system and skin, changes of haemostatic system and urogenital tract. One has to keep in mind that the scientific data may underestimate the actual untoward effects because of the relatively low doses administered in those studies, since they do not approximate doses used by illicit steroid users. The mechanism of action of AAS may differ between compounds because of variations in the steroid molecule and affinity to androgen receptors. Several pathways of action have been recognised. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase seems to play an important role by converting AAS into dihydrotestosterone (androstanolone) that acts in the cell nucleus of target organs, such as male accessory glands, skin and prostate. Other mechanisms comprises mediation by the enzyme aromatase that converts AAS in female sex hormones (estradiol and estrone), antagonistic action to estrogens and a competitive antagonism to the glucocorticoid receptors. Furthermore, AAS stimulate erythropoietin synthesis and red cell production as well as bone formation but counteract bone breakdown. The effects on the cardiovascular system are proposed to be mediated by the occurrence of AAS-induced atherosclerosis (due to unfavourable influence on serum lipids and lipoproteins), thrombosis, vasospasm or direct injury to vessel walls, or may be ascribed to a combination of the different mechanisms. AAS-induced increment of muscle tissue can be attributed to hypertrophy and the formation of new muscle fibres, in which key roles are played by satellite cell number and ultrastructure, androgen receptors and myonuclei.

http://www.afboard.com/library/Effects%20of%20Androgenic-Anabolic%20Steroids%20in%20Athletes.pdf

Effects of Androgenic-Anabolic Steroids in Athletes

Molecular, clinical, and environmental toxicolog , Molecular, clinical, and environmental toxicolog , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز

Molecular, Clinical and Environmental Toxicology

Current medical diagnosis and treatment

90291970 The effects of oral dehydroepiandrosterone on endocrine-metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women

Misuse of supraphysiological doses of anabolic steroids is claimed to have serious side effects. The aim of the study was to determine the mortality, and the cause of premature deaths among a group of subjects who are strongly suspected to have used anabolic steroids for a non-medical purpose over several years. The mortality of 62 male powerlifters placed 1st-5th in weight series 82.5-125 kg in Finnish championships during 1977-1982 was compared with the mortality of population controls. The mortality during the 12-year follow-up was 12.9% for the powerlifters compared to 3.1% in the control population. By 1993 eight of 62 powerlifters and 34 of 1094 population controls had died, thus the risk of death among the powerlifters was 4.6 times higher (95% CI 2.04-10.45; p = 0.0002). The causes of premature death among the powerlifters were suicide (3), acute myocardial infarction (3), hepatic coma (1) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (1). These findings add to the growing amount of evidence of an association between anabolic steroid abuse and premature death, and support the view that measures to decrease AAS misuse among both competitive and amateur athletes are justified.

Increased premature mortality of competitive powerlifters suspected to have used anabolic agents

Objective: To document adverse effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use in community-based users attending a medical clinic. Design and setting: Prospective recruitment, questionnaire-based interview, physical examination and investigations, with follow-up, of people who attended, anonymously, an inner-city hospital clinic established specifically to examine AAS use. Participants: 58 men, comprising 27 past AAS users, 14 present users and 17 potential users (who formed the control group). Main outcome measure: Clinical adverse effects and abnormal laboratory findings. Results: Cyclical use of oral and intramuscular, human and veterinary AASs were reported. The most commonly reported source of AASs was friends (59%), gymnasiums (25%) and doctors (14%). The most common reported adverse effects were alterations in libido (61%), changes in mood (48%), reduced testis volume (46%) and acne (43%). Although mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was not significantly different between groups, five present (29%), 10 past (37%) and one potential user (8%) were hypertensive. Gynaecomastia was found in 10 past users (37%; P<0.01 v. potential users), two present users (12%) and no potential users. Mean testis volume was significantly smaller in present users (18 mL; P< 0.02) than in the other groups. Twenty past users (83%), eight present users (62%) and five potential users (71%) had abnormal liver function test results (P=0.5). After discussion of test results, only 11 participants (19%) reported they would not use AASs in the future. Conclusions: Adverse effects were reported by or detected in most of the AAS users who attended the clinic. Despite awareness of adverse consequences, most participants planned future use of AASs.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids: medical assessment of present, past and potential users.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a 19-carbon steroid, is situated along the steroid metabolic pathway. It is the most abundant circulating hormone in the body and can be converted to either androgens or estrogens. It is readily conjugated to its sulphate ester DHEAS, and they are designated as DHEA(S) here when used together. Its secretion reaches a peak in early adulthood and thereafter decreases, until approximately age 70 years when it reaches a concentration of approximately 20%. Many hormonal changes may take place with aging but none is as marked as this. This "relative DHEA deficiency" resulted in DHEA being enthusiastically labelled by some as a fountain of youth or an antidote to aging that would prove to be the panacea they are seeking. Its use was also taken up enthusiastically by the athletic community and used as a prohormone in the belief or hope that it would be converted mainly to testosterone in the body.

DHEA and sport

With pre-Olympic and out-of-competition testing, as well as a new, validated test for erythropoietin, athletes will be exposed to more comprehensive drug testing at the Sydney Olympics.

Drug testing at the Sydney Olympics

Anabolic steroids were first used by weight lifters and others involved in pursuits of strength, but are now taken, often in large doses, by young men interested in enhancing their appearance. The severe psychogenic side effects of these high doses include aggressive and violent behaviour. Problems with drug withdrawal and drug dependence are also common in users of anabolic steroids and these drugs may also provoke psychiatric disorders. I review these complications, as reported in the past decade, and comment on two recent violent murders in Sydney in which anabolic steroid use was implicated. Language: en

Anabolic steroids and the mind.

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Anabolic-androgenic steroids: medical assessment of present, past and potential users.

DHEA and sport

Drug testing at the Sydney Olympics

Anabolic steroids and the mind.