EIGHT WEEKS USE OF ANDROGENIC-ANABOLIC STEROIDS INCREASES FIBRINOLYTIC ACTIVITY IN BODYBUILDERS 211

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks self-administration of high doses androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) in a stacking way on fibrinolytic activity in non elite male bodybuilders. A prospective, non blinded study design was chosen. The AAS group (AAS-G, n=7) consisted of experienced AAS users who were drug free for more than 3 months at start of the study. Non using bodybuilders served as controls (CO-G, n=7). Both groups were comparable with respect to age (32.3±6.8 vs.32.1±2.9, AAS-G resp. CO-G), height (179±4 vs. 174±6 cm), weight (82.8±8.7 vs. 85.2±8.4 kg), strength training experience (8.5±2.4 and 8.4±3.8 years) and weekly training hours(9.1±3.2 resp. 8.9±3.0). At start and after eight weeks training with (AAS-G) or without (CO-G) AAS use in all subjects blood samples before and after 10 minutes venuous occlusion (VO) were taken using a Biopool Stabilyte blood collection device. In each sample euglobulin clot lysis time(ECLT) was determined. Data are presented as mean ± s.d. ANOVA for repeated measures and paired t-tests for intra-group changes were used for statistical analysis. Level of significance was set at P<0.05. At start ECLT of both groups was comparable (101.3±15.4 and 106.8±17.4 minutes, AAS-G resp. CO-G). After eight weeks AAS use, ECLT before VO in the AAS-G was significantly decreased (101.3±15.4 to 80.2±25.0 min., P<0.02), whereas ECLT after VO remained unchanged. In CO-G no significant changes were observed after eight weeks. In conclusion, eight weeks self administration of high doses AAS in a stacking way enhances fibrinolytic activity as measured by euglobulin clot lysis time in non elite bodybuilders.