Investigation of the Chronic Effects of Winstrol and Oxandrolone Anabolic Steroids on Liver Enzymes in Male Bodybuilding Athletes

Abstract

Background: Chronic use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) by athletes can cause detrimental effects on the liver, heart and arteries, kidneys, and hormonal systems. Besides, it may cause mental health problems. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the chronic effects of Winstrol and Oxandrolone anabolic steroids on liver enzymes in male bodybuilding athletes. Methods: This causal-comparative study was conducted on 30 bodybuilding athletes living in Yasuj City in 2019. Participants were included using the available and non-random sampling technique. Then, were divided into three groups (each with 10 members), including: (1) athletes with no history of AAS; (2) athletes with a history of AAS (three months away from consumption); and (3) athletes with current AAS consumption. After 12 hours of fasting, blood samples were taken in the morning to measure liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP). Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test using SPSS version 21 at a significance level of < 0.05. Results: The results showed higher degradation of the two enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (AST) in the third group compared to the other two groups (P = 0.001, F = 130.84). Also, the damage of AST and ALT enzymes was more in the second group than the first group (P = 0.001, F = 188.178). Also, the results of one-way analysis of variance showed no significant difference between groups concerning serum ALP level (P = 0.227, F = 1.349). Conclusions: Steroid drugs have devastating effects on liver cells, even after three months of discarding their use, and the effects never get fully remedy, as they continue to affect consumers after quitting; However, it appears that the adverse effects on some liver enzymes significantly reduce over time.