Abstract
BackgroundHigh-dose long-term use of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) may cause a range of adverse effects, including brain and cognitive abnormalities. We performed age prediction based on brain scans to test whether prolonged AAS use is associated with accentuated brain aging. MethodsT1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (3D MPRAGE [magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo]) scans were obtained from male weightlifters with a history of prolonged AAS use (n = 130) or no AAS use (n = 99). We trained machine learning models on combinations of regional brain volumes, cortical thickness, and surface area in an independent training set of 1838 healthy male subjects (18–92 years of age) and predicted brain age for each participant in our study. Including cross-sectional and longitudinal (mean interval = 3.5 years, n = 76) magnetic resonance imaging data, we used linear mixed-effects models to compare the gap between chronological age and predicted brain age (the brain age gap [BAG]) for the two groups and tested for group differences in the rate of change in BAG. We tested for associations between apparent brain aging and AAS use duration, pattern of administration, and dependence. ResultsAAS users had higher BAG compared with weightlifting control subjects, which was associated with dependency and longer history of use. Group differences in BAG could not be explained by other substance use, general cognitive abilities, or depression. While longitudinal analysis revealed no evidence of increased brain aging in the overall AAS group, accelerated brain aging was seen with longer AAS exposure. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that long-term high-dose AAS use may have adverse effects on brain aging, potentially linked to dependency and exaggerated use of AASs.
Highlights
High-dose long-term use of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) may cause a range of adverse effects, including brain and cognitive abnormalities
Years of education and IQ were higher among weightlifting control subjects (WLCs), and AAS users were heavier and stronger than WLCs
Using brain scans and brain age prediction based on an independent training set, we found evidence of higher relative global, frontal, temporal, occipital, and insular brain age in 130 male AAS users compared with 99 male WLCs
Summary
High-dose long-term use of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) may cause a range of adverse effects, including brain and cognitive abnormalities. We performed age prediction based on brain scans to test whether prolonged AAS use is associated with accentuated brain aging. Including cross-sectional and longitudinal (mean interval = 3.5 years, n = 76) magnetic resonance imaging data, we used linear mixed-effects models to compare the gap between chronological age and predicted brain age (the brain age gap [BAG]) for the two groups and tested for group differences in the rate of change in BAG. RESULTS: AAS users had higher BAG compared with weightlifting control subjects, which was associated with dependency and longer history of use. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that long-term high-dose AAS use may have adverse effects on brain aging, potentially linked to dependency and exaggerated use of AASs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
