Doses Of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Research Articles

Effects of Nandrolone Decanoate on Skeletal Muscle and Neuromuscular Junction of Sedentary and Exercised Rats.

Background and Objectives: Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is the most widely used among the anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), synthetic substances derived from testosterone, to improve muscular and health gains associated with exercises. The AAS leads to physical performance enhancement and presents anti-aging properties, but its abuse is associated with several adverse effects. Supraphysiological doses of AAS with or without physical exercise can cause morphological and functional alterations in neuromuscular interactions. This study aims to investigate the effects of ND supraphysiological doses in neuromuscular interactions, focusing on the soleus muscle and its neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in rats, associated or not with physical exercise. Materials and Methods: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sedentary and exercised groups, with or without ND at the dose of 10 mg/kg/week. The animals were treated for eight weeks, with intramuscular injections, and the soleus muscle was collected for morphological analyses. Results: The supraphysiological doses of ND in the sedentary group caused muscle degeneration, evidenced by splitting fibers, clusters of small fibers, irregular myofibrils, altered sarcomeres, an increase in collagen deposition and in the number of type I muscle fibers (slow-twitch) and central nuclei, as well as a decrease in fibers with peripheral nuclei. On the other hand, in the ND exercise group, there was an increase in the NMJs diameter with scattering of its acetylcholine receptors, although no major morphological changes were found in the skeletal muscle. Thus, the alterations caused by ND in sedentary rats were partially reversed by physical exercise. Conclusions: The supraphysiological ND exposure in the sedentary rats promoted an increase in muscle oxidative pattern and adverse morphological alterations in skeletal muscle, resulting from damage or post-injury regeneration. In the ND-exercised rats, no major morphological changes were found. Thus, the physical exercise partially reversed the alterations caused by ND in sedentary rats.

Impaired cardiac structure and systolic function in athletes using supra-physiological doses of anabolic androgenic steroids

ObjectivesAthletes are increasingly using supra-physiological doses of anabolic androgenic steroids without weighing health side effects. This study aims to conjointly evaluate the effect of supraphysiological doses of anabolic androgenic steroids on global cardiovascular structure and functional capacity. DesignCross-sectional study. Methods92 males enrolled in the study, including 18 sedentary subjects, 26 anabolic androgenic steroid non-user athletes, and 48 anabolic androgenic steroid-user athletes. Two-dimensional echocardiography was done to evaluate the cardiovascular structure and function. ResultsAnabolic androgenic steroid-users presented increased cardiac remodeling of the left ventricle and left atrium compared to control groups (p < 0.001). Anabolic androgenic steroid-users showed increased left ventricular mass/body surface area versus control groups (p < 0.001), with 28 steroid-users (58.3 %) having cardiac remodeling, which is more than control groups (p < 0.001). Anabolic androgenic steroid-users presented lower diastolic function (E and E/A) compared to non-users (p = 0.003 and <0.001, respectively). Ejection fraction was decreased among anabolic androgenic steroid-users versus the sedentary group only (p = 0.020), while anabolic androgenic steroid-users presented reduced global longitudinal strain of 15.43 % compared to both control groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, anabolic androgenic steroid-users experienced more tricuspid valve regurgitation (p = 0.001). ConclusionsAnabolic androgenic steroid consumption is associated with global cardiac remodeling with increased dimensions of the left ventricle, and atrium. Anabolic androgenic steroid-users present left ventricular hypertrophy with reduced subclinical systolic function. Moreover, anabolic androgenic steroid consumption is correlated with valve regurgitation and dilation of the sino-tubular junction.

Anabolic androgenic steroids and cardiomyopathy: an update.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) include endogenously produced androgens like testosterone and their synthetic derivatives. Their influence on multiple metabolic pathways across organ systems results in an extensive side effect profile. From creating an atherogenic and prothrombotic milieu to direct myocardial injury, the effects of AAS on the heart may culminate with patients requiring thorough cardiac evaluation and multi-disciplinary medical management related to cardiomyopathy and heart failure (HF). Supraphysiological doses of AAS have been shown to induce cardiomyopathy via biventricular dysfunction. Advancement in imaging including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and additional diagnostic testing have facilitated the identification of AAS-induced left ventricular dysfunction, but data regarding the impact on right ventricular function remains limited. Emerging studies showed conflicting data regarding the reversibility of AAS-induced cardiomyopathy. There is an unmet need for a systematic long-term outcomes study to empirically evaluate the clinical course of cardiomyopathy and to assess potential targeted therapy as appropriate. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology and management considerations related to AAS and cardiomyopathy.

Chronic anabolic androgenic steroid administration reduces global longitudinal strain among off-cycle bodybuilders

BackgroundSupra-physiologic doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) lead to multiple cardiovascular complications. The long-term clinical effect of AAS overuse on cardiac structure and function, which persists during off-cycle periods, remains unclear. MethodsA total of 15 sedentary subjects and 79 bodybuilders (26 AAS non-users and 53 AAS-users), matched for age and male gender, were assessed in a cross-sectional design for echocardiography measures. AAS-users were included during an off-cycle phase, abstained from AAS for at least 1 month. 2D standard M-mode and speckle tracking echocardiography were used to measure cardiac dimensions and functions. ResultsInter-ventricular septum and posterior wall thickness were significantly higher among chronic off-cycle AAS-users compared to AAS non-users and sedentary group. Off-cycle AAS-users showed lower E/A ratio of the diastolic function. Left ventricular systolic function was not affected in terms of ejection fraction, but significant subclinical systolic dysfunction, assessed by GLS, was observed for chronic off-cycle AAS-users compared to AAS non-users (GLS = -16.8% vs. -18.5%, respectively; p = 0.001). Diameter of left atrium and right ventricle were significantly enlarged among off-cycle AAS-user bodybuilders (p = 0.002 and 0.040). TAPSE and RV S′, and cardiac vasculature of aorta were comparable in all groups. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that during off-cycle phase, AAS-users show long-term impaired GLS, even after considerable AAS abstain, despite normal LVEF. It highlights the importance of following GLS to predict hypertrophy and heart failure events, and not relying on LVEF alone. In addition, the hypertrophic effect of chronic AAS consumption is transitional during AAS washout periods.

Supra-physiological doses of anabolic androgenic steroids impact erythropoietin and blood parameters.

Hematological parameters and erythropoiesis are known to be influenced by anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use. However, little is known in relation to supra-physiological doses of AAS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supra-physiological doses of AAS on serum and urinary erythropoietin (EPO), and blood parameters, from self-reported AAS users. Serum EPO levels were higher in testosterone positive AAS users (11.83 mIU/mL ± 4.19) than nonpositive (6.60 mIU/mL ± 2.70, p = 0.03), while no differences in urinary EPO levels were noted. There were positive correlations between serum EPO and testosterone levels (rs = 0.46, p = 0.01) and reticulocyte percentage (rs = 0.43, p = 0.02). Individuals with AAS-induced hypogonadism (ASIH; luteinizing hormone levels <1.4IU/L) had approximately 75% higher serum EPO (p < 0.05) and 140% higher high fluorescence reticulocyte fractions (p < 0.001), as well as other affected hematological parameters, compared with non-ASIH individuals. The results extend the knowledge of how endocrine and hematological biomarkers are affected by AAS doping.

Use, Misuse and Abuse of Testosterone and Other Androgens.

For several decades, testosterone and its synthetic derivatives have been used for anabolic and androgenic purposes. Initially restricted to professional bodybuilders, these substances gradually became more popular with recreational weightlifters. Considering its increasing prevalence, the consumption of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has become a matter of great concern. Although most side effects are mild and reversible, some of them can cause permanent damage or can be potentially life threatening. To review and summarize medical literature regarding misuse and abuse of testosterone and other androgens, in order to provide evidence-based information on the main topics related to this subject, such as how to identify and how to deal with these patients, and to elucidate the multiple possible adverse effects secondary to this practice. Key studies were retrieved from PubMed (1989-2021) with reference searches from relevant articles. Search terms included "hypogonadism", "anabolic androgenic steroids", "androgens", "misuse AND testosterone", "abuse AND testosterone", and "side effects AND testosterone". There is a significant lack of information in the peer-reviewed literature describing demographic data, implications for different organ systems and the management of current or former AAS users; however, androgen abuse has been already linked to a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic, endocrine, neurological, psychiatric and liver disorders. Despite all this, most physicians still feel uncomfortable and hesitate to discuss the issue with patients. The chronic use of high doses of AAS is associated with adverse effects in several organ systems; however, there are still many gaps in our knowledge about the long-term consequences of this practice and how to deal with these patients. Healthcare professionals have a crucial role in combating this public health problem, recognizing and preventing the spread of androgen abuse.

Anabolic-androgenic steroid use among Iranian male gym-goers

ABSTRACT Background Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) have positive anabolic effects on muscle mass. Some bodybuilders use high doses of AAS to build more muscle mass and strength. This study was conducted to measure the extent of AAS use among Iranian male bodybuilders and associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 588 male bodybuilders from July to August 2020 in Isfahan. Isfahan city was divided into 15 clusters according to Isfahan municipal districts. In each cluster, three clubs were randomly selected. A self-administered questionnaire including demographic information and AAS usage data was completed by a consecutive sample of bodybuilders. Results One hundred and seventy-one (29.1%) participants were current users and 32 (7.7%) planned to use AAS in the future. AAS users had higher incomes, longer gym memberships, and more weekly sessions. They significantly used more supplements and other substances including growth hormone, caffeine, insulin, and glucocorticoid. The most prevalent AAS was testosterone enanthate. Income, length, and frequency of workouts could predict AAS use. Conclusion Increasing AAS consumption seems to become a public health concern that suggests the need to develop some new policies and programs which would educate and inform bodybuilders and coaches about the adverse effects of AAS use.

Fake anabolic androgenic steroids on the black market – a systematic review and meta-analysis on qualitative and quantitative analytical results found within the literature

ObjectiveSupraphysiologic doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are widely used to improve body image and sport performance goals. These substances can easily be acquired over the internet, leading to a substantial black market. We reviewed literature that assessed the quality and quantity of AAS found on the black market.MethodsWe searched PubMed/Medline, Embase and Google Scholar for articles published before March 2022. Additional hand searches were conducted to obtain studies not found in the primary literature search. Studies were included if they report on qualitative and/or quantitative analytical findings of AAS from the black market. Primary outcomes were proportions of counterfeit or substandard AAS. Eligible articles were extracted; quality appraisal was done using the ToxRTool for in-vitro studies. We used random-effects models to calculate the overall mean estimates for outcomes. The review protocol has been published and registered in INPLASY.ResultsOverall, 19 studies, which in total comprised 5,413 anabolic samples, met the inclusion criteria, and passed the quality appraisal from two WHO world regions that reported findings, the Americas and Europe. Most studies were nonclinical laboratory studies (95%) and provided samples seized by authorities (74%). In 18 articles, proportions of counterfeit substances and in eight articles, proportions of substandard substances were presented. The overall mean estimate for counterfeit anabolic steroids found on the black market was 36% (95% CI = 29, 43). An additional 37% (95% CI = 17, 63) were of substandard quality. We also demonstrate that these drugs could contain no active ingredient, or in another amount than that labeled, a wrong active ingredient, as well as not all or more active ingredients than were labeled. High heterogeneity among all analyses and significant differences between geographical subgroups were found.ConclusionWith this systematic review and meta-analysis, we demonstrate that substantial mean proportions of black-market AAS are counterfeit and of substandard quality. These products pose a considerable individual and public health threat, and the very wide range in proportions of fake black-market AAS puts the user in a situation of unpredictable uncertainty. There is a great need for future prevention and harm-reduction programs to protect users from these substances.

Abuse of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids and Adverse Effects on Human Organ Health: A Review

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are large groups of molecules structurally and functionally similar to the male hormone testosterone. The use of AAS is well known and widespread worldwide due to its androgenic and anabolic properties that can increase muscle mass and strength to support athlete performance. The prevalence of AAS worldwide reaches an incidence of 5% and is generally used by men aged 18-35. AAS has many side effects on the body's organs and is a serious problem for public health and athletics. This review aims to highlight the abuse of AAS and its detrimental effects on the health of human organs. Oxidative stress and apoptosis are common mechanisms that cause organ damage due to AAS use. Chronic administration of high doses of AAS results in cardiac dysfunction and increases the risks of life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden death. In addition, several organs that have the potential to be damaged by the use of AAS include the liver, kidneys, brain, musculoskeletal system, and reproductive organs. In this regard, education intervention and knowledge sharing are the important factors that should be used to raise awareness about preventing AAS abuse.

Characteristics and Attitudes of Men Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS): A Survey of 2385 Men.

Additional characterization of patients using anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is needed to improve harm reduction and cessation resources for patients. Our group sought to expand upon the currently limited data regarding AAS use by performing a web-based survey assessing experiences of males using AAS. Participants included men over the age of 18 with history of AAS use within the past 5 years. Data were collected between August 2019 and April 2020. Primary outcome measures included age when starting AAS, dose of AAS, motivations for use, experiences with health-care professionals, and rate of successful cessation. The survey was accessed 3640 times, resulting in 2385 completed surveys meeting the inclusion criteria (68.93% participation rate).Average participant age was 31.69 ± 10.09 years. Over half of respondents were from the United States (n = 1271, 53.3%). Motives to use AAS included improving appearance (n = 1959, 82.2%), strength gain (n = 1192, 50%), and self-esteem/body image issues (n = 712, 29.87%). Participants rated physicians poorly, regarding knowledge of AAS (4.08 ± 2.23). Most participants did not reveal AAS use to their health-care providers (n = 1338, 56.1%); of those that did, 55.30% (n = 579) reported feeling discriminated against for their use. Of 46.16% (n = 1101) attempting AAS cessation, 60.22% (n = 663) were unsuccessful. Challenges in the management of AAS use include early onset of use, supraphysiologic doses used, and frequently present body image disorders stress. Distrust of health-care providers, poor cessation rates, and lack of physician training further exacerbate this. These findings should serve to reinforce previous calls to action for further research on the treatment of AAS use disorder.

Impacts of dose and length of exposure to boldenone and stanazolol on enzymatic antioxidant systems, myeloperoxidase and NAGase activities, and glycogen and lactate levels in rat liver

We investigated the adverse effects of the anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) boldenone (BOL) and stanazolol (ST) on the enzymatic antioxidant systems of the rat liver. Male Wistar rats were divided in three protocols (P): PI, 5 mg/kg BOL or ST once a week for 4 weeks; PII, 2.5 mg/kg BOL or ST once a week for 8 weeks; PIII, 1.25 mg/kg BOL or ST once a week for 12 weeks. AAS were administered intramuscularly (0.2 ml, olive oil vehicle) once a week in all protocols. Activities of the enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), were investigated. We assessed the content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), glycogen and lactate; and enzyme markers of neutrophils (myeloperoxidase, MPO) and macrophages (NAGase). PI and PII altered the SOD and CAT activities and increased the H2O2 content. PI led to increases in the MPO and NAGase activities. In contrast, changes in GPx, GST and, GR were observed under PII and, to a greater extend, under PIII. Following PIII, GPx, GR, and GST exhibited reduced activities. All protocols altered the glycogen and lactate content. The use of high doses of AAS for a short duration first alters SOD/CAT activity. In contrast, at lower doses of AAS for long periods is associated with changes in the glutathione system. Protocols with high doses of AAS for a short duration exert the most deleterious effects on redox status, markers of cellular infiltration, and the metabolic functioning of hepatic tissues.

Effects of Supraphysiological Doses of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on the Left Ventricles of Male and Female Mice Submitted to Swimming

AbstractThe use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has grown into a worldwide substance abuse problem over the last decades, with the doses taken by illegal users being 10 to 100 times higher than the therapeutic ones. In the present experiment, 60 mice were divided into 3 groups of 20 animals. Group 1 received testosterone cypionate (Deposteron [EMS, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil]); group 2 received stanozolol (Stanozolol Depot, Landerlan, Lambaré, Paraguay), and group 3 received saline solution), each one composed by 10 males and 10 females, treated once a week and put to swimming thrice a week for 2 months. After euthanasia, their chests were opened, the hearts removed and processed histologically for morphometric analyses. The specimens were cut into 6 different sections and each one was measured with the help of an optical microscope with a 40-fold magnification. For such analyses, the Axiovision Rel. 4.8.2 (Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC, Peabody, MA, USA) and Axiovision 4 Module Interactive Measurement (Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC) software were used. The results showed that there was an increase in the diameter of the left ventricles in the male mice treated with Deposteron while in the female animals treated with Winstrol, there was a decrease in the left ventricular diameter in relation to the other two groups. Thus, one can conclude that the use of supraphysiological doses of the given AAS significantly alters the ventricular diameter in both male and female animals, which can cause a considerable change in both heart rate and blood pressure, and potentially induce disorders that are very relevant to the organism.

The Impact of Hippocampal Sex Hormones Receptors in Modulation of Depressive-Like Behavior Following Chronic Anabolic Androgenic Steroids and Exercise Protocols in Rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in depressive-like behaviors in rats following chronic administration of a supraphysiological dose of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) as well as exposure to a prolonged exercise protocol. The role of hippocampal sex hormones receptors in the modulation of depressive-like behavior was also assessed. A total of 48 male Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups: control, exercise (1 h/day, five consecutive days), nandrolone-decanoate (ND, 20 mg/kg/week, in a single dose), exercise plus ND, testosterone-enanthate (TE, 20 mg/kg/week, in a single dose), and exercise plus TE. After the 6-week protocols were complete, the rats underwent behavioral testing in the tail suspension test (TST). Rats were sacrificed for the collection of blood samples, to determine sex hormones levels, and isolation of the hippocampus, to determine [androgen receptors (AR) and estrogen receptors α (ERα)] expression. ND and TE treatment induced significant depressive-like behavior, opposing the antidepressant effect of exercise. Chronic TE administration elevated testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) serum levels, and this was augmented by exercise. In contrast, ND and exercise alone did not alter T or DHT levels. There were no changes in serum estradiol levels in any of the groups. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that exercise reduced AR immunoreactivity in all hippocampal regions and increased the ERα expression in the CA1, dentate gyrus (DG), and total hippocampal sections, but not in the CA2/3 region. AASs administration increased AR expression in all hippocampal regions, although not the total hippocampal section in the TE group and did not significantly decrease ERα. The hippocampal AR/ERα expression index was lowered while parvalbumin (PV)-immunoreactivity was enhanced by exercise. AASs administration increased the AR/ERα index and reduced PV-immunoreactivity in the hippocampus. The number of PV-immunoreactive neurons negatively correlated with the antidepressant effects and the AR/ERα ratio. Our results suggest a potential role of the numerical relationship between two sex hormones receptors (stronger correlation than for each individual receptor) in the regulation of depressive-like behavior via the hippocampal GABAergic system in rats, which allow better understanding of the hippocampal sex hormones receptors role in modulation of depressive-like behavior.

Green Tea Consumption Lower Damage and Inflammatory Cytokines in Rat Cardiovascular System Under Androgenic Stimulation

The abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids by youth and adolescents, athletes and non-athletes, is related to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Contrastingly, green tea prevents and attenuates the cellular damage, improving the biochemical profile and reducing inflammation. This study aims to evaluate the benefits of consuming green tea to attenuate the inflammatory parameters and the cardiovascular damage, which are caused due to supraphysiological doses of testosterone, by analyzing the serological profile and the histoarchitecture of the heart and the arteries of 28 42-day-old male Wistar rats. Silicone pellets containing testosterone were surgically implanted and replaced every four weeks. After 20 weeks, all the male rats were anesthetized and their blood samples collected for serological analysis. Fragments of the aorta, left cardiac ventricle and penis were excised and processed to paraffin. To access morphometrical and stereological parameters, tissue fragments were stained and the images analyzed employing Image J software. The rats consuming green tea exhibited a reduction in aorta wall thickness (22%), luminal area (40%) and wall area (52%), with a lower number of elastic lamella. The dorsal artery of the penis presented with a higher wall area and lower luminal area in induced group compared to the other three groups. Tea consumption also led to a significant reduction in the left ventricle thickness with no increase in volumetric density of collagen fibers. Inflammatory cytokines were also shown to have increased in induced group, indicating cardiovascular risk due to their exposure to testosterone. Except for the endothelial vascular growth factor, this effect was not observed in the groups that consumed tea. It can be concluded that the consumption of green tea has a protective effect on the morphology of cardiovascular tissues and reduces inflammatory indicators, which points out this food as an agent capable of reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors related to high doses of anabolic androgenic steroids.

17Α-METHYLTESTOSTERONE (ANABOLIC ANDROGENIC STEROIDS) ALTERS ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE ENZYME ACTIVITY IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE BRAIN IN FEMALE MICE, MUS MUSCULUS

Aim: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone. Androgens and anabolic steroids have been used for therapeutic purpose with few exceptions. However, the abuse of AAS is a remarkably prevalent problem, particularly among athletes and adolescents. Supraphysiological doses of AAS exert profound effects on mental state and behaviors such as depression, anxiety, aggressiveness, and cognitive deterioration.Objective: In the present investigation, we studied the impact of one of the AAS compounds, i.e., 17α-methyltestosterone on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity in different brain parts of mice, namely, forebrain, hippocampus, midbrain, and hindbrain.Methods: The adult female mice were assigned to four experimental groups to which different doses of 17α-MT (0.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg bwt, respectively) were administrated s.c. for 30 days. A significant increase in AChE activity in forebrain and midbrain (low and medium dose treatment) suggests a reduction of cholinergic neurotransmission efficiency due to decrease in acetylcholine levels in trans-synaptic cleft. Further, concurrent reduction in AChE activity was observed in whole brain, hippocampus, and hindbrain of 17α-MT-treated mice suggests the impairment in neuronal transmission. Since the regulation of cholinergic system through acetylcholine hydrolysis has been largely attributed to AChE activity, a significant reduction in its activity may lead to stress-related anxiety, memory loss with some cognitive and behavioral aspects in the mice.Conclusion: Based on the observed results, we propose that 17α-MT, an alkylated steroid compound, has a negative impact on AChE enzyme activity in different parts of mice brain, leading to impairment in neuronal transmission.

Adverse effects of doping with anabolic androgenic steroids in competitive athletics, recreational sports and bodybuilding.

Despite the fact that sports organizations and legislators have introduced various mechanisms to discourage athletes from using performance and appearance enhancing substances a high percentage of athletes admits to their unabated application. In competitive athletics, bodybuilding and in recreational sports anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) continue to be the substances most abused. This review summarizes the side effects of AAS abuse on organs and system functions in both sexes. High doses of AAS cause a significant increase of erythrocytes and hemoglobin concentration, which may lead to thromboembolism, intracardiac thrombosis and stroke. Long-term AAS abusers have a higher incidence of arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, concentric left-ventricular myocardial hypertrophy with impaired diastolic function and also sudden cardiac death. Changes of liver function and structure, up to hepatocellular carcinoma, have been described, mainly in cases of chronic misuse of 17α-alkylated AAS. Sleeplessness, increased irritability, depressive mood status are often observed in AAS abuse. In former AAS abusers depression, anxiety and melancholy may persist for many years. Due to negative feedback in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis AAS can cause reversible suppression of spermatogenesis up to azoospermia. In women the changes most often caused by AAS abuse are hirsutism, irreversible deepening of voice, dysmenorrhea, secondary amenorrhea with anovulation and infertility. AAS abuse notwithstanding, under clinical conditions testosterone remains the most important hormone for substitution therapy of male hypogonadism.

Nandrolone effects on men’s semen parameters in Erbil city

Background and objective: Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic compounds based on the structure of testosterone, and are used to treat various conditions such as reproductive system dysfunction. High doses of anabolic androgenic steroids and exercise influence the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis, which can, in turn, affect testicular apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the influence of anabolic androgenic steroids on semen parameters in bodybuilders (heavy exercise) in Erbil city. Methods: Semen specimens and serum were collected from 150 which divided into three groups; each consists of 50 men. The control group (A) didn't practice exercise so didn't receive nandrolone. The exercise group (B) who practice daily without taking nandrolone. The exercise and treated group (C) who practice exercise and had been using nandrolone (200 mg- wk-1, intramuscularly) for at least three months. Smear prepared by methyline blue stain and assessment of semen volume, sperm morphology, sperm concentration ,motility were carried out .Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone were also carried out. Results: There was no difference in the semen volume within three groups. Sperm concentration and the percentage of sperm motility in the group C was significantly lower (P <0.001) than that in the other groups. A significantly increased percentage of sperm with the tapered head was found in the group C. Our results also demonstrated a significant decrease in testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone in the group C compared to group A and B. Conclusion: Users of anabolic-androgenic steroids have sperm with abnormal shape, especially tapered head, and low concentration of sperm with sluggish motility attributing to infertility.

Differential protein expression profile in the hypothalamic GT1-7 cell line after exposure to anabolic androgenic steroids.

The abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has been considered a major public health problem during decades. Supraphysiological doses of AAS may lead to a variety of neuroendocrine problems. Precisely, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is one of the body systems that is mainly influenced by steroidal hormones. Fluctuations of the hormonal milieu result in alterations of reproductive function, which are made through changes in hypothalamic neurons expressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). In fact, previous studies have shown that AAS modulate the activity of these neurons through steroid-sensitive afferents. To increase knowledge about the cellular mechanisms induced by AAS in GnRH neurons, we performed proteomic analyses of the murine hypothalamic GT1-7 cell line after exposure to 17α-methyltestosterone (17α-meT; 1 μM). These cells represent a good model for studying regulatory processes because they exhibit the typical characteristics of GnRH neurons, and respond to compounds that modulate GnRH in vivo. Two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and mass spectrometry analyses identified a total of 17 different proteins that were significantly affected by supraphysiological levels of AAS. Furthermore, pathway analyses showed that modulated proteins were mainly associated to glucose metabolism, drug detoxification, stress response and cell cycle. Validation of many of these proteins, such as GSTM1, ERH, GAPDH, PEBP1 and PDIA6, were confirmed by western blotting. We further demonstrated that AAS exposure decreased expression of estrogen receptors and GnRH, while two important signaling pathway proteins p-ERK, and p-p38, were modulated. Our results suggest that steroids have the capacity to directly affect the neuroendocrine system by modulating key cellular processes for the control of reproductive function.

Exogenous Supraphysiological Doses of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: Controversial and Reciprocal Effects on Performance and Organs

Exogenous Supraphysiological Doses of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: Controversial and Reciprocal Effects on Performance and Organs

Nephrotoxicity in rabbits after long-term nandrolone decanoate administration

Among the various side effects of supra-physiological dose of anabolic androgenic steroids that are described, renal toxicity remains the least evaluated. The present study provides evidence that long-term administration of nandrolone decanoate could lead to alterations of renal function and structure in the experimental rabbit model. A pronounced increase in serum urea, creatinine, SGOT and SGPT is observed in the treated animals, with intramuscular administration being more detrimental. Histopathological evaluation of kidneys indicated hyperaemia, fibrosis and focal inflammation. Furthermore, the significantly increased telomerase activity found in the kidneys of the intramuscularly treated animals could possibly represent a counteracting survival mechanism. Oxidative stress markers that were influenced the most were TBARS, indicating lipid peroxidation, and GSH. An interesting finding in our study though, was that while intramuscular administration showed the highest biochemical derangement, oxidative stress markers provided mixed results between intramuscularly and subcutaneously treated rabbits. In conclusion, nephrotoxicity of nandrolone decanoate remains a multi-factorial, partly irreversible effect that involves augmented tissue oxidative status.