Intake Of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Research Articles

Characteristics of the Online Market for Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids in Central Asia: A Netnographic Analysis

Background: With the online proliferation of illegal substances, the Internet offers a wide variety of information on the acquisition and intake of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other performance and image enhancing drugs. This study focuses on investigating the characteristics of the online AAS market in Central Asia. Objectives: The primary objectives of this study were to investigate the accessibility and features of the online market for AAS in Central Asia. To achieve this, we employed a netnographic approach for a systematic exploration of websites advertising and selling AAS. The study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of several key aspects, including the variety of AAS products offered, the quality of health advice provided the level of product availability, the procedures involved in making purchases, and the pricing structures within this market. Results: Twenty-one websites supplying AAS in Central Asia met our inclusion criteria. Using content analysis, data were gathered on AAS offerings, quality of health advice provided, availability, purchase process, and prices. Data were synthesized using descriptive statistics. Results indicate that AAS are easily accessible for purchase without valid medical prescription in the Central Asia online market. Most websites advertised the aesthetic and ergogenic benefits of AAS use without indicating the potential complications and adverse effects. Conclusions: Public health efforts to mitigate AAS use in Central Asia should consider both the online accessibility of AAS and the lack of accompanying information on potential complications as well as adverse effects associated with their use. Efforts must be intensified to curtail the proliferation of AAS and related misleading information on the Central Asian online market.

A study to demonstrate the potential of Anabolic Androgen Steroid to activate oxidative tissue damage, nephrotoxicity and decline endogenous antioxidant system in renal tissue of Adult Wistar Rats.

Anabolic Androgenic steroids (AAS) are abused and reports have been made on their deleterious effects on various organs. It is imperative to report the mechanism of inducing oxidative tissue damage even in the presence of an intracellular antioxidant system by the interaction between lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant system in the kidney. Twenty (20) adult male Wistar rats used were grouped into: A- Control, BOlive oil vehicle, C- 120mg/kg of AAS orally for three weeks, and D- 7 days withdrawal group following 120mg/kg/ 21days of AAS intake. Serum was assayed for lipid peroxidation marker Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme -superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Sectioned of kidneys were stained to see the renal tissue, mucin granules, and basement membrane. AAS-induced oxidative tissue damage, in the presence of an endogenous antioxidant, is characterized by increased lipid peroxidation and decreased SOD level which resulted in the loss of renal tissue cells membrane integrity which is a characteristic of the pathophysiology of nephron toxicity induced by a toxic compound. However, this was progressively reversed by a period of discontinuation of AAS drug exposure.

The Frequency & Determinants of the Use of Nutritional Supplements and Hormones among Selected Gym Users in Karachi, Pakistan

Purpose: The use of hormones/ anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and nutritional supplements (NS) has gained popularity worldwide for improving physical appearance and sports performance. There have been limited studies that examine the frequency and determinants of their use among gym users in Pakistan. Our objective was to estimate the frequency of NS and AAS consumption among gym users of Karachi and to determine the determinants of NS and AAS consumption. 
 Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 435 gym users from five districts of Karachi using non-probability quota sampling and gyms were selected on a convenience basis. Data were collected on a pre-tested validated tool and the association of outcome with variables was assessed by applying multivariate logistic regression using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. 
 Findings: The frequencies of AAS and NS were 9.2% (n=40) and 42.5% (n=185) respectively. Reasons for use included increasing muscle size and strength, impressing the opposite gender, getting popularity on TikTok videos, and getting a boyfriend/girlfriend. Male gender (p=0.000) and gym users who were businessmen were more inclined to using hormones (p=0.033). Gym users of district Central were less likely to consume AAS (p =0.004).
 Contribution to literature and practical implications: The study concludes that male gender and occupation are positively associated with NS consumption and the dwelling of gym attendees is also significantly associated with AAS intake. These findings can help policymakers to make decisions for improvement in addressing public health issues.

Studies of IGF-I and Klotho Protein in Relation to Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid and Growth Hormone Administrations.

It has been suggested to longitudinally monitor Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) as a biomarker for the detection of recombinant growth hormone (GH). Subsequently, it is of interest to understand any confounders of endogenous IGF-I. Herein we have studied if serum IGF-I concentration is affected by the intake of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and the potential connection between IGF-I and klotho protein. Moreover, the usefulness of klotho as a biomarker for recombinant GH intake was assessed in healthy male volunteers. An ongoing administration of AAS did not affect the levels of IGF-I. Klotho protein was ~30% higher in men with an ongoing AAS use compared to those with previous (>2 months ago) AAS use, and the serum klotho protein correlated negatively with luteinizing hormone (LH) (rs = −0.38, p = 0.04) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (rs = −0.35, p = 0.05) levels. Serum IGF-I and klotho concentrations showed no correlation in the AAS using population but showed a strong negative correlation in healthy volunteers (rs = −0.86, p = 0.006). The intake of recombinant GH did not affect the serum concentrations of the klotho levels. In conclusion, IGF-I was not affected by supra-physiological AAS doses in men. Interestingly, an association between AAS intake and serum klotho was seen. The usefulness of klotho as an androgen biomarker warrants further studies, whereas klotho can be discarded as a promising biomarker for GH doping.

Hepatotoxicity of anabolic androgenic steroids in sport

Introduction and purpose: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse is a common practice among professional as well as recreational athletes. The prevalence of this phenomenon seems to be continuously escalating, too. Even though AAS abuse may provide a desirable haematopoietic and musculotrophic effect, it causes a wide variety of local and systemic side effects. This review aims to demonstrate the AAS induced hepatotoxicity, it is based on the medical literature from the last 10 years. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Orally administered 17-α-alkylated steroids are considered to be the most hepatotoxic. They increase the number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which directly injure the liver tissue. It may be manifested as an elevation of liver enzymes, peliosis hepatis or distinctive acute cholestasis. Furthermore, ASS abuse for a prolonged period of time may induce the growth of hepatocellular adenoma and hepatocellular cancer. Moreover, AAS intake can lead to liver enlargement, development of toxicant-associated fatty liver disease (TAFLD) and increase the risk of HCV and HBV infection. Conclusions: The collaboration of scientists, doctors, sports associations and governments is substantial. Introduction of innovative AAS detection methods and enforcement of stricter anti doping law may contribute to prevention of health consequences resulting from AAS abuse among athletes.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids and cardiovascular risk.

Objective:Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) represents a group of synthetic testosterone derivatives that play an important role in clinical treatment. These drugs are widely abused among the general public to increase lean weight and improve athletic performance. It has been reported that AAS use can produce many adverse effects, especially the occurrence of cardiovascular risk. Although there are many related studies, there has been no consensus on AAS use and cardiovascular risk. The present study was to review the effect of AAS on the cardiovascular system.Data sources:The data in this review were obtained from articles included in PubMed and the National Center for Biotechnology Information database.Study selection:Original articles, case reports, and systematic reviews about AAS were selected for the article.Results:The use/abuse of AAS is correlated with higher cardiovascular risks, and many AAS users/abusers had cardiovascular diseases. However, there are many confounding factors in the studies that explored the causality between AAS intake and disease development, and additional studies are required to determine AAS toxicity.Conclusion:AAS produces toxic effects on the cardiovascular system, and it is necessary to ensure that more people know this about AAS, including medical personnel.

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids and Prohibited Substances Misuse among Iranian Recreational Female Bodybuilders and its Associated Psycho-socio-demographic Factors.

BackgroundThe growing tendency to anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and prohibited substances misuse by female athletes is a new public health concern. Epidemiological studies in this field are necessary to introduce an effective preventive drug control program in gyms. This study directed to evaluate the prevalence of AAS and other banned substances use and assess its association with some psycho-social and also demographic parameters among Iranian female recreational bodybuilders.MethodsThis study was done from January to March 2017 and 289 recreational female bodybuilders from 41 randomly-selected fitness and sports clubs in different geographic parts of Tehran, Iran, were included. Age, education level, months of sport involvement, frequency of sport participation in a week (hour), body image assessed by Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), and history of AAS and substances intake as the psycho-socio-demographic parameters were recorded by interviews using questionnaires.FindingsSubjects were all recreational female bodybuilders [mean and standard deviation (SD) of age: 26.3 ± 6.3, range: 15-52 years]. Self-report of AAS abuse was recorded in 70 bodybuilders (24.2%). Among prohibited substances, the use of stimulants (amphetamine or methamphetamine) and other illicit drugs was recorded in 10 (3.5%) and 95 (32.9%) athletes, respectively. 112 (38.8%) participants reported somatotropin use. Cigarette smoking, hookah use, and alcohol intake were reported by 42 (14.5%), 162 (56.1%), and 49 (17.0%) female bodybuilders, respectively. Among different evaluated parameters, merely the frequency of sport participation in a week and sport experience was inversely associated with AAS consumption.ConclusionBased on the subjects’ self-statement, AAS and substance misuse was surprisingly common in recreational female bodybuilders. Some factors including weekly frequency of sport participation and the duration of sport involvement may influence the prevalence of AAS abuse.

Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on the Reproductive System of Athletes and Recreational Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are testosterone derivatives used by athletes and recreational users to improve athletic performance and/or enhance appearance. Anabolic androgenic steroids use may have serious and potentially irreversible adverse effects on different organs and systems, including the reproductive system. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to critically assess the impact of AAS use on the reproductive system of athletes and recreational users. An electronic literature search was conducted using the databases MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar. Studies were included when the following criteria were fulfilled: participants were athletes or recreational users of any age, sex, level or type of sport; AAS use of any type, dose, form or duration; AAS effects on the reproductive system were assessed as stated by medical history, clinical examination, hormone and/or semen analysis. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to assess the weighted mean difference (WMD) of serum gonadotropin (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone) and testosterone levels compared with baseline, during the period of AAS use, as well as following AAS discontinuation. Thirty-three studies (three randomized clinical trials, 11 cohort, 18 cross-sectional, and one non-randomized parallel clinical trial) were included in the systematic review (3879 participants; 1766 AAS users and 2113 non-AAS users). The majority of the participants were men; only six studies provided data for female athletes. A meta-analysis (11 studies) was conducted of studies evaluating serum gonadotropin and testosterone levels in male subjects: (1) prior to, and during AAS use (six studies, n=65 AAS users; seven studies, n=59, evaluating gonadotropin and testosterone levels respectively); (2) during AAS use and following AAS discontinuation (four studies, n=35; six studies, n=39, respectively); as well as (3) prior to AAS use and following AAS discontinuation (three studies, n=17; five studies, n=27, respectively). During AAS intake, significant reductions in luteinizing hormone [weighted mean difference (WMD) -3.37IU/L, 95% confidence interval (CI) -5.05 to -1.70, p<0.001], follicle-stimulating hormone (WMD -1.73IU/L, 95% CI -2.67 to -0.79, p<0.001), and endogenous testosterone levels (WMD -10.75nmol/L, 95% CI -15.01 to -6.49, p<0.001) were reported. Following AAS discontinuation, serum gonadotropin levels gradually returned to baseline values within 13-24weeks, whereas serum testosterone levels remained lower as compared with baseline (WMD -9.40nmol/L, 95% CI -14.38 to -4.42, p<0.001). Serum testosterone levels remained reduced at 16weeks following discontinuation of AAS. In addition, AAS abuse resulted in structural and functional sperm changes, a reduction in testicular volume, gynecomastia, as well as clitoromegaly, menstrual irregularities, and subfertility. The majority of AAS users demonstrated hypogonadism with persistently low gonadotropin and testosterone levels, lasting for several weeks to months after AAS withdrawal. Anabolic androgenic steroid use results in profound and prolonged effects on the reproductive system of athletes and recreational users and potentially on fertility.

Morbidade hospitalar por ingestão de esteroides anabólico-androgênicos (EAA) no Brasil

INTRODUÇÃO: Os esteroides anabólico-androgênicos (EAA) são hormônios sexuais masculinos, promotores e mantenedores das características sexuais associadas à masculinidade e do status anabólico dos tecidos somáticos. Os efeitos físicos e mentais do uso abusivo de EAA são raros e é praticamente impossível afirmar com certeza quais os efeitos adversos que poderão tornar-se evidentes após a autoadministração, mas os mesmos constituem risco de morte para os indivíduos. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever as principais características da morbidade por ingestão de EAA no Brasil, no período de 2000/2010. MÉTODOS: As informações sobre as internações hospitalares foram obtidas dos bancos de dados informatizados do Ministério da Saúde. Na análise da ingestão de EAA como diagnóstico principal e secundário de hospitalização, partiu-se das causas de internação sob os códigos E28.1 (excesso de andrógenos), E34.5 (síndrome de resistência a andrógenos), T38.7 (intoxicação por andrógenos e anabolizantes congêneres) e Y42.7 (efeitos adversos de andrógenos e anabolizantes congêneres) do CID-10. RESULTADOS: As hospitalizações por EAA foram responsáveis por 0,001% do total de internações do País. Foram contabilizadas 1.319 internações (média = 119,9, DP = 99,01). A síndrome de resistência a andrógenos foi a principal causa, correspondendo a 55,8% do total de internações. Do total de internações, 1% dos pacientes evoluiu para óbito e o tempo máximo de permanência foi de 47 dias (média = 3,8 e DP = 4,7). Minas Gerais, Maranhão e Espírito Santo possuíram as maiores taxas de internações por 1.000.000 de habitantes, nos anos de 2002 a 2007. As mulheres e a faixa etária de 15-29 tiveram maiores taxas, 82,5% e 37,7%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do presente estudo mostraram uma hospitalização por ingestão de EAA relativamente baixa, as mulheres e indivíduos na faixa etária de 15-29 anos possuíram as maiores taxas no período estudado.

Los esteroides anabolizantes androgénicos, riesgos y consecuencias

El dopaje ha causado mucho daño en el mundo del deporte y de la actividad física, rechazado por deportistas, por entrenadores y por directivos, siendo perseguido, con el fin de ser erradicado de las justas deportivas, donde su empleo es causado por la presión de innumerables factores, que se presentan en el alto rendimiento; sin embargo, se desconoce el impacto y la popularidad que muchas de estas sustancias tienen en la gente del común; quienes buscan una perfección física, desconociendo las alteraciones funcionales, fisiológicas, bioquímicas y psicológicas que, en la mayoría de los casos, son irreversibles, con el único objetivo de encajar en los patrones de belleza, que impone la sociedad. Este trabajo recopila evidencia científica sobre los efectos de la ingesta de esteroides anabólicos androgénicos en el organismo, para generar conciencia en los potenciales usuarios y crear políticas de prevención, frente al consumo indiscriminado de dichas sustancias.

The effect of supraphysiological doses of anabolic androgenic steroids on collagen metabolism.

We examined the effect of supraphysiological doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on collagen metabolism and whether the changes reflect the alterations in muscle, bone, and tendon collagen metabolism, possibly in a tissue-specific manner. Serum carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP), carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), urine hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP), and lysylpyridinoline (LP) as well as urine creatinine were determined from 17 men abusing AAS. Measurements were made twice during the intake of AAS and twice during the subsequent withdrawal period. When the volunteers were on steroids, their serum PIIINP concentrations and urine HP/LP ratio were significantly higher and their serum ICTP concentrations were significantly lower than during the withdrawal period (p < 0.05). Serum PIIINP correlated with total cumulative doses of injectable intramuscular steroids, and serum ICTP correlated with the duration of the steroid intake period (p<0.05). The results suggest that high doses of AAS decrease the degradation and seem to increase the synthesis of type I collagen. Furthermore, high doses of AAS are suggested to enhance soft tissue collagen metabolism on the basis of increased type III collagen synthesis and elevated HP/LP ratio during the steroid administration period. Although the tissue-specific turnover of collagen of soft connective tissues remains unknown, the turnover of bone collagen seems not to change following the use of high doses of AAS, at least within the time interval of the present study.