ANABOLIC STEROID ABUSE AND CARDIOVASCULAR TOXICITY: CASE REPORT

Despite the development of tests for the detection of doping, Anabolic steroids, are still used to increase sports performance. Unfortunately, studies have clearly shown that overdose of anabolic steroids can induce serious cardiovascular complications that can be life-threatening. This implies the determining role of health professionals in informing the general population and athletes in particular about the lethal effect of these substances. We report the case of a young high-level athlete who consults for palpitations and in whom cardiac imaging reveals abnormalities related to chronic consumption of anabolic steroids.

Impacts of Androgen Abuse and Overtraining on Endocrine Profile in Bodybuilders

Abuse of androgens and overtraining expose bodybuilders to multifactorial stress influences related to endocrine activity. Endocrine responses in 23 bodybuilder athletes were investigated after a strength training period, during which they were taking high doses of androgenic-anabolic steroids. Serum concentrations of TSH, T3, and T4 were unchanged significantly. Serum LH and FSH concentrations decreased dramatically (P<0.05). In addition, low mean concentration of serum testosterone was recorded, with more substantial reduction in participants of elder ages. The multiple regression model used in this analysis supported this inference. On the other hand, a positive association was observed between levels of blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride) and the outcome predictor (mean serum testosterone level). The results also suggested a negative correlation between testosterone level and each of age and HDL level. The current study shows that excessive bodybuilding exercise has an impact on the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis in top-level athletes. Also, simultaneous usage of anabolic steroids induces extreme shifts in the hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal (HPGA) axis, which is reflected as changes in testosterone level, development of the overtraining syndrome, and adverse influences on hormonal control.

An ethical review on the search for performance: evidence-based nutrology and the use without indication of anabolic steroids

This study aimed to evaluate what is new in the controversial use of testosterone, as an indication in pathologies such as hypogonadism or its use by athletes and bodybuilders in search of performance. Much is said about the subject and many myths were created without any scientific foundation, one of the objectives of the monograph is to show that when there is a precise clinical indication, testosterone is necessary and extremely beneficial to the patient. It was evaluated in current literature through books and articles, advances in physiology, regulation, treatment of late adult hypogonadism, incidence of use and the most common analogues used by athletes, the harms and benefits expected from the use of the hormone and especially what we have again on cardiovascular safety in testosterone use. After an extensive review, it is still not possible to affirm all the benefits and harms of using the hormone, many old studies are disputed in new studies and even presented results opposite to what was previously believed.

Anabolic-androgenic steroid use among bodybuilders in Erbil city

Background and objective: Anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic testosterone derivatives with a longer duration of action than physiological androgens. They are abused by bodybuilders because of their potential to enhance muscle strength. Serious medical and psychological complications may be associated with their non-medical use. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anabolic androgenic steroids among bodybuilders and their awareness of health-related risks. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from the 1st of January 2019 to the end of July 2019 in 18 randomly selected gym centers in Erbil city, Iraq using stratified random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 400 bodybuilders to assess the prevalence and knowledge of using Anabolic-androgenic steroids. Results: The study showed a high prevalence of Anabolic-androgenic steroid consumption (26.3%) among gym users in Erbil city. Anabolic-androgenic steroid use was significantly higher among participants with a longer duration of bodybuilding practice ≥4 years (P = 0.001). Anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse was significantly associated with drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and using growth hormones. Trainers were the commonest source of recommendation. Conclusion: The prevalence of anabolic androgenic steroids abuse is high among bodybuilders in Erbil city. Public health awareness is essential and may help avoid the propagation of the problem. Keywords: Anabolic steroids; Gym users; Bodybuilders; Knowledge, Erbil.

Effect of oral Anabolic Steroids on BMI, Functional Capacity and Pulmonary Functions of under nourished patients of COPD

Aim: Effects of oral anabolic steroids on BMI, functional capacity and pulmonary functions of under nourished patients of COPD Methodology: All COPD patients outside pulmonary rehabilitation program, who met the inclusion criteria, were included. Subjects were given methandienone 5mg BD for six months. Weight, BMI, paO2, peak expiratory flow rate, FEV1 was measured for all subjects initially and six months after treatment. Results: There was significant improvement in weight (p <0.01), BMI (p <0.01), paO2 (p 0.04), peak expiratory flow (p <0.01), six minutes walk distance (p <0.01), CAT (p <0.01) and mMRC scores (p <0.01) after 6 months therapy with anabolic steroid. Conclusion: Treatment with Oral anabolic steroids has a significant effect on BMI and functional capacity of patients with COPD. Keywords: BMI, COPD, oral steroid

Women's Experiences of Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids

Anabolic androgenic steroids are used by women to increase their muscle mass and because of their performance-enhancing effects. Despite permanent/high risk of side effects, knowledge is inadequate. Our aim has been to deepen understanding about women's use of anabolic androgenic steroids. This phenomenological study is based on the reflective lifeworld research (RLR) approach. Lifeworld interviews were conducted with 12 women, aged 21–56 years, about their experiences of using anabolic steroids. The results show that women experience a sense of pride when they successfully achieve their goals. This is the driving force, triggering tension between suffering and success. Our research adds important knowledge from a reflective lifeworld perspective and shows that women's use of anabolic androgenic steroids is a complex phenomenon. Understanding and knowledge are important in order to be able to meet and support women in their fears and difficulties.

Social Media, Body Image and Resistance Training: Creating the Perfect ‘Me’ with Dietary Supplements, Anabolic Steroids and SARM’s

Background Few studies have assessed the use of dietary supplements, anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM) in male gym users. The comparison of physical appearance with others on social media and the exposure to fitness-related content on social media (i.e., image-centric social media use) may have a profound role in using these compounds due to its role in creating negative body images in male gym users. Objective Provide contemporary data on the use of dietary supplements, AAS and SARM among young male gym users, and test the hypothesis that social media is associated with the use of dietary supplements, AAS and SARM, as a result of a negative body image. Methods In this cross-sectional study, conducted in the Netherlands, male gym users (N = 2269; 24 ± 6 years) completed an online questionnaire including self-reported measures regarding resistance training participation, image-centric social media use, dietary supplement intake, and body image. The prevalence of AAS and SARM use was assessed with randomized response, a technique to ask sensitive questions indirectly. Results Of all participants, 83% used ergogenic dietary supplements (mainly protein and creatine), and an estimated 9 versus 2.7% had ever used AAS versus SARM. Image-centric social media use was positively associated with the use of dietary supplements (r = .26; p < 0.01) and AAS (p < 0.05), but not SARM. Image-centric social media use was associated with a more dissatisfied body image (r = .34; p < 0.01). Body image did not mediate the relationship between image-centric social media use and the use of doping compounds. Conclusions The use of dietary supplements in young male gym users is exorbitant, with the use of AAS and SARM being substantial. Image-centric social media use is positively associated with the use of dietary supplements and AAS.

Effects of synthetic androgen (17α-methyltestosterone) and estrogen (17β-estradiol) on growth and skin coloration in emperor red cichlid, Aulonocara nyassae (Actinopterygii: Cichliformes: Cichlidae)

In recent years, the use of anabolic steroids in the coloration and growth of fishes, especially ornamental ones, has attracted great interest. In the ornamental fish industry, it is economically advantageous to produce some species with high commercial value and higher demand, depending on size, color, and sex. Therefore, the most commonly used steroids in this study—i.e., 17α-MT and 17β-Es (E2)—were added to the diet of emperor red cichlid, Aulonocara nyassae Regan, 1922, which has not been previously hormone-treated and has high economic value amongst ornamental fishes. A 60-day study was conducted in a closed system, where the juveniles of the emperor red cichlid were acclimatized with the control/basal diet for 15 days. After which, 15 fish with a similar shade of color and about 5 months old were weighed individually (0.71 ± 0.01 g). All fish were placed into aquaria (30 L) in five different groups, in triplicate. Five different groups consisted of control (without hormone), 50 mg · kg–1 17α-MT, 100 mg · kg–1 17α-MT, 50 mg · kg–1 E2, and 100 mg · kg–1 E2. The fish were fed a diet twice a day (10:00 h, 17:00 h) for 60 days till satiation. During the entire trial period, a 12 h light–12 h dark photoperiod was maintained. Water temperature was measured daily and recorded. Growth parameters of experimental fish were calculated. The color measurement of fish skin (L*, a*, b* values) from around the dorsal section was performed using a colorimeter (Konica Minolta CR 400). Significant differences were determined in the following parameters: weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion rate (FCR), survival rate (SR), condition factor (CF), and sex reversal. The fish group fed with 17α-MT displayed brighter coloration as compared to other groups. Color analysis (instrumental) in terms of L*, a*, and b*, values showed that the group fed with 17α-MT displayed brighter coloration compared to other groups (P &lt; 0.05). In terms of sex reversal, the fish in the 17α-MT groups exhibited 100% masculinization, whereas in E2 supplemented fish groups (50 and 100 mg · kg–1), the feminization rates were 88.88% and 93.33%, respectively. In conclusion, both hormones were found to have positive and negative effects for this fish species, but the 17α-MT hormone was found to be more effective in reversing skin pigmentation, growth, and sexing, which is the main driver in the ornamental fish trade.