Effects of Low-to-Moderate Doses of Anabolic Steroids on Lipid Profile and Muscle Hypertrophy in Resistance Training Practitioners: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Abstract

After the discovery of the effects of testosterone on muscle strength and hypertrophy, a synthetic formula of this hormone was developed in the late 1930s and came to be called androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS). 1 These drugs have been used legally by particular individuals, such as the elderly, patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, hypogonadism, anemia that accompanies renal failure, bone marrow failure, endometriosis, cancer and osteoporosis. 2 The use of AAS by young sports practitioners has increased due to the need to obtain results in the short term, such as breaking records in competitions, and for muscle hypertrophy, either for aesthetic or bodybuilding purposes. 3,4 However, these substances are known to be associated with adverse effects, including acne, testicular atrophy, mood changes, water retention and gynecomastia. The prevalence of use of AAS varies across geographic regions, ranging from 0.2% in Asia, 4.8% in South America, reaching 21.7% in the Middle East. 5In addition, biochemical changes induced by AAS can promote changes in the lipid profile, characterized by a

Changes in Health-related Parameters Associated with Sports Performance Enhancement Drugs

“…The results of this study on the relations between PED and HDL-C levels with the report on changes in HDL-C 43 indirectly confirms the presence of low-levels of HDL-C among AAS users. They also partially support (referring to the results obtained in the sixth month of competition preparation) the results of the study on changes in LDL-C profile as a function of AAS abuse 44 .…”