Recent Developments in the Toxicology of Anabolic Steroids

Abstract

Anabolic steroids are extensively abused as ergogenic aids by athletes (and others). A number of features of anabolic steroid use and toxicology have been recently reviewed in the Journal, and a large body of data has accumulated concerning their toxic nature. The lipoprotein profile induced by anabolic steroids carries a markedly adverse cardiovascular risk. Glucose metabolism is significantly altered and includes peripheral insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia and attenuated responses to glucagon. Hypertension has been noted. Psychiatric and psychological alterations are major toxicities of anabolic steroids, and probably constitute the major mechanism of their action. Hepatic neoplasia occurs in the setting of abuse of this class of drugs, and may be related to their use, although there is no convincing evidence that other malignancies are induced in athletes who abuse them. Gross disturbance of reproductive function occurs in both sexes: hypogonadal states are common and prolonged. The anabolic steroids are toxic drugs with both long and short term effects. Their abuse by athletes is to be decried, particularly in view of the frequent and prolonged use by the young.

Side Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: Pathological Findings and Structure–Activity Relationships

“…Nevertheless, there is a broad spectrum of possible adverse effects caused by supraphysiological AAS levels which are summarized in Table 1 (Catlin and Hatton 1991;Eklöf et al 2003;Evans 2004;Graham and Kennedy 1990;Haupt and Rovere 1984;Hickson et al 1989;Karila 2003;LaBree 1991;Maravelias et al 2005;Melnik et al 2007;Modlinski et al 2006;Narducci et al 1990;Yesalis and Bahrke 1995). Of these, some are reversible and often constitute cosmetic problems only.…”

“…For erectile dysfunction the coadministration of sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil which might increase the risk of sudden cardiac death (own observation) is regularly reported. The effects of AAS on the blood glucose level may include peripheral insulin resistance, hyperinsulism, hyperglycemia, and a reduced reaction to glucagons (Cohen and Hickman 1987;Graham and Kennedy 1990).…”

Chronic Administration of Nandrolone Decanoate Does Not Increase the Plasma Homocysteine Level of Male Rats

“…Moreover we used testes parameters to make sure about the adequacy of selected doses and bioavailability of nandrolone decanoate after intramuscular injections to rats. It must be noted that reduced sperm count and motility is a well‐known adverse effect of androgenic‐anabolic steroids use (Graham & Kennedy 1990; Turek et al . 1995).…”

Performance enhancing drugs (doping agents) and sudden death - a case report and review of the literature

“…Myocardial infarction [11], sudden arrhythmic death and stroke [19] have been described in young steroid abusers. The first documented steroid-related cardiac death was reported by McNutt et al in 1988 [38] and further cases associated with hyperlipidemia [21] or thrombotic occlusion of coronary arteries [16,24] have been described. Myocardial infarction has also been reported in a weight lifter who used aspirin and testosterone simultaneously [17].…”