Use of High-Dose Androgens Is Associated with Reduced Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Male Weightlifters

Abstract

Introduction: Use of high-dose androgens causes drastic changes in hormonal milieu and is associated with adverse medical, psychological, and cognitive effects. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors plays a critical role in neuroplasticity, with implications for cognitive function and mental health. The impact of long-term, high-dose androgen use on BDNF in a natural setting has not been investigated. This study examined the association between long-term androgen exposure and BDNF levels, and the links between BDNF, heavy resistance exercise, hormones, androgens and mental health. Methods: We measured serum levels of BDNF and sex steroid hormones in male weightlifters (N=141) with a history of current (n=59), past (n=29) or no (n=52) androgen use. All participants completed questionnaires assessing maximum strength and measures of anxiety and depression. Group differences in BDNF were tested using general linear models adjusting for age, and associations between BDNF and strength, anxiety and depression using Pearson’s or Kendall’s correlations. Results: Both current (mean: 44.1 ng/ml (SD:12.7)) and past (39.5 ng/ml (SD:13.9)) androgen users showed lower serum BDNF levels compared to non-using controls (51.5 (SD: 15.3), p<.001, ηp²=0.10). BDNF levels were negatively related to maximal strength, and with hormonal status in past androgen users, but no significant associations were found with measures of depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Lower circulating BDNF concentrations in current and past androgen users, suggest that high-dose androgen exposure triggers persistent changes in BDNF expression. Further studies are needed to verify the relationship and its’ potential clinical implications.

Severe biventricular cardiomyopathy in both current and former long-term users of anabolic-androgenic steroids

“…Among 101 AAS-users, 69 were current users, 30 were former users, and 2 users were unclassifiable with regard to current or former status, and therefore not included in further subgroup analyses (Table 1). Mean time since AAS cessation among former users was 6±6 years (median 3.75 (1–25)). Former AAS-users reported approximately 3 years shorter accumulated duration of AAS-use (9±6 vs. 12±6 years, P=0.05), but estimated lifetime AAS-dose did not significantly differ between former and current users (461±416 vs. 716±710 g, P=0.07).…”

“…The participants were recruited from this project, and the sample is partly overlapping with the one described in previous brain health publications. (16, 19, 20)…”

“…The participants were recruited from this project, and the sample is partly overlapping with the one described in previous brain health publications. (16,19,20) A self-reported one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press of at least 100 kg (approximately 220 lbs) was required to enter the study. The participants were either current or former (defined as at least one year since cessation of AAS-use) AAS-users reporting at least one year of cumulative AAS-use, or men who had never been exposed to AAS or equivalent doping substances (weightlifting controls, WLC).…”

Mass Sportrometry: An annual look back at applications of mass spectrometry in sport and exercise science

“…In 2022, targeted analyses were the most commonly applied approach for MS-based research in SES, with 52 human participant studies published. These experiments were predominantly performed in plasma 6,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] or serum, [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50] with other biosamples mediums utilized such as urine, [51][52][53][54][55] fecal matter, 56,57 breath gases, [58][59][60][61][62][63] red blood cells, …”

“…In 2022, targeted analyses were the most commonly applied approach for MS‐based research in SES, with 52 human participant studies published. These experiments were predominantly performed in plasma 6,16–35 or serum, 36–50 with other biosamples mediums utilized such as urine, 51–55 fecal matter, 56,57 breath gases, 58–63 red blood cells, 64 cerebrospinal fluid, 25 hair, 65 and whole blood via microsampling 66 . This excludes the use of IR and elemental MS to target specific isotope/elemental signatures, which are discussed individually within section 3.5.…”