The adverse effects of anabolic steroids on serum lipids

Treatments for people who use anabolic androgenic steroids: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence suggests that anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are used globally by a diverse population with varying motivations. Evidence has increased greatly in recent years to support understanding of this form of substance use and the associated health harms, but there remains little evidence regarding interventions to support cessation and treat the consequences of use. In this scoping review, we identify and describe what is known about interventions that aim to support and achieve cessation of AAS, and treat and prevent associated health problems.

METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy was developed in four bibliographic databases, supported by an iterative citation searching process to identify eligible studies. Studies of any psychological or medical treatment interventions delivered in response to non-prescribed use of AAS or an associated harm in any setting were eligible.

RESULTS

In total, 109 eligible studies were identified, which included case reports representing a diverse range of disciplines and sources. Studies predominantly focussed on treatments for harms associated with AAS use, with scant evidence on interventions to support cessation of AAS use or responding to dependence. The types of conditions requiring treatment included psychiatric, neuroendocrine, hepatic, kidney, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and infectious. There was limited evidence of engagement with users or delivery of psychosocial interventions as part of treatment for any condition, and of harm reduction interventions initiated alongside, or following, treatment. Findings were limited throughout by the case report study designs and limited information was provided.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review indicates that while a range of case reports describe treatments provided to AAS users, there is scarce evidence on treating dependence, managing withdrawal, or initiating behaviour change in users in any settings. Evidence is urgently required to support the development of effective services for users and of evidence-based guidance and interventions to respond to users in a range of healthcare settings. More consistent reporting in articles of whether engagement or assessment relating to AAS was initiated, and publication within broader health- or drug-related journals, will support development of the evidence base.

Increased atherothrombotic markers and endothelial dysfunction in steroid users

BACKGROUND

The use of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) may be associated with changes in atherothrombotic markers and endothelial function. The purpose of this study was to compare atherothrombotic markers and endothelial function of AAS users and non-users.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Ten athletes who were users of AAS (confirmed by urine analysis) and 12 non-user athletes were evaluated. Body weight, blood pressure, exercise load (hours/week), complete blood count (CBC), platelets, fibrinogen, lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone and estradiol were measured. Endothelium-dependent and independent functions were assessed by brachial artery ultrasound.

RESULTS

AAS users had higher body mass and blood pressure (p < 0.05). Platelet count was higher whereas HDL-cholesterol was lower in AAS users compared with non-users (p < 0.05). Levels of hs-CRP were higher in AAS users (p < 0.001). Follicle-stimulating hormone was suppressed in all users and not suppressed in non-users (p < 0.001). Compared with non-users, flow-mediated dilation was significantly reduced in AAS users (p = 0.03), whereas endothelium-independent function was similar in both groups. Additionally, flow-mediated dilation was positively associated with levels of HDL- cholesterol (r = 0.49, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

AAS users present important changes in blood lipids as well as in inflammatory markers, which are compatible with increased cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, this profile is accompanied by a reduction in the endothelial function.

Cardiac and metabolic effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse on lipids, blood pressure, left ventricular dimensions, and rhythm

Recent surveys and reports suggest that many athletes and bodybuilders abuse anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). However, scientific data on the cardiac and metabolic complications of AAS abuse are divergent and often conflicting. A total of 49 studies describing 1,467 athletes were reviewed to investigate the cardiovascular effects of the abuse of AAS. Although studies were typically small and retrospective, some associated AAS abuse with unfavorable effects. Otherwise healthy young athletes abusing AAS may show elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein and low levels of high-density lipoprotein. Although data are conflicting, AAS have also been linked with elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure and with left ventricular hypertrophy that may persist after AAS cessation. Finally, in small case studies, AAS abuse has been linked with acute myocardial infarction and fatal ventricular arrhythmias. In conclusion, recognition of these adverse effects may improve the education of athletes and increase vigilance when evaluating young athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities.