Dataset Information

Reduced arterial elasticity after anabolic-androgenic steroid use in young adult males and mice.

ABSTRACT: High-doses of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is efficient for building muscle mass, but pose a risk of cardiovascular side effects. Little is known of the effect of AAS on vasculature, but previous findings suggest unfavorable alterations in vessel walls and vasoreactivity. Here, long-term effect of AAS on vascular function and morphology were examined in male weightlifters, and in a mimicking animal model. Arterial elasticity and morphology were tested with ultrasound, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) in 56 current male AAS users, and 67 non-exposed weightlifting controls (WLC). Female mice were treated with testosterone for 14 days and echocardiography were applied to evaluate vascular function and morphology. Male AAS users had higher PWV (p = 0.044), reduced carotid artery compliance (p = 0.0005), and increased cIMT (p = 0.041) compared to WLC. Similar functional changes were found in the ascending aorta of mice after 7- (p = 0.043) and 14 days (p = 0.001) of testosterone treatment. This animal model can be used to map molecular mechanisms responsible for complications related to AAS misuse. Considering the age-independent stiffening of major arteries and the predictive power of an increase in PWV and cIMT, the long-term users of AAS are at increased risk of severe cardiovascular events.

SUBMITTER: Melsom HS

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9188580 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Reduced arterial elasticity after anabolic-androgenic steroid use in young adult males and mice.

Melsom H S HS Heiestad C M CM Eftestøl E E Torp M K MK Gundersen K K Bjørnebekk A K AK Thorsby P M PM Stensløkken K O KO Hisdal J J

Scientific reports 20220611 1

High-doses of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is efficient for building muscle mass, but pose a risk of cardiovascular side effects. Little is known of the effect of AAS on vasculature, but previous findings suggest unfavorable alterations in vessel walls and vasoreactivity. Here, long-term effect of AAS on vascular function and morphology were examined in male weightlifters, and in a mimicking animal model. Arterial elasticity and morphology were tested with ultrasound, pulse wave velocity ( ...[more]

PMID: 35690664

Similar Datasets

Project description:ImportanceLong-term use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) is associated with a high risk of left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure with reduced systolic function, and early sudden death, with the mechanism of progression being understudied. Early and persistent impaired myocardial microcirculation could be of clinical importance and a potential underlying mechanism of frequent and early cardiac disease among individuals with AAS use and a future potential target for intervention.ObjectiveTo investigate coronary microcirculation by measuring myocardial flow reserve (MFR) in men with current and former AAS use compared with controls with no prior AAS use, using cardiac rubidium 82 (82Rb) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).Design, setting, and participantsThis cross-sectional study included men involved in recreational strength training without established cardiovascular disease grouped according to their history of AAS use. The study was conducted November 24, 2021, to August 16, 2023.ExposureCardiac PET/CT with 82Rb was performed at rest and after adenosine-induced stress.Main outcome and measureThe primary outcome of this study was the MFR among the study groups; a secondary outcome was the coronary calcium score. By definition, impaired myocardial microcirculation was determined using a cutoff of MFR less than 2, and subclinically impaired microcirculation was determined using a cutoff of MFR less than 2.5.ResultsA total of 90 men (32 with current AAS use, 31 with former AAS use, and 27 controls) were included. Mean (SD) age was 35.1 (8.7) years. Elapsed duration since AAS cessation was a geometric mean of 1.5 (95% CI, 0.9-2.5) years. Eighteen men (58.1%) with former use discontinued AAS use more than 1 year before enrollment. Impaired MFR was present in those with current (6 [18.8%]) and former (1 [3.2%]) use, whereas no impairment was observed among the controls (P = .02). Subclinically impaired MFR was higher among men with current (9 [28.1%]) and former (8 [25.8%]) AAS use than the controls (1 [3.7%]) (P = .02). In a multivariable logistic regression model among men with former AAS use, every doubling of the accumulated weekly duration of AAS use (log2) was independently associated with a factor 2 increase in the risk of impaired MFR less than 2.5 (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.03-4.35; P = .04).Conclusions and relevanceIn this study, men with former AAS use displayed impaired MFR years after AAS cessation, suggesting impaired coronary microcirculation persists beyond active use.

Project description:BackgroundAnabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) mimic the effects of testosterone and may include testosterone itself; they are used for body enhancement within the general population. AAS use has been linked with increased mortality, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, and infertility. AAS-induced hypogonadism can persist for an uncertain time period despite cessation, during which men may report physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms. In an attempt to mitigate these symptoms and expedite testicular recovery, many men self-administer post-cycle-therapy (PCT), typically involving human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which are known to potently stimulate testicular function. However, this practice has no objective evidence of effectiveness to lessen the severity or duration of hypogonadal symptoms.MethodsAn anonymous survey of four-hundred-and-seventy men using AAS explored the symptoms they experienced when ceasing AAS use; the effect of PCT on relieving their symptoms, and their perceived role for health service support.ResultsThe majority of respondents were white, aged 18-30 years old, and working in skilled manual work. 51.7% (n = 243) reported no issues with AAS use, but 35.3% reported increased aggression. 65.1% (n = 306) of respondents had attempted AAS cessation and 95.1% of these experienced at least one symptom upon AAS cessation. Low mood, tiredness and reduced libido were reported in 72.9%, 58.5% and 57.0% of men stopping AAS use, respectively, with only 4.9% reporting no symptoms. PCT had been used by 56.5% of respondents with AAS cessation and mitigated cravings to restart AAS use, withdrawal symptoms and suicidal thoughts by 60%, 60% and 50%, respectively. The effect of stopping AAS on body composition and recovery of testosterone or fertility was a concern in 60.5% and 52.4%, respectively. Most respondents felt PCT should be prescribed under medical supervision in the community.ConclusionsOur survey suggests that the majority of men stopping AAS use are using some form of PCT. Some self-reported symptoms of AAS-induced hypogonadism such as cravings to restart AAS use reduce by 60% and suicidal thoughts reduce by 50%. These individuals are concerned about the negative effect of AAS use and cessation. This study provides crucial information for planning future research to evaluate the effects of PCT on symptoms when men stop AAS use.

Dataset Information

Reduced arterial elasticity after anabolic-androgenic steroid use in young adult males and mice.

Publications

Reduced arterial elasticity after anabolic-androgenic steroid use in young adult males and mice.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets