Anabolic steroids are derivatives of testosterone. Testosterone occurs naturally in the male testes. Like other steroid hormones, testosterone receptors occur on the nucleus membrane and in effect promote protein synthesis. It induces male secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive organ development. Furthermore, it has virilizing effects on females. Anabolic steroids are chemically similar to testosterone and, therefore, produce their effects on cells via the same receptors. They affect the muscles, liver, skin, reproductive organs, blood vessels, hair and bone.
Anabolic steroids have been useful in the treatment of chronic aplastic anemia, osteoporosis, muscle wasting conditions, hypogonadism, androgen replacement therapy and HIV wasting syndrome. Many athletes use androgenic-anabolic steroids to enhance their performances. Weightlifters use them primarily to increase their muscle strength while body builders use them to increase their muscle mass. The adverse side effects on the user depend on the steroid structure, frequency of use, dosage and age.
Anabolic steroids affect the cardiovascular system by increasing the heart rate, and blood pressure. It also changes lipid metabolism by reducing high density lipoprotein and raising low density lipoprotein. Increased heart rate is common with androgens, particularly aromatase resistant and is caused by monoamine oxidase inhibition. When sodium reabsorption by the kidneys is high, more fluid is retained. This effect plus that of androgens on the heart can cause a rise in blood pressure. Anabolic steroids have been shown to reduce left ventricular ejection fraction, and are also linked to ventricular arrhythmias.
The abuse of Anabolic steroids has been linked to hepatic dysfunction, with studies showing increased hepatic aminotransferases’ concentration in serum. Prolonged consumption of steroids in high doses causes mild impairment to the function of the liver; however, the damage is reversible with cessation. They may suppress the clotting factors II, V and VII. Cases of reduced prothrombin time are linked to the abuse of anabolic steroids. In addition, benign androgen dependent liver tumors are associated with the steroids. These growths shrink when anabolic steroid therapy is stopped.
As derivatives of testosterone, anabolic steroids exert a negative feedback on the hypothalamus. This effect causes a reduced concentration of serum testosterone, which may cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, testicular atrophy, and impaired spermatogenesis. The secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone is reduced following an administration of steroids for four to six months. This may impair spermatogenesis.
Abuse of anabolic steroids impairs connective tissue structure and function. Studies have proven that they weaken tendons, increasing the likelihood of tendon or muscle rupture. This is common with athletes who abuse the steroids. In high doses, they alter the biochemical structures of tendons, reducing their tensile strength. Osteoblasts and bone marrow have androgen receptors in low densities. The direct stimulation of these receptors by anabolic steroids may influence the metabolism of collagen. This may lead to the inhibition of osteoclasts and bone resorption.
Numerous androgen receptors are present in the skin, particularly the face and scalp. Increased sebum production and baldness are effects of dihydrotestosterone. Likewise, anabolic steroids abusers may present with clinical acne and baldness. The prostate gland is sensitive to androgens. The stimulation of the gland by anabolic steroids may cause it to hypertrophy, leading to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Such patients are susceptible to severe damage to the bladder and secondary renal failure.
Works Cited
Buttner, Andreas and Detlef Thieme. Side Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids:Pathological Findings and Structure–Activity Relationships. New York: Springer, 2010.
Karila, Tuomo. Adverse effects of anabolic androgenic steroids on thecardiovascular, metabolic and reproductive systemsof anabolic substance abusers. Helsinki: National Public Health Institute, 2007.
Kishnner, Stephen and George T. Griffing. Anabolic Steroid Use and Abuse. 09 July 2011. 28 November 2012
