Steroids Flashcards
AAS
Anabolic Androgenic Steroids
anabolic- Tissue building
Androgenic- Male sex characteristics
Role Model
Image of heroes changed over time
Children learn at young age that athletic performance and strength are admired
Testosterone
Synthesized in testes and adrenals
Acetate –> cholesterol –> pregnenoloe –> testosterone
Released to the blood stream
50% bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
Free testosterone available for diffusion into cells
Metabolizes into epitestosterone
Oral Testosterone
Remain in body for weeks
Detectable in urine via GC assays
Injectable Preparations
More rapidly eliminated
Difficult to detect testosterone, only via TE ratio
TE Ration
testosterone/epitestosterone ratio
healthy male is 1.2
Olympics set 1.6, if higher, endogenous testosterone was used
Androgenic Effets
Male Secondary Sex Characteristics - Thicker skin - Thickened vocal chords - Facial hair - Oily skin, acne Antidiuretic - Responsible for weight gain- puffy
Anabolic Effects
Promote muscle growth via protein synthesis Slow muscle breakdown (anti catabolic) Promote RBC production Speed recovery from injury Work primarily in highly trained athlete
Research Study Findings
Positive Findings Weight lifters cleared heavier weights Users gained weights Complemented high protein diet Increased aggression - Harder training, longer training session, less time off due to injury Negative Findings 1/10 Dose typically used Diets were not matched for protein Duration of treatment was too short Actual training programs not matched --> unethical to give large amounts of steroid in research setting
Mechanism of Action
Free testosterone attaches to cellular receptor Enters cell body to nucleus Promotes cell transcription Increases protein synthesis Response is delayed but long lasting
Placebo
Substantial belief that power and efficacy of steroid can lead to increased performance without any active ingredients
Many users claim to “sense” the effects of steroids
Promoted because the bloating effect of water retention in the muscle (growth in size, not strength)
Counterfeit Drugs
Unknown content and purity
Major deception via mail order- even fake labels
Most come from Mexico or EU
Physiologic Side Effects/ Toxicity
Myocardial infarction, sudden arrhythmic death and stroke
Athletes have abnormal hearts
Abusers more prone to thrombosis due to 50% decrease in high density lipoprotein levels, Hyperlipidemia = Platelet aggregation
Liver Side effects/ toxicity
Primarily due to oral preparation Jaundice Hepatocellular adenoma - similar to oral contraceptives - Incidence is 1-3% Malignant profile is seen Benigh features regress when stop
Psychiatric Disturbance
Steroid- related psychosis Paranoia, irritable, hostile Uncontrolled violent behavior "roid rage", agression Used as a defense in murder cases
Patterns of use/ Abuse
Rarely is immeadiate reinforcement felt No discrimination High placebo response Taken 1-2 times per week beneficial effects take weeks to show Some but not all self-administered in animal models No psychoactive effects in humans Use pattern is systematic and spread out over a long period of time Often stashed for use at a later time
Abuser Profile
Athlete- For greater athletic performance
Bodyguard/police officer bouncer- greater physical stature
Highschooler- just for looks
Athlete abuser profile
Cycles, using different steroids in sequence, lasting 6-12 weeks
Plateauing avoided by staggering drugs at different times
Stacking
Using multiple steroids at same time and believing it is superior to using one
Pyramiding
Doses progressively increased and then decreased over the cycle
Agressive Abuser Profile
Doses are typically high, but shorter runs
Not combined with exercise
Use begins late in life
Oral preparations preferred
Appearance Abuser Profile
Low doses than athletes use
Weight gain due to water retention
Highschool 5% boys, 1% girls
Oral preparations preferred
Steroid Dependence
Withdrawal symptoms reported Craving Fatigue Depression Reslessness Anorexia Sleep Disorder Headache
Erythropoetin
EPO
Natural hormone secreted by kidneys
Acts on bone marrow to make more red blood cells
Recombinant EPO is synthetic version
Approved for use in AZT treated HIV+ with kidney disease
EPO Side Effects
Chest pain, swelling due to fluid retention, fast pulse, headache, high blood pressure, increased RBC
Clenbuterol Dilabuterol
Not a steriod, beta 2 agonist
used to increase breathing and strength for trating asthma
Claims to increase in muscle mass have not been confirmed
Slows the loss of muscle mass in diseases
Lab tests now available
Androstenedione
Steroid hormone
Structurally related to testosterone, easily converted
Not as potent as testosterone
Used by athletes to increase muscle strength and stamina
Androstenedione Mechanism of Action
Binds to cell receptors
Increases protein synthesis
Diuretics
Increases urine flow/production
Not ergogenic
Used to clear banned substances from urine quickly to avoid detection
Can be used to reduce weight for sports
Can result in dehydration
Can decrease performance in endurance sports because dehydration decreases plasma volume
Banned by all athletic organizations
Human Growth Hormone
Hormone released from the pituitary gland
Regulates growth
Injectable route
Used by athletes to increase muscle and body size
Anabolic effects increased if used with thyroid and insulin
May increase burning of body fat- effects not consistent
Not likely to enhance endurance
Has to be injected daily and sometimes divided into multiple doses
Occasionally may be good, mimics natural release
banned, but no tests for detection
Creatine
Nutrient found in red meat
Produces energy, restores muscle
Increases lean body mass, likely due to retention
Long term effects not studies
