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Emmert ME, Emmert AS, Goh Q, Cornwall R. Sexual dimorphisms in skeletal muscle: current concepts and research horizons. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2024; 137:274-299. [PMID: 38779763 PMCID: PMC11343095 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00529.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex compositional and functional nature of skeletal muscle makes this organ an essential topic of study for biomedical researchers and clinicians. An additional layer of complexity is added with the consideration of sex as a biological variable. Recent research advances have revealed sexual dimorphisms in developmental biology, muscle homeostasis, adaptive responses, and disorders relating to skeletal muscle. Many of the observed sex differences have hormonal and molecular mechanistic underpinnings, whereas others have yet to be elucidated. Future research is needed to investigate the mechanisms dictating sex-based differences in the various aspects of skeletal muscle. As such, it is necessary that skeletal muscle biologists ensure that both female and male subjects are represented in biomedical and clinical studies to facilitate the successful testing and development of therapeutics for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E Emmert
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Andrew S Emmert
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Qingnian Goh
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Roger Cornwall
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
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2
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Braga APC, Ribeiro BC, de Pádua Gandra RA, de Oliveira Chiavaioli GM, Costa SM. Do steroid abusers have more temporomandibular joint symptoms? A study with 97 bodybuilders. Cranio 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38785117 DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2024.2357053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are derivatives of testosterone, used to treat gonadal disturbances, performance enhancement, and aesthetic purposes. AAS abuse can lead to side effects, including androgenic, cardiovascular, and liver disturbances, effects on libido, gynecomastia, and behavioral effects. There is a hypothesis that some joint tissues may be targets for sex hormones, and the use of AAS without medical follow-up may exacerbate temporomandibular joint problems in patients seeking performance and aesthetics. METHODS In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on AAS abusers who voluntarily presented themselves for clinical evaluation. Patients were subdivided by sex and age group, and the length of AAS use and symptoms such as headache, tinnitus, and temporomandibular joint pain were evaluated. RESULTS It was observed that drug usage is related to symptoms. CONCLUSION The results suggest that AAS use without medical follow-up may exacerbate temporomandibular joint problems, especially in patients with low estrogen levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Corlaite Braga
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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3
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Karila D, Kerlan V, Christin-Maitre S. Androgenic steroid excess in women. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2024; 85:142-149. [PMID: 38040089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Excessive use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in sport occurs among professional athletes but increasingly also in amateurs. Prevalence of steroid use has been on the rise for a number of years. While the practice involves mostly men, it also occurs in women with an estimated prevalence of 1.6%. Since 2014, a 'steroid passport' has operated for sports people in competition that is based on longitudinal urinary and blood steroid levels, measured by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Androgen excess stimulates muscle growth and improves muscle performance. However, their consumption carries numerous side effects, including myocardial hypertrophy; altered lipid metabolism and pro-thrombotic effects. The excess of AAS is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Data for their effects in women is lacking. Perturbations of the menstrual cycle are common in female athletes, with spaniomenorrhea and even amenorrhea. This can be a consequence of gonadotropin insufficiency due to negative caloric balance, but may also be due to endogenous or exogenous hyperandrogenism. The use of AAS is probably underestimated as a public health issue, particularly in women, and thus presents a prevention challenge for healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphné Karila
- Service d'endocrinologie, diabétologie et médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75012 Paris, France; Sorbonne université, 75006 Paris, France.
| | - Véronique Kerlan
- Service d'endocrinologie, hôpital de Brest, université de Bretagne-Occidentale, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Sophie Christin-Maitre
- Service d'endocrinologie, diabétologie et médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75012 Paris, France; Sorbonne université, 75006 Paris, France
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4
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Oberlin DJ. Sex differences and athletic performance. Where do trans individuals fit into sports and athletics based on current research? Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1224476. [PMID: 37964771 PMCID: PMC10641525 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1224476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
There are well known sex differences in parameters of physical fitness/performance due to changes occurring during sexual development. Thus, many sport and athletic events have regulations separating male and female participants. However, the inclusion or exclusion of transgender individuals in athletics has recently received outsized attention despite relatively few cases of transgender athletes. When determining which athletic gender category trans individuals should be permitted to compete in, it is important to understand the level of physical fitness/performance these individuals possess relative to their cisgender counterparts. Unfortunately, there are few studies investigating this topic, and several complications that confound this research. The current review seeks to discuss sex and gender as concepts, review sex differences in fitness/performance and how they develop, and then, consider how current evidence suggests that trans individuals compare to cis individuals. Finally, this review seeks to offer considerations for whether trans individuals should be excluded from sports and athletics, and how future research should proceed to better understand this marginalized population.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. J. Oberlin
- Department of Exercise Sciences and Recreation, City University of New York, Lehman College, Bronx, NY, United States
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5
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McLarnon M, Thornton J, Knudson G, Jones N, Glover D, Murray A, Cummings M, Heron N. A Scoping Review of Transgender Policies in the 15 Most Commonly Played UK Professional Sports. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3568. [PMID: 36834264 PMCID: PMC9964021 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been much debate recently on the participation of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) athletes in sport, particularly in relation to fairness, safety and inclusion. The 2021 IOC Framework on Fairness, Inclusion and Non-discrimination acknowledges the central role that eligibility criteria play in ensuring fairness, particularly in the female category, and states that athletes should not be excluded solely on the basis of their TGD identity. AIMS To identify policies that address TGD athlete participation in the 15 major United Kingdom (UK) sporting organisations and to summarise the evidence for each of these policies. METHODS A scoping review of TGD policies from the 15 major UK sporting organisations. RESULTS Eleven of the governing bodies had publicly available TGD policies. Most of the sporting associations drew guidance from the official 2015 IOC Consensus Meeting on Sex Reassignment and Hyperandrogenism, particularly with regard to physiological testosterone levels. Many organisations referenced their policies as a guide for decision making but stated that they ultimately made case-by-case decisions on an athlete's eligibility. Relevant considerations not addressed in most policies included pre- versus post-pubertal athletes, justification for testosterone thresholds, the length of time out of competitive action (if any) for transitioning athletes, the irreversible advantage from male puberty (if any), the responsibility for and frequency of follow up for hormonal testing and the consequences for athletes outside set testosterone limits. CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of consensus among the top 15 UK sporting organizations relating to elite sport participation for TGD athletes. It would be useful for sport organizations to work together to develop greater standardization/consensus for TGD athlete policies, taking into consideration fairness, safety and inclusion in each sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael McLarnon
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Jane Thornton
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Gail Knudson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Nigel Jones
- Medical Department, British Cycling, Manchester M11 4DQ, UK
| | - Danny Glover
- Medical and Scientific Department, Ladies European Tour (Various), Denham UB9 5PG, UK
| | - Andrew Murray
- Sport and Exercise, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Michael Cummings
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Neil Heron
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Medical Department, British Cycling, Manchester M11 4DQ, UK
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
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6
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Di Luigi L, Greco EA, Fossati C, Aversa A, Sgrò P, Antinozzi C. Clinical Concerns on Sex Steroids Variability in Cisgender and Transgender Women Athletes. Int J Sports Med 2023; 44:81-94. [PMID: 36174581 DOI: 10.1055/a-1909-1196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In the female athletic community, there are several endogenous and exogenous variables that influence the status of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis and serum sex steroid hormones concentrations (e. g., 17β-estradiol, progesterone, androgens) and their effects. Moreover, female athletes with different sex chromosome abnormalities exist (e. g., 46XX, 46XY, and mosaicism). Due to the high variability of sex steroid hormones serum concentrations and responsiveness, female athletes may have different intra- and inter-individual biological and functional characteristics, health conditions, and sports-related health risks that can influence sports performance and eligibility. Consequently, biological, functional, and/or sex steroid differences may exist in the same and in between 46XX female athletes (e. g., ovarian rhythms, treated or untreated hypogonadism and hyperandrogenism), between 46XX and 46XY female athletes (e. g., treated or untreated hyperandrogenism/disorders of sexual differentiation), and between transgender women and eugonadal cisgender athletes. From a healthcare perspective, dedicated physicians need awareness, knowledge, and an understanding of sex steroid hormones' variability and related health concerns in female athletes to support physiologically healthy, safe, fair, and inclusive sports participation. In this narrative overview, we focus on the main clinical relationships between hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis function, endogenous sex steroids and health status, health risks, and sports performance in the heterogeneous female athletic community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Di Luigi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela A Greco
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy.,Department of Science of Movement, Università degli Studi Niccolò Cusano, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Fossati
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Paolo Sgrò
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Antinozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
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7
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Collomp K, Ericsson M, Bernier N, Buisson C. Prevalence of Prohibited Substance Use and Methods by Female Athletes: Evidence of Gender-Related Differences. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:839976. [PMID: 35685685 PMCID: PMC9172204 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.839976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To achieve optimal sports performances, women and men may show specific doping practices because of the physiological and psychological gender differences, but there are few data on this topic. Here, we report the apparent use of prohibited substances and methods by female athletes based on analyses of the doping tests collected by the French Anti-Doping Agency from 2013 to 2019. We compared the frequency of use and the ergogenic and side effects to those of their male counterparts. The results revealed lower use of prohibited substances in female vs. male athletes, with significantly fewer anabolic agents, hormone and metabolic modulators, and cannabinoids. Gender specificity in utilization of substance classes was also shown. Relatively lower use of hormone modulators and cannabinoids and higher use of beta-2 agonists, diuretics and glucocorticoids were found in the woman cohort compared with men cohort, combined with the different choice of substances, possibly because of the altered ergogenic and/or side effects. However, no impact due to gender regarding the sports disciplines was observed, with both women and men showing similar use of anabolic agents, mainly in the anaerobic sports, and EPO and corticoids, mainly in endurance or mixed sports. Further studies are needed to put these French data into a global perspective, comparing uses across countries and exploring possible new developments in the fight against doping in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Collomp
- CIAMS, Université d'Orléans, Pôle STAPS, Orléans, France
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Orsay, France
- Laboratoire AntiDopage Français, LADF, Université Paris-Saclay, Chatenay-Malabry, France
- *Correspondence: Katia Collomp
| | - Magnus Ericsson
- Laboratoire AntiDopage Français, LADF, Université Paris-Saclay, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Nathan Bernier
- CIAMS, Université d'Orléans, Pôle STAPS, Orléans, France
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Orsay, France
| | - Corinne Buisson
- Laboratoire AntiDopage Français, LADF, Université Paris-Saclay, Chatenay-Malabry, France
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8
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Abdi M, Lotfolahi Z, Zareie M, Saeidi M, Amini K, Torkmandi H, Ghodrati S. ARDS, Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage and Pericardial Effusion due to Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids Consumption: Legal and Ethical Policy in Medical Education. TANAFFOS 2022; 21:239-248. [PMID: 36879726 PMCID: PMC9985117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are one of the ingredients of herbal and dietary supplements that are popular among sports trainers. AAS abuse predisposes everyone to several complications. Reviews of the literature on AAS users have shown mainly skin, renal, and hepatic complications. In this case report, we presented a case with simultaneous complications, including diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pericardial effusion, gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), and acute kidney injury (AKI). Given the potential for lethal complications and the consequences of ethical, civil, and criminal law, it seems that specific policies will be considered for the use of bodybuilding drugs. It is also suggested that this approach be added as a new part of the medical curriculum. Also, ARDS and DAH are unreported side effects in other studies, which is suggested to be considered by specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abdi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Lotfolahi
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Zareie
- Department of Nursing, School of Rehabilitation, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saeidi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Kourosh Amini
- Zanjan Social Determinations of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Hojjat Torkmandi
- Department of Operating Room, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Samad Ghodrati
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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9
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the most recent evidence regarding nonprescribed androgen use among women and trans men. RECENT FINDINGS Fourteen heterogeneous studies met inclusion criteria. Three provided lifetime prevalence estimates among particular subgroups (from 0.5 to 8%), whereas one longitudinal study found adverse childhood experiences predicted later nonprescribed androgen use. Mental health and substance problems appear to correlate with severity of use, but evidence is mixed as to whether female users had lower or equal mental health burdens compared to male users. Studies that discuss motivation highlighted the dynamic risk management that underlies decisions to continue use; benefits have to outweigh undesired effects, whereas some sexual side effects are re-framed to be positive. Finally, a theme among qualitative studies is the gendered experiences of nonprescribed androgen use, and the search for knowledge and communities created by women. SUMMARY Prevalence, side effects, and trajectories of use appear to be different for women than men. Women users need gender-specific information, although some are able to navigate male-dominated knowledge sources and are creating a female ethnopharmacology that privileges women's experiences. Health research, including epidemiology, gravely needs a gender perspective when examining nonprescribed androgen use, and one that is inclusive of transgender people.
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10
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Bhasin S, Hatfield DL, Hoffman JR, Kraemer WJ, Labotz M, Phillips SM, Ratamess NA. Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use in Sports, Health, and Society. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 53:1778-1794. [PMID: 34261998 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This consensus statement is an update of the 1987 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) position stand on the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Substantial data have been collected since the previous position stand, and AAS use patterns have changed significantly. The ACSM acknowledges that lawful and ethical therapeutic use of AAS is now an accepted mainstream treatment for several clinical disorders; however, there is increased recognition that AAS are commonly used illicitly to enhance performance and appearance in several segments of the population, including competitive athletes. The illicit use of AAS by competitive athletes is contrary to the rules and ethics of many sport governing bodies. Thus, the ACSM deplores the illicit use of AAS for athletic and recreational purposes. This consensus statement provides a brief history of AAS use, an update on the science of how we now understand AAS to be working metabolically/biochemically, potential side effects, the prevalence of use among athletes, and the use of AAS in clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalender Bhasin
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Disa L Hatfield
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
| | - Jay R Hoffman
- Department of Physical Therapy, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - William J Kraemer
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | | | | | - Nicholas A Ratamess
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
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11
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Lima G, Muniz-Pardos B, Kolliari-Turner A, Hamilton B, Guppy FM, Grivas G, Bosch A, Borrione P, DI Gianfrancesco A, Fossati C, Pigozzi F, Pitsiladis Y. Anti-doping and other sport integrity challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2021; 61:1173-1183. [PMID: 34256541 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.21.12777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had an unprecedent impact on the world of sport and society at large. Many of the challenges with respect to integrity previously facing competitive sport have been accentuated further during the pandemic. Threats to the integrity of sporting competition include traditional doping, issues of technological fairness, and integration of transgender and intersex athletes in elite sport. The enforced lull in competitive sport provides an unprecedented opportunity for stakeholders in sport to focus on unresolved integrity issues and develop and implement long-lasting solutions. There needs to be a concerted effort to focus on the many technological innovations accelerated by and perfected during COVID-19 that have enabled us to work from home, such as teaching students on-line, applications for medical advice, prescriptions and referrals, and treating patients in hospitals/care homes via video links and use these developments and innovations to enhance sport integrity and anti-doping procedures. Positive sports integrity actions will require a considered application of all such technology, as well as the inclusion of "omics" technology, big data, bioinformatics and machine learning/artificial intelligence approaches to modernize sport. Applications include protecting the health of athletes, considered non-discriminative integration of athletes into elite sport, intelligent remote testing to improve the frequency of anti-doping tests, detection windows, and the potential combination with omics technology to improve the tests' sensitivity and specificity in order to protect clean athletes and deter doping practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giscard Lima
- Foro Italico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Centre for Stress and Age Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.,School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, UK
| | - Borja Muniz-Pardos
- GENUD Research Group, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Blair Hamilton
- Centre for Stress and Age Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.,School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Fergus M Guppy
- Centre for Stress and Age Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Gerasimos Grivas
- Division of Humanities and Political Sciences, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Hellenic Naval Academy, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Andrew Bosch
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paolo Borrione
- Foro Italico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,NADO Italia, National Antidoping Organization, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia DI Gianfrancesco
- Foro Italico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,NADO Italia, National Antidoping Organization, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Fossati
- Foro Italico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,NADO Italia, National Antidoping Organization, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Pigozzi
- Foro Italico University of Rome, Rome, Italy - .,Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yannis Pitsiladis
- Foro Italico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Centre for Stress and Age Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.,International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
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12
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Bianchi VE, Bresciani E, Meanti R, Rizzi L, Omeljaniuk RJ, Torsello A. The role of androgens in women's health and wellbeing. Pharmacol Res 2021; 171:105758. [PMID: 34242799 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Androgens in women, as well as in men, are intrinsic to maintenance of (i) reproductive competency, (ii) cardiac health, (iii) appropriate bone remodeling and mass retention, (iii) muscle tone and mass, and (iv) brain function, in part, through their mitigation of neurodegenerative disease effects. In recognition of the pluripotency of endogenous androgens, exogenous androgens, and selected congeners, have been prescribed off-label for several decades to treat low libido and sexual dysfunction in menopausal women, as well as, to improve physical performance. However, long-term safety and efficacy of androgen administration has yet to be fully elucidated. Side effects often observed include (i) hirsutism, (ii) acne, (iii) deepening of the voice, and (iv) weight gain but are associated most frequently with supra-physiological doses. By contrast, short-term clinical trials suggest that the use of low-dose testosterone therapy in women appears to be effective, safe and economical. There are, however, few clinical studies, which have focused on effects of androgen therapy on pre- and post-menopausal women; moreover, androgen mechanisms of action have not yet been thoroughly explained in these subjects. This review considers clinical effects of androgens on women's health in order to prevent chronic diseases and reduce cancer risk in gynecological tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio E Bianchi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Center Stella Maris, Strada Rovereta 42, Falciano 47891, San Marino.
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Ramona Meanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Robert J Omeljaniuk
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
| | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
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13
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Cardinale DA, Horwath O, Elings-Knutsson J, Helge T, Godhe M, Bermon S, Moberg M, Flockhart M, Larsen FJ, Hirschberg AL, Ekblom B. Enhanced Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Capacity and Capillary-to-Fiber Ratio Following Moderately Increased Testosterone Exposure in Young Healthy Women. Front Physiol 2020; 11:585490. [PMID: 33343388 PMCID: PMC7745722 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.585490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recently, it was shown that exogenously administered testosterone enhances endurance capacity in women. In this study, our understanding on the effects of exogenous testosterone on key determinants of oxygen transport and utilization in skeletal muscle is expanded. Methods: In a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 48 healthy active women were randomized to 10 weeks of daily application of 10 mg of testosterone cream or placebo. Before and after the intervention, VO2 max, body composition, total hemoglobin (Hb) mass and blood volumes were assessed. Biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle were obtained before and after the intervention to assess mitochondrial protein abundance, capillary density, capillary-to-fiber (C/F) ratio, and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. Results: Maximal oxygen consumption per muscle mass, Hb mass, blood, plasma and red blood cell volumes, capillary density, and the abundance of mitochondrial protein levels (i.e., citrate synthase, complexes I, II, III, IV-subunit 2, IV-subunit 4, and V) were unchanged by the intervention. However, the C/F ratio, specific mitochondrial respiratory flux activating complex I and linked complex I and II, uncoupled respiration and electron transport system capacity, but not leak respiration or fat respiration, were significantly increased following testosterone administration compared to placebo. Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into physiological actions of increased testosterone exposure on key determinants of oxygen diffusion and utilization in skeletal muscle of women. Our findings show that higher skeletal muscle oxidative capacity coupled to higher C/F ratio could be major contributing factors that improve endurance performance following moderately increased testosterone exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele A Cardinale
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden.,Elite Performance Centre, Bosön - Swedish Sports Confederation, Lidingö, Sweden
| | - Oscar Horwath
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jona Elings-Knutsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Helge
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manne Godhe
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Marcus Moberg
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Flockhart
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip J Larsen
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Ekblom
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Khattab A, Marshall I, Radovick S. Controversies surrounding female athletes with differences in sexual development. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:2738-2740. [DOI: 10.1172/jci138479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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15
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Horwath O, Apró W, Moberg M, Godhe M, Helge T, Ekblom M, Hirschberg AL, Ekblom B. Fiber type-specific hypertrophy and increased capillarization in skeletal muscle following testosterone administration in young women. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 128:1240-1250. [PMID: 32191598 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00893.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that testosterone administration induces muscle fiber hypertrophy and myonuclear addition in men; however, it remains to be determined whether similar morphological adaptations can be achieved in women. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate whether exogenously administered testosterone alters muscle fiber morphology in skeletal muscle of young healthy, physically active women. Thirty-five young (20-35 yr), recreationally trained women were randomly assigned to either 10-wk testosterone administration (10 mg daily) or placebo. Before and after the intervention, hormone concentrations and body composition were assessed, and muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis. Fiber type composition, fiber size, satellite cell and myonuclei content, as well as muscle capillarization were assessed in a fiber type-specific manner by immunohistochemistry. After the intervention, testosterone administration elevated serum testosterone concentration (5.1-fold increase, P = 0.001) and induced significant accretion of total lean mass (+1.9%, P = 0.002) and leg lean mass (+2.4%, P = 0.001). On the muscle fiber level, testosterone increased mixed-fiber cross-sectional area (+8.2%, P = 0.001), an effect primarily driven by increases in type II fiber size (9.2%, P = 0.006). Whereas myonuclei content remained unchanged, a numerical increase (+30.8%) was found for satellite cells associated with type II fibers in the Testosterone group. In parallel with fiber hypertrophy, testosterone significantly increased capillary contacts (+7.5%, P = 0.015) and capillary-to-fiber ratio (+9.2%, P = 0.001) in type II muscle fibers. The present study provides novel insight into fiber type-specific adaptations present already after 10 wk of only moderately elevated testosterone levels in women.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We have recently demonstrated performance-enhancing effects of moderately elevated testosterone concentrations in young women. Here we present novel evidence that testosterone alters muscle morphology in these women, resulting in type II fiber hypertrophy and improved capillarization. Our findings suggest that low doses of testosterone potently impact skeletal muscle after only 10 wk. These data provide unique insights into muscle adaptation and support the performance-enhancing role of testosterone in women on the muscle fiber level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Horwath
- Åstrand Laboratory, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - William Apró
- Åstrand Laboratory, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Moberg
- Åstrand Laboratory, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manne Godhe
- Department of Sport Performance and Training, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Helge
- Department of Sport Performance and Training, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Ekblom
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Ekblom
- Åstrand Laboratory, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Gamble N, Pruski M. Why are there no platypuses at the Olympics?: A teleological case for athletes with disorders of sexual development to compete within their sex category. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE 2020; 32:v32i1a7918. [PMID: 36818986 PMCID: PMC9924582 DOI: 10.17159/2078-516x/2020/v32i1a7918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In mid-2019, the controversy regarding South African runner Caster Semenya's eligibility to participate in competitions against other female runners culminated in a Court of Arbitration for Sport judgement. Semenya possessed high endogenous testosterone levels (arguably a performance advantage), secondary to a disorder of sexual development. In this commentary, Aristotelean teleology is used to defend the existence of 'male' and 'female' as discrete categories. It is argued that once the athlete's sex is established, they should be allowed to compete in the category of their sex without obligatory medical treatment. Indeed, other athletes who possess advantageous genetic or phenotypic traits that fall outside of the human norm have been allowed to compete as humans without restraint. In both cases, if an athlete possesses the essential attributes of being a human or being male or female they should be permitted to compete in those respective categories; athletes' eligibilities should not be based upon accidental attributes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gamble
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry,
Canada,London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, University of London,
United Kingdom
| | - M Pruski
- Critical Care Science Team, Oxford Road Site, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust,
United Kingdom,School of Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University,
United Kingdom
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneela Vegunta
- Division of Women's Health Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Juliana M. Kling
- Division of Women's Health Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Ekta Kapoor
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Women's Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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18
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Anawalt BD. Diagnosis and Management of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Use. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:2490-2500. [PMID: 30753550 PMCID: PMC6517163 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The lifetime prevalence of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use is estimated at 1% to 5% worldwide. AAS use occurs primarily male elite athletes and men who want a muscular appearance. The evidence for effective, safe management of AAS cessation and withdrawal is weak. DESIGN Key studies were extracted from PubMed (1990-2018) and Google Scholar with reference searches from relevant retrieved articles. RESULTS The proven adverse effects of AASs include suppression of the gonadal axis and infertility, hirsutism and defeminization in women, and erythrocytosis. Alkylated AASs that are taken orally may cause hepatopathy. There is an association between high-dosage AAS use and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Clues for AAS use include very low serum high-density cholesterol and sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations and unexplained erythrocytosis. For elite athletes, the biological passport (monitoring of blood or urinary androgen and androgen precursor concentrations after determining the athlete's baseline) is useful for detecting AAS use. For nonelite athletes, the best method to confirm AAS use is to inquire in a nonjudgmental manner. Cessation of chronic AAS use is associated with a withdrawal syndrome of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS Men who use AASs <1 year typically recover normal hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis function within 1 year after cessation. Men who have infertility due to high-dosage AAS use ≥1 year might benefit from short-term treatment with clomiphene or human chorionic gonadotropin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Bradley D. Anawalt, MD, Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Box 356420, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, Washington 98195. E-mail:
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19
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McDuff D, Stull T, Castaldelli-Maia JM, Hitchcock ME, Hainline B, Reardon CL. Recreational and ergogenic substance use and substance use disorders in elite athletes: a narrative review. Br J Sports Med 2019; 53:754-760. [PMID: 31097457 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-100669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substances from various classes may be used for recreational purposes, self-treatment or to boost performance. When substance use shifts from occasional to regular, heavy or hazardous use, positive and negative effects can develop that vary by substance class and athlete. Regular use of recreational or performance enhancing substances can lead to misuse, sanctions or use disorders. OBJECTIVE To review the prevalence, patterns of use, risk factors, performance effects and types of intervention for all classes of recreational and performance enhancing substances in elite athletes by sport, ethnicity, country and gender. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies that compared the prevalence and patterns of substance use, misuse and use disorders in elite athletes with those of non-athletes and provided detailed demographic and sport variations in reasons for use, risk factors and performance effects for each main substance class. RESULTS Alcohol, cannabis, tobacco (nicotine) and prescribed opioids and stimulants are the most commonly used substances in elite athletes, but generally used at lower rates than in non-athletes. In contrast, use/misuse rates for binge alcohol, oral tobacco, non-prescription opioids and anabolic-androgenic steroids are higher among athletes than non-athletes, especially in power and collision sports. Cannabis/cannabinoids seem to have replaced nicotine as the second most commonly used substance. CONCLUSIONS Substance use in elite athletes varies by country, ethnicity, gender, sport and competitive level. There are no studies on substance use disorder prevalence in elite male and female athletes and few studies with direct comparison groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- David McDuff
- Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA .,MD Sports Performance, Ellicott, Maryland, USA
| | - Todd Stull
- Athletics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln University Health Center, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - João Mauricio Castaldelli-Maia
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, Fundação do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Mary E Hitchcock
- Ebling Library for the Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Brian Hainline
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Claudia L Reardon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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20
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Vieira TM, Rossi Junior WC, Da Ré Guerra F, Damião B, Marques PP, Esteves A. Effect of testosterone cypionate and stanozolol on the heart of young trained mice: A morphometric study. Steroids 2019; 145:19-22. [PMID: 30772437 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone cypionate and Stanozolol are Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) which are synthetic substances that possess functions similar to testosterone. The use of these substances has increased considerably among youngsters and sports practitioners aiming better performance of with aesthetic purposes. The major concern is the effects caused by the inappropriate use of the substances, such as hypertension, myocardial ischemia, and left ventricle hypertrophy. The objective of the present research was to measure the diameter of the left ventricle lumen and the thickness of the left ventricle myocardium in mice submitted to supraphysiological doses of AAS. A total of 30 female Swiss mice were used in the experiments. The animals received supraphysiological doses of the AAS for 30 days, and during the treatment period, they were put to swim in intercalated days. After treatment animals were euthanized and slides were made from the hearts for measurements. Results demonstrated that both AAS changed significantly the heart morphology: Testosterone cypionate led to an increase in the ventricular lumen and stanozolol increased left ventricle myocardium thickness. In conclusion, the use of AAS in supraphysiological doses can change the heart morphology and can lead to serious health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Martins Vieira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Wagner Costa Rossi Junior
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Flávia Da Ré Guerra
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Bruno Damião
- Doctorate in the Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Petrus Pires Marques
- Department of Morphology, Medical School, José Vellano University, Unifenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Esteves
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil.
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21
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Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Geyer H. Annual banned-substance review: Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:8-26. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Cologne Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents; Cologne Germany
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses; University Center of Legal Medicine, Genève and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne; Epalinges Switzerland
| | - Hans Geyer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Cologne Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents; Cologne Germany
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22
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Clark RV, Wald JA, Swerdloff RS, Wang C, Wu FCW, Bowers LD, Matsumoto AM. Large divergence in testosterone concentrations between men and women: Frame of reference for elite athletes in sex-specific competition in sports, a narrative review. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2019; 90:15-22. [PMID: 30136295 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this narrative review was to summarize available data on testosterone levels in normal, healthy adult males and females, to provide a physiologic reference framework to evaluate testosterone levels reported in males and females with conditions that elevate androgens, such as disorders of sex development (DSD), and to determine the separation or overlap of testosterone levels between normal and affected males and females. METHODS A literature review was conducted for published papers, from peer reviewed journals, reporting testosterone levels in healthy males and females, males with 46XY DSD, and females with hyperandrogenism due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Papers were selected that had adequate characterization of participants, and description of the methodology for measurement of serum testosterone and reporting of results. RESULTS In the healthy, normal males and females, there was a clear bimodal distribution of testosterone levels, with the lower end of the male range being four- to fivefold higher than the upper end of the female range(males 8.8-30.9 nmol/L, females 0.4-2.0 nmol/L). Individuals with 46XY DSD, specifically those with 5-alpha reductase deficiency, type 2 and androgen insensitivity syndrome testosterone levels that were within normal male range. Females with PCOS or congenital adrenal hyperplasia were above the normal female range but still below the normal male range. CONCLUSIONS Existing studies strongly support a bimodal distribution of serum testosterone levels in females compared to males. These data should be considered in the discussion of female competition eligibility in individuals with possible DSD or hyperandrogenism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard V Clark
- United States Anti-Doping Agency, Colorado Springs, Colorado
| | | | - Ronald S Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, LA Biomedical Research Institute, Harbor-Univ of Calif-LA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, LA Biomedical Research Institute, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-Univ of Calif-LA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Alvin M Matsumoto
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, V.A. Puget Sound Health Care System, and Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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23
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Basaria S. Use of performance-enhancing (and image-enhancing) drugs: A growing problem in need of a solution. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 464:1-3. [PMID: 29426019 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shehzad Basaria
- Section of Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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