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Ronchi SN, Mass EMSW, Bernardina NRD, de Melo Júnior AF, Dos Santos WC, de Andrade TU, Brasil GA, Bissoli NS. Low and high doses of oxandrolone promote pathological cardiac remodeling in young male rats. Steroids 2021; 170:108814. [PMID: 33727119 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2021.108814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxandrolone (OXA) used in clinical practice, however, its misuse is frequent, including by adolescents pursuing an aesthetic goal. However, the impacts of noxious doses on the cardiovascular system remain unknown. AIM To investigate cardiac effects of OXA in low (LD) and high (HD) doses. METHODS Male Wistar prepubescent rats were separated into 3 experimental groups: control (CON), LD, and HD. Only the CON group received the carrier (carboxymethylcellulose, 0.5%), while the LD and HD groups received, respectively, 2.5 and 37.5 mg/kg/day of OXA via gavage for 4 weeks. The hemodynamic parameters (+dP/dtmax, -dP/dtmin, and Tau) and cardiac autonomic tonus were assessed. Hearts were retrieved for histological analyses and oxidative stress evaluation. Expression levels of calcium-handling proteins were measured by western blot. RESULTS The OXA treatment changed neither the cardiac contractility nor the cardiac autonomic tonus. However, cardiac hypertrophy, collagen deposition, and increased angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) expression were observed in a dose-dependent way. Also, the p-phospholamban (p-PLB)/PLB ratio was observed to decrease and increase, respectively, in the LD and HD groups; the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a)/PLB ratio being higher in both groups. OXA increased SOD1 expression and decreased catalase expression only in the LD group, and protein oxidation was increased in HD. CONCLUSION Both doses of OXA could promote pathological cardiac remodeling, probably via increased ACE, and these effects were exacerbated in the HD treatment, but cardiac contractility was not affected regardless of the dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas Nascimento Ronchi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nazaré Souza Bissoli
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
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Adverse Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: A Literature Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9010097. [PMID: 33477800 PMCID: PMC7832337 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are a large group of molecules including endogenously produced androgens, such as testosterone, as well as synthetically manufactured derivatives. AAS use is widespread due to their ability to improve muscle growth for aesthetic purposes and athletes’ performance, minimizing androgenic effects. AAS use is very popular and 1–3% of US inhabitants have been estimated to be AAS users. However, AASs have side effects, involving all organs, tissues and body functions, especially long-term toxicity involving the cardiovascular system and the reproductive system, thereby, their abuse is considered a public health issue. The aim of the proposed review is to highlight the most recent evidence regarding the mechanisms of action of AASs and their unwanted effects on organs and lifestyle, as well as suggesting that AAS misuse and abuse lead to adverse effects in all body tissues and organs. Oxidative stress, apoptosis, and protein synthesis alteration are common mechanisms involved in AAS-related damage in the whole body. The cardiovascular system and the reproductive system are the most frequently involved apparatuses. Epidemiology as well as the molecular and pathological mechanisms involved in the neuropsychiatric side-effects of AAS abuse are still unclear, further research is needed in this field. In addition, diagnostically reliable tests for AAS abuse should be standardized. In this regard, to prevent the use of AASs, public health measures in all settings are crucial. These measures consist of improved knowledge among healthcare workers, proper doping screening tests, educational interventions, and updated legislation.
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Torrisi M, Pennisi G, Russo I, Amico F, Esposito M, Liberto A, Cocimano G, Salerno M, Li Rosi G, Di Nunno N, Montana A. Sudden Cardiac Death in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users: A Literature Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56110587. [PMID: 33158202 PMCID: PMC7694262 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56110587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are a group of synthetic molecules derived from testosterone and its related precursors. AASs are widely used illicitly by adolescents and athletes, especially by bodybuilders, both for aesthetic uses and as performance enhancers to increase muscle growth and lean body mass. When used illicitly they can damage health and cause disorders affecting several functions. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most common medical cause of death in athletes. SCD in athletes has also been associated with the use of performance-enhancing drugs. This review aimed to focus on deaths related to AAS abuse to investigate the cardiac pathophysiological mechanism that underlies this type of death, which still needs to be fully investigated. Materials and Methods: This review was conducted using PubMed Central and Google Scholar databases, until 21 July 2020, using the following key terms: “((Sudden cardiac death) OR (Sudden death)) AND ((androgenic anabolic steroid) OR (androgenic anabolic steroids) OR (anabolic-androgenic steroids) OR (anabolic-androgenic steroid))”. Thirteen articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, for a total of 33 reported cases. Results: Of the 33 cases, 31 (93.9%) were males while only 2 (61%) were females. Mean age was 29.79 and, among sportsmen, the most represented sports activity was bodybuilding. In all cases there was a history of AAS abuse or a physical phenotype suggesting AAS use; the total usage period was unspecified in most cases. In 24 cases the results of the toxicological analysis were reported. The most detected AASs were nandrolone, testosterone, and stanozolol. The most frequently reported macroscopic alterations were cardiomegaly and left ventricular hypertrophy, while the histological alterations were foci of fibrosis and necrosis of the myocardial tissue. Conclusions: Four principal mechanisms responsible for SCD have been proposed in AAS abusers: the atherogenic model, the thrombosis model, the model of vasospasm induced by the release of nitric oxide, and the direct myocardial injury model. Hypertrophy, fibrosis, and necrosis represent a substrate for arrhythmias, especially when combined with exercise. Indeed, AAS use has been shown to change physiological cardiac remodeling of athletes to pathophysiological cardiac hypertrophy with an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Torrisi
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Giuliana Pennisi
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Ilenia Russo
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Francesco Amico
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Aldo Liberto
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Cocimano
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Monica Salerno
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Li Rosi
- Department of Law, Criminology, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Nunzio Di Nunno
- Department of History, Society and Studies on Humanity, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Angelo Montana
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3287655428
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Seara FAC, Pereira-Junior PP, Silva-Almeida C, Dos-Santos RC, Souza RN, Costa CRM, Domingos AE, Barbosa RAQ, Ferraz AP, Machado AAN, Ceccato VM, Takiya CM, Ponte CG, Reis LC, Olivares EL, Nascimento JHM. Anabolic steroid excess promotes hydroelectrolytic and autonomic imbalance in adult male rats: Is it enough to alter blood pressure? Steroids 2020; 163:108711. [PMID: 32739291 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM The present study investigated the effects of anabolic steroid (AS) excess on blood pressure regulation. METHODS Male Wistar rats were treated with nandrolone decanoate (AS) or vehicle (CTL) for 8 or 10 weeks. Saline (1.8%) and water intake were measured in metabolic cages. Urinary volume, osmolarity, Na+ and K+ concentrations, and plasma osmolarity were measured. The autonomic balance was estimated by heart rate variability at baseline or after icv injection of losartan. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and ex vivo recordings. Myocardial collagen deposition was evaluated by Picrosirius-Red staining. Vascular reactivity and wall thickness were investigated in aortic sections. Blood pressure (BP) was assessed by tail-cuff plethysmography. Angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R), renin, and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) mRNA expression was measured in the kidneys and whole hypothalamus. RESULTS AS group exhibited decreased urinary volume and Na+ concentration, while urinary K+ concentration, plasma osmolarity, and renal AT1R and renin mRNA levels were increased compared to CTL (p < 0.05). Water intake was increased, and saline intake was decreased in the AS group (p < 0.01). AS group exhibited increased low-frequency/high-frequency-ratio, while it was decreased by icv injection of losartan (p < 0.05) compared to baseline. Neither cardiac function nor vascular reactivity/morphology was affected by AS excess (p > 0.05). Ultimately, BP levels were not altered by AS excess (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION AS excess promoted hydroelectrolytic and autonomic imbalance but did not alter vascular or cardiac function/morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A C Seara
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Pedro P Pereira-Junior
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudio Silva-Almeida
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Estácio de Sá University, Brazil
| | - Raoni C Dos-Santos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raquel N Souza
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - César R M Costa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Multicenter Postgraduate Program of Physiological Sciences, Brazilian Society of Physiology, Brazil
| | - Ainá E Domingos
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raiana A Q Barbosa
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana P Ferraz
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André A N Machado
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Gene Expression, University of Ceará, Brazil
| | - Vânia M Ceccato
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Gene Expression, University of Ceará, Brazil
| | - Christina M Takiya
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiano G Ponte
- Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luis C Reis
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Multicenter Postgraduate Program of Physiological Sciences, Brazilian Society of Physiology, Brazil
| | - Emerson L Olivares
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Multicenter Postgraduate Program of Physiological Sciences, Brazilian Society of Physiology, Brazil
| | - Jose H M Nascimento
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Mullen C, Whalley BJ, Schifano F, Baker JS. Anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in the United Kingdom: An update. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:2180-2198. [PMID: 31989581 PMCID: PMC7174889 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are prescribed for medical conditions related to low testosterone. Abuse of AASs has surged as they become recognised as potent image enhancement drugs. The primary goal of most abusers is to obtain a more attractive outward appearance. Abuse is complex. There are a vast range of AAS substances illegally available, the nature of their true composition is difficult to evaluate. Users follow dosing patterns which incorporate a number of different AASs, in addition to other pharmaceutical substances believed to complement the desired physical effects or manage unwanted effects. Animal work and medical case reports suggest potential to cause serious hepatotoxicity, plus possible neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and damage to the cardiovascular and reproductive systems. As the long-term AASs users reach maturity, further controlled experimentation, with larger sample sizes, is required. Data gathering should be directed towards the most vulnerable group of AAS users, females and adolescent boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Mullen
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of the West of ScotlandPaisleyUK
| | - Benjamin J. Whalley
- School of Chemistry, Food and Nutritional Sciences, and PharmacyThe University of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- School of Life and Medical SciencesUniversity of HertfordshireHatfieldUK
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and HealthHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongHong Kong
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Seara FAC, Arantes PC, Domingos AE, Barbosa RAQ, Olivares EL, Sudo RT, Campos de Carvalho AC, Nascimento JHM. Cardiac electrical and contractile disorders promoted by anabolic steroid overdose are associated with late autonomic imbalance and impaired Ca 2+ handling. Steroids 2019; 148:1-10. [PMID: 31028764 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM Investigate cardiac electrical and mechanical dysfunctions elicited by chronic anabolic steroid (AS) overdose. METHODS Male Wistar rats were treated with nandrolone decanoate (DECA) or vehicle (CTL) for 8 weeks. Electrocardiography and heart rate variability were assessed at weeks 2, 4, and 8. Cardiac reactivity to isoproterenol was investigated in isolated rat hearts. Action potential duration (APD) was measured from left ventricular (LV) muscle strips. L-type Ca2+ current (ICaL), and transient outward potassium current (Ito) were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp in LV cardiomyocytes. Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+-induced contractile response sensitivity were evaluated in skinned cardiac fibers. Muscarinic type 2 receptor (M2R), β1-adrenergic receptor (β1AR), sarcoplasmic Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA-2a), type 2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2), L-type Ca2+ channel (CACNA1), Kv4.2 (KCND2), and Kv4.3 (KCND3) mRNA expression levels were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS Compared with CTL group, DECA group exhibited decreased high frequency band power density (HF) and increased low frequency power density (LF), Cardiac M2R mRNA level was decreased. QTc interval at 2nd, 4th, and 8th week as well as APD30 and APD90 were increased by DECA. Ito density was decreased, while ICaL density was increased by DECA. SR Ca2+ loading and release were decreased by DECA, while contractile sensitivity to Ca2+ was increased versus CTL group. CONCLUSION DECA overdose induced cardiac rhythmic and mechanical abnormalities that can be associated with autonomic imbalance, up-regulated ICaL and down-regulated Ito, abnormal SR Ca2+ mobilization, and increased contractile sensitivity to Ca2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A C Seara
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Paulo C Arantes
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ainá E Domingos
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raiana A Q Barbosa
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Emerson L Olivares
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica 23890-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - Roberto T Sudo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonio C Campos de Carvalho
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jose H M Nascimento
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
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Chegeni R, Sagoe D, Mentzoni RA, Pallesen S. Aggression and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Intent in Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:1509-1518. [PMID: 30931688 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1589522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: There is a dearth of longitudinal studies on risk factors for anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use and intent. Objectives: We conducted a longitudinal investigation of factors associated with AAS use intent from age 18 to 19, examining particularly the role of physical and verbal aggression. A sample of Norwegians completed questionnaires containing demographic, AAS use and intent, other addictions, aggression, and health measures at ages 18 (N = 1333, females = 58.9%) and 19 (N = 1277, females = 61.7%). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Results show that AAS use prevalence increased from 1 person at age 18 to 4 persons at age 19. Intent to use AAS, being male, living alone, and AAS use (all at 18 years) were associated with higher AAS use intent at 19 years. We found no associations between physical or verbal aggression and AAS use intent from ages 18 to 19. Conclusions: Our findings indicate temporal stability in AAS use intent, as well as the influence of demographic and health factors on AAS use intent from ages 18 to 19. Implications of findings for practice and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Chegeni
- a Department of Psychosocial Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Dominic Sagoe
- a Department of Psychosocial Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Rune A Mentzoni
- a Department of Psychosocial Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Ståle Pallesen
- a Department of Psychosocial Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
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Andrade TU, Haguihara SCGC, Falsoni RMP, Silva CL, Dubois Filho DG, Souza Andrade Moraes F, Nascimento AM, Brasil GA, Lima EM. Stanozolol promotes lipid deposition in the aorta through an imbalance in inflammatory cytokines and oxidative status inLDLrknockoutmice fed a normal diet. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 124:360-369. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tadeu Uggere Andrade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Vila Velha Vila Velha Espírito Santo Brazil
| | | | | | - Cristiane Lyrio Silva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Vila Velha Vila Velha Espírito Santo Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ewelyne Miranda Lima
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Vila Velha Vila Velha Espírito Santo Brazil
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9
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Selakovic D, Joksimovic J, Zaletel I, Puskas N, Matovic M, Rosic G. The opposite effects of nandrolone decanoate and exercise on anxiety levels in rats may involve alterations in hippocampal parvalbumin-positive interneurons. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189595. [PMID: 29232412 PMCID: PMC5726625 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavioral effects of chronic (six weeks) nandrolone decanoate (ND, 20 mg/kg, s.c., weekly in single dose) administration (in order to mimic heavy human abuse), and exercise (swimming protocol of 60 minutes a day, five days in a row/two days break), applied alone and simultaneously with ND, in male rats (n = 40). Also, we evaluated the effects of those protocols on hippocampal parvalbumin (PV) content and the possible connection between the alterations in certain parts of hippocampal GABAergic system and behavioral patterns. Both ND and exercise protocols induced increase in testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol blood levels. Our results confirmed anxiogenic effects of ND observed in open field (OF) test (decrease in the locomotor activity, as well as in frequency and cumulative duration in the centre zone) and in elevated plus maze (EPM) test (decrease in frequency and cumulative duration in open arms, and total exploratory activity), that were accompanied with a mild decrease in the number of PV interneurons in hippocampus. Chronic exercise protocol induced significant increase in hippocampal PV neurons (dentate gyrus and CA1 region), followed by anxiolytic-like behavioral changes, observed in both OF and EPM (increase in all estimated parameters), and in evoked beam-walking test (increase in time to cross the beam), compared to ND treated animals. The applied dose of ND was sufficient to attenuate beneficial effects of exercise in rats by means of decreased exercise-induced anxiolytic effect, as well as to reverse exercise-induced augmentation in number of PV immunoreactive neurons in hippocampus. Our results implicate the possibility that alterations in hippocampal PV interneurons (i.e. GABAergic system) may be involved in modulation of anxiety level induced by ND abuse and/or extended exercise protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragica Selakovic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Jovana Joksimovic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivan Zaletel
- Institute of Histology and Embryology “Aleksandar Đ. Kostić”, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nela Puskas
- Institute of Histology and Embryology “Aleksandar Đ. Kostić”, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milovan Matovic
- Deparment of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Kragujevac, Clinical Centre "Kragujevac", Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Gvozden Rosic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- * E-mail:
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10
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Seara FDAC, Barbosa RAQ, de Oliveira DF, Gran da Silva DLS, Carvalho AB, Freitas Ferreira AC, Matheus Nascimento JH, Olivares EL. Administration of anabolic steroid during adolescence induces long-term cardiac hypertrophy and increases susceptibility to ischemia/reperfusion injury in adult Wistar rats. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 171:34-42. [PMID: 28179209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Chronic administration of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in adult rats results in cardiac hypertrophy and increased susceptibility to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Molecular analyses demonstrated that hyperactivation of type 1 angiotensin II (AT1) receptor mediates cardiac hypertrophy induced by AAS and also induces down-regulation of myocardial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP), resulting in loss of exercise-induced cardioprotection. Exposure to AAS during adolescence promoted long-term cardiovascular dysfunctions, such as dysautonomia. We tested the hypothesis that chronic AAS exposure in the pre/pubertal phase increases the susceptibility to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in adult rats. Male Wistar rats (26day old) were treated with vehicle (Control, n=12) or testosterone propionate (TP) (AAS, 5mgkg-1 n=12) 5 times/week during 5 weeks. At the end of AAS exposure, rats underwent 23days of washout period and were submitted to euthanasia. Langendorff-perfused hearts were submitted to IR injury and evaluated for mechanical dysfunctions and infarct size. Molecular analysis was performed by mRNA levels of α-myosin heavy chain (MHC), βMHC and brain-derived natriuretic peptide (BNP), ryanodine receptor (RyR2) and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression of AT1 receptor and KATP channel subunits (Kir6.1 and SURa) was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western Blot. NADPH oxidase (Nox)-related reactive oxygen species generation was assessed by spectrofluorimetry. The expression of antioxidant enzymes was measured by qRT-PCR in order to address a potential role of redox unbalance. AAS exposure promoted long-term cardiac hypertrophy characterized by increased expression of βMHC and βMHC/αMHC ratio. Baseline derivative of pressure (dP/dt) was impaired by AAS exposure. Postischemic recovery of mechanical properties was impaired (decreased left ventricle [LV] developed pressure and maximal dP/dt; increased LV end-diastolic pressure and minimal dP/dt) and infarct size was larger in the AAS group. Catalase mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the AAS group. In conclusion, chronic administration of AAS during adolescence promoted long-term pathological cardiac hypertrophy and persistent increase in the susceptibility to myocardial IR injury possible due to disturbances on catalase expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando de Azevedo Cruz Seara
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, 23890-000 Seropedica, RJ, Brazil; Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 RJ, Brazil
| | - Raiana Andrade Quintanilha Barbosa
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 RJ, Brazil
| | - Dahienne Ferreira de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 RJ, Brazil
| | - Diorney Luiz Souza Gran da Silva
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 RJ, Brazil
| | - Adriana Bastos Carvalho
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 RJ, Brazil
| | - Andrea Claudia Freitas Ferreira
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 RJ, Brazil; NUMPEX-Bio, Pólo de Xerém, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 RJ, Brazil
| | - José Hamilton Matheus Nascimento
- Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 RJ, Brazil
| | - Emerson Lopes Olivares
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, 23890-000 Seropedica, RJ, Brazil.
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11
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Mad men, women and steroid cocktails: a review of the impact of sex and other factors on anabolic androgenic steroids effects on affective behaviors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:549-69. [PMID: 26758282 PMCID: PMC4751878 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE For several decades, elite athletes and a growing number of recreational consumers have used anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) as performance enhancing drugs. Despite mounting evidence that illicit use of these synthetic steroids has detrimental effects on affective states, information available on sex-specific actions of these drugs is lacking. OBJECTIVES The focus of this review is to assess information to date on the importance of sex and its interaction with other environmental factors on affective behaviors, with an emphasis on data derived from non-human studies. METHODS The PubMed database was searched for relevant studies in both sexes. RESULTS Studies examining AAS use in females are limited, reflecting the lower prevalence of use in this sex. Data, however, indicate significant sex-specific differences in AAS effects on anxiety-like and aggressive behaviors, interactions with other drugs of abuse, and the interplay of AAS with other environmental factors such as diet and exercise. CONCLUSIONS Current methods for assessing AAS use have limitations that suggest biases of both under- and over-reporting, which may be amplified for females who are poorly represented in self-report studies of human subjects and are rarely used in animal studies. Data from animal literature suggest that there are significant sex-specific differences in the impact of AAS on aggression, anxiety, and concomitant use of other abused substances. These results have relevance for human females who take these drugs as performance-enhancing substances and for transgender XX individuals who may illicitly self-administer AAS as they transition to a male gender identity.
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12
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Morrison TR, Ricci LA, Melloni RH. Anabolic/androgenic steroid administration during adolescence and adulthood differentially modulates aggression and anxiety. Horm Behav 2015; 69:132-8. [PMID: 25655668 PMCID: PMC4359666 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic/androgenic steroid (AAS) use remains high in both teens and adults in the U.S. and worldwide despite studies showing that AAS use is associated with a higher incidence of aggression and anxiety. Recently we showed that chronic exposure to AAS through adolescence increases aggression and decreases anxious behaviors, while during AAS-withdrawal aggression is lowered to species-normative levels and anxiety increases. AAS exposure is known to differentially alter behaviors and their underlying neural substrates between adults and adolescents and thus the current study investigated whether exposure to AAS during adulthood affects the relationship between aggression and anxiety in a manner similar to that previously observed in adolescents. Male hamsters were administered a moderate dose of AAS (5.0mg/kg/day×30days) during adolescence (P27-56) or young adulthood (P65-P94) and then tested for aggression and anxiety during AAS exposure (i.e., on P57 or P95) and during AAS withdrawal (i.e., 30days later on P77 or P115). Adolescent exposure to AAS increased aggressive responding during the AAS exposure period and anxiety-like responding during AAS withdrawal. Neither behavior was similarly influenced by adult exposure to AAS. Adult AAS exposure produced no difference in aggressive responding during AAS exposure (P95) or AAS withdrawal (P115); however, while AAS exposure during adulthood produced no difference in anxiety-like responding during AAS exposure, adult hamsters administered AAS were less anxious than vehicle control animals following AAS withdrawal. Together these data suggest that the aggression and anxiety provoking influence of AAS are likely a developmental phenomenon and that adult exposure to AAS may be anxiolytic over the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Morrison
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, 125 Nightingale Hall, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Lesley A Ricci
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, 125 Nightingale Hall, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Richard H Melloni
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, 125 Nightingale Hall, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02155, USA.
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13
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Piacentino D, Kotzalidis GD, Del Casale A, Aromatario MR, Pomara C, Girardi P, Sani G. Anabolic-androgenic steroid use and psychopathology in athletes. A systematic review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2015; 13:101-21. [PMID: 26074746 PMCID: PMC4462035 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666141210222725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) by professional and recreational athletes is increasing worldwide. The underlying motivations are mainly performance enhancement and body image improvement. AAS abuse and dependence, which are specifically classified and coded by the DSM-5, are not uncommon. AAS-using athletes are frequently present with psychiatric symptoms and disorders, mainly somatoform and eating, but also mood, and schizophrenia-related disorders. Some psychiatric disorders are typical of athletes, like muscle dysmorphia. This raises the issue of whether AAS use causes these disorders in athletes, by determining neuroadaptive changes in the reward neural circuit or by exacerbating stress vulnerability, or rather these are athletes with premorbid abnormal personalities or a history of psychiatric disorders who are attracted to AAS use, prompted by the desire to improve their appearance and control their weights. This may predispose to eating disorders, but AASs also show mood destabilizing effects, with longterm use inducing depression and short-term hypomania; withdrawal/discontinuation may be accompanied by depression. The effects of AASs on anxiety behavior are unclear and studies are inconsistent. AASs are also linked to psychotic behavior. The psychological characteristics that could prompt athletes to use AASs have not been elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Piacentino
- NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University-Rome, Italy; UOC Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios D Kotzalidis
- NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University-Rome, Italy; UOC Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Del Casale
- NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University-Rome, Italy; UOC Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy; ; Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, P. Alberto Mileno Onlus Foundation, San Francesco Institute, Vasto, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Aromatario
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, And Orthopedic Sciences. Sapienza University-Rome, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Department of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia; Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University-Rome, Italy; UOC Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy; ; Centro Lucio Bini, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- NESMOS (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University-Rome, Italy; UOC Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy; ; Centro Lucio Bini, Rome, Italy; ; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Rome, Italy
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14
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Engi SA, Cruz FC, Leão RM, Spolidorio LC, Planeta CS, Crestani CC. Cardiovascular complications following chronic treatment with cocaine and testosterone in adolescent rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105172. [PMID: 25121974 PMCID: PMC4133373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Concomitant use of anabolic androgenic steroids and cocaine has increased in the last years. However, the effects of chronic exposure to these substances during adolescence on cardiovascular function are unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of treatment for 10 consecutive days with testosterone and cocaine alone or in combination on basal cardiovascular parameters, baroreflex activity, hemodynamic responses to vasoactive agents, and cardiac morphology in adolescent rats. Administration of testosterone alone increased arterial pressure, reduced heart rate (HR), and exacerbated the tachycardiac baroreflex response. Cocaine-treated animals showed resting bradycardia without changes in arterial pressure and baroreflex activity. Combined treatment with testosterone and cocaine did not affect baseline arterial pressure and HR, but reduced baroreflex-mediated tachycardia. None of the treatments affected arterial pressure response to either vasoconstrictor or vasodilator agents. Also, heart to body ratio and left and right ventricular wall thickness were not modified by drug treatments. However, histological analysis of left ventricular sections of animals subjected to treatment with testosterone and cocaine alone and combined showed a greater spacing between cardiac muscle fibers, dilated blood vessels, and fibrosis. These data show important cardiovascular changes following treatment with testosterone in adolescent rats. However, the results suggest that exposure to cocaine alone or combined with testosterone during adolescence minimally affect cardiovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila A. Engi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Natural Active Principles and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio C. Cruz
- Behavioral Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, US National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rodrigo M. Leão
- Behavioral Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, US National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Luís C. Spolidorio
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry of Araraquara, Univ. Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Cleopatra S. Planeta
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Natural Active Principles and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos C. Crestani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Natural Active Principles and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Joint UFSCar-UNESP Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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