Influence of chronic administration of anabolic androgenic steroids and taurine on haemostasis profile in rats: a thrombelastographic study

Platelet activity, coagulation, and fibrinolysis in long-term users of anabolic-androgenic steroids compared to strength-trained athletes

INTRODUCTION

Use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is associated with adverse cardiovascular (CV) effects, including potential prothrombotic effects. This study aimed to assess platelet activation and aggregation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis, in long-term AAS users compared to non-using strength-trained athletes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven strength-trained men using AAS were compared to seventeen non-using professional strength-trained athletes at similar age (median 33 years). AAS use was verified by blood and urine analyses. Platelet Function Analyzer 100 (PFA-100) and whole blood impedance aggregometry with thrombin, arachidonic acid, and ADP as agonists, were performed to evaluate platelet aggregation. ELISA methods were used for markers of platelet activation. Fibrinogen, D-dimer, the coagulation inhibitors protein S and C activity, and antithrombin were measured by routine. Fibrinolysis was evaluated by Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in platelet aggregation between the two groups. Von Willebrand factor was lower among the AAS users (p < 0.01), and P-Selectin was slightly higher (p = 0.05), whereas CD40 Ligand, β-thromboglobulin, and thrombospondin did not differ significantly. No differences were found in the assessed coagulation inhibitors. Higher D-dimer levels (p < 0.01) and lower PAI-1 activity (p < 0.01) were found among the AAS users.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigated long-term users of AAS did not exhibit elevated platelet activity compared to strength-trained non-using athletes. However, AAS use was associated with higher D-dimer levels and lower PAI-1 activity. These findings suggest that any prothrombotic effect of long-term AAS use may predominantly involve other aspects of the hemostatic system than blood platelets.

Emergence of taurine as a therapeutic agent for neurological disorders

Taurine is a sulfur-containing, semi-essential amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. It alternates between inflammation and oxidative stress-mediated injury in various disease models. As part of its limiting functions, taurine also modulates endoplasmic reticulum stress, Ca2+ homeostasis, and neuronal activity at the molecular level. Taurine effectively protects against a number of neurological disorders, including stroke, epilepsy, cerebral ischemia, memory dysfunction, and spinal cord injury. Although various therapies are available, effective management of these disorders remains a global challenge. Approximately 30 million people are affected worldwide. The design of taurine formation could lead to potential drugs/supplements for the health maintenance and treatment of central nervous system disorders. The general neuroprotective effects of taurine and the various possible underlying mechanisms are discussed in this review. This article is a good resource for understanding the general effects of taurine on various diseases. Given the strong evidence for the neuropharmacological efficacy of taurine in various experimental paradigms, it is concluded that this molecule should be considered and further investigated as a potential candidate for neurotherapeutics, with emphasis on mechanism and clinical studies to determine efficacy.

Taurine and Its Derivatives: Analysis of the Inhibitory Effect on Platelet Function and Their Antithrombotic Potential

Taurine is a semi-essential, the most abundant free amino acid in the human body, with a six times higher concentration in platelets than any other amino acid. It is highly beneficial for the organism, has many therapeutic actions, and is currently approved for heart failure treatment in Japan. Taurine has been repeatedly reported to elicit an inhibitory action on platelet activation and aggregation, sustained by in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro animal and human studies. Taurine showed effectiveness in several pathologies involving thrombotic diathesis, such as diabetes, traumatic brain injury, acute ischemic stroke, and others. As human prospective studies on thrombosis outcome are very difficult to carry out, there is an obvious need to validate existing findings, and bring new compelling data about the mechanisms underlying taurine and derivatives antiplatelet action and their antithrombotic potential. Chloramine derivatives of taurine proved a higher stability and pronounced selectivity for platelet receptors, raising the assumption that they could represent future potential antithrombotic agents. Considering that taurine and its analogues display permissible side effects, along with the need of finding new, alternative antithrombotic drugs with minimal side effects and long-term action, the potential clinical relevance of this fascinating nutrient and its derivatives requires further consideration.

Effects of Exogenous Androgens on Platelet Activity and Their Thrombogenic Potential in Supraphysiological Administration: A Literature Review

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), simply called “androgens”, represent the most widespread drugs used to enhance performance and appearance in a sporting environment. High-dosage and/or long-term AAS administration has been associated frequently with significant alterations in the cardiovascular system, some of these with severe endpoints. The induction of a prothrombotic state is probably the most life-threatening consequence, suggested by numerous case reports in AAS-abusing athletes, and by a considerable number of human and animal studies assessing the influence of exogenous androgens on hemostasis. Despite over fifty years of research, data regarding the thrombogenic potential of exogenous androgens are still scarce. The main reason is the limited possibility of conducting human prospective studies. However, human observational studies conducted in athletes or patients, in vitro human studies, and animal experiments have pointed out that androgens in supraphysiological doses induce enhanced platelet activity and thrombopoiesis, leading to increased platelet aggregation. If this tendency overlaps previously existing coagulation and/or fibrinolysis dysfunctions, it may lead to a thrombotic diathesis, which could explain the multitude of thromboembolic events reported in the AAS-abusing population. The influence of androgen excess on the platelet activity and fluid–coagulant balance remains a subject of debate, urging for supplementary studies in order to clarify the effects on hemostasis, and to provide new compelling evidence for their claimed thrombogenic potential.

Capsaicin and Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease

Capsaicin is a widespread spice known for its analgesic qualities. Although a comprehensive body of evidence suggests pleiotropic benefits of capsaicin, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, metabolic, or cardioprotective effects, it is frequently avoided due to reported digestive side-effects. As the gut bacterial profile is strongly linked to diet and capsaicin displays modulatory effects on gut microbiota, a new hypothesis has recently emerged about its possible applicability against widespread pathologies, such as metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The present review explores the capsaicin–microbiota crosstalk and capsaicin effect on dysbiosis, and illustrates the intimate mechanisms that underlie its action in preventing the onset or development of pathologies like obesity, diabetes, or inflammatory bowel diseases. A possible antimicrobial property of capsaicin, mediated by the beneficial alteration of microbiota, is also discussed. However, as data are coming mostly from experimental models, caution is needed in translating these findings to humans.

Management of venous thromboembolism in athletes

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common condition with high associated morbidity and mortality. Athletes have unique VTE risk factors compared with the general population, and may have a higher than anticipated risk of thrombosis. Anticoagulant treatment poses additional challenges in athletes, as these individuals usually wish to return to sporting activities without delay. In addition, those athletes who engage in contact sports may have bleeding complications with extended anticoagulation. In this paper, we discuss VTE risk factors in athletes, the impact of exertion on haemostasis, measures which could be adopted to mitigate VTE risks in these highly active individuals and options to deal with bleeding risks from anticoagulation during injury-prone sporting activities.

Anabolic Steroids and Cardiovascular Outcomes: The Controversy

Anabolic steroids (AS) are synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone. The use of AS is not limited to bodybuilders and athletes, but non-athletes also use them. It is used to enhance athletic performance, induce muscle hypertrophy, and augment male sexual characteristics. AS use is associated with a wide range of side effects and potential cardiovascular complications. In this article, we have searched the available literature to investigate the association between AS use and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The results revealed that AS was linked to lipid metabolism derangements, hypertension, coagulation disorders, and cardiomyopathy. We concluded, based on the relevant data, that there was evidence that suggests an association with CVD, primarily myocardial infarction, fatal arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy in AS users. The general population should be informed of the risk. Also, methods of primary and secondary prevention should be implemented to mitigate the risk of CVD secondary to AS.

Lipid Profile Changes Induced by Chronic Administration of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids and Taurine in Rats

Background and Objectives: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), used as a therapy in various diseases and abused in sports, are atherogenic in supraphysiological administration, altering the plasma lipid profile. Taurine, a conditionally-essential amino acid often used in dietary supplements, was acknowledged to delay the onset and progression of atherogenesis, and to mitigate hyperlipidemia. The aim of the present study was to verify if taurine could prevent the alterations induced by concomitant chronic administration of high doses of AAS nandrolone decanoate (DECA) in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats, assigned to 4 equal groups, were treated for 12 weeks either with DECA (A group), taurine (T group), both DECA and taurine (AT group) or vehicle (C group). Plasma triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), hepatic triglycerides (TGh) and liver non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were then determined. Results: DECA elevated TG level in A group vs. control (p = 0.01), an increase prevented by taurine association in AT group (p = 0.04). DECA decreased HDL-C in A group vs. control (p = 0.02), while taurine tended to increase it in AT group. DECA decreased TGh (p = 0.02) in A group vs. control. Taurine decreased TGh in T (p = 0.004) and AT (p < 0.001) groups vs. control and tended to lower NEFA (p = 0.08) in AT group vs. A group. Neither DECA, nor taurine influenced TC and LDL-C levels. Conclusions: Taurine partially prevented the occurrence of DECA negative effects on lipid profile, suggesting a therapeutic potential in several conditions associated with chronic high levels of plasma androgens, such as endocrine disorders or AAS-abuse.

Impact of chronic administration of anabolic androgenic steroids and taurine on blood pressure in rats

Supraphysiological administration of anabolic androgenic steroids has been linked to increased blood pressure. The widely distributed amino acid taurine seems to be an effective depressor agent in drug-induced hypertension. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of chronic high dose administration of nandrolone decanoate (DECA) and taurine on blood pressure in rats and to verify the potentially involved mechanisms. The study was conducted in 4 groups of 8 adult male Wistar rats, aged 14 weeks, treated for 12 weeks with: DECA (A group); vehicle (C group); taurine (T group), or with both drugs (AT group). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured at the beginning of the study (SBP₁), 2 (SBP₂) and 3 months (SBP₃) later. Plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and plasma end products of nitric oxide metabolism (NO_x) were also determined. SBP₃ and SBP₂ were significantly increased compared to SBP₁ only in the A group (P<0.002 for both). SBP₂, SBP₃ and ACE activity showed a statistically significant increase in the A vs C (P<0.005), andvs AT groups (P<0.05), while NO_x was significantly decreased in the A and AT groups vs controls (P=0.01). ACE activity was strongly correlated with SBP₃ in the A group (r=0.71, P=0.04). These findings suggest that oral supplementation of taurine may prevent the increase in SBP induced by DECA, an effect potentially mediated by angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Protective effects of taurine in traumatic brain injury via mitochondria and cerebral blood flow

In mammalian tissues, taurine is an important natural component and the most abundant free amino acid in the heart, retina, skeletal muscle, brain, and leukocytes. This study is to examine the taurine's protective effects on neuronal ultrastructure, the function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex, and on cerebral blood flow (CBF). The model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) was made for SD rats by a fluid percussion device, with taurine (200 mg/kg) administered by tail intravenous injection once daily for 7 days after TBI. It was found that CBF was improved for both left and right brain at 30 min and 7 days post-injury by taurine. Reaction time was prolonged relative to the TBI-only group. Neuronal damage was prevented by 7 days taurine. Mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes I and II showed greater activity with the taurine group. The improvement by taurine of CBF may alleviate edema and elevation in intracranial pressure. Importantly taurine improved the hypercoagulable state.