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Sessa F, Esposito M, Salerno M. Experimental studies on androgen administration in animal models: current and future perspectives. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2022; 29:566-585. [PMID: 35943186 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to report the most recent (2020-2022) experimental scientific studies conducted on animal models, in order to highlight the relevant findings on the adverse effects related to androgen administration. RECENT FINDINGS Forty-one studies published between January 2020 and July 2022 were selected. The majority of studies investigated the effects of one androgen, whereas only four studies analyzed the effects of two drugs. Nandrolone decanoate was the most investigated drug (20 articles), boldenone was tested in 8 articles, testosterone and stanozolol were used in 7 articles each, 17b-trenbolone, metandienone, and oxandrolone were tested in 1 article each. The articles clarify the adverse effects of androgen administration on the heart, brain, kidney, liver, reproductive and musculoskeletal systems. SUMMARY The main findings of this review highlight that androgen administration increases inflammatory mediators, altering different biochemical parameters. The results concerning the reversibility of the adverse effects are controversial: on the one hand, several studies suggested that by stopping the androgen administration, the organs return to their initial state; on the other hand, the alteration of different biochemical parameters could generate irreversible organ damage. Moreover, this review highlights the importance of animal studies that should be better organized in order to clarify several important aspects related to androgen abuse to fill the gap in our knowledge in this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Havnes IA, Jørstad ML, McVeigh J, Van Hout MC, Bjørnebekk A. The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Treatment Gap: A National Study of Substance Use Disorder Treatment. SUBSTANCE ABUSE-RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2020; 14:1178221820904150. [PMID: 32127749 PMCID: PMC7031794 DOI: 10.1177/1178221820904150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use is associated with serious mental and physical health problems. Evidence indicates that AAS use among people who use psychoactive substances is higher than in the general population. This study aims to estimate lifetime AAS use among patients in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, compare characteristics of AAS and non-AAS users and identify whether AAS use was addressed during treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included 563 (142 women, 24.2%) patients in 38 SUD treatment facilities in Norway. Respondents reported on AAS and substance use, and treatment experiences. Results: Lifetime AAS use was reported by 156 (28.3%) SUD patients, thereof 35.6% of the men and 8.0% of the women. Lifetime AAS use was highest among men with stimulants (55.8%) as preferred substance, and lowest among men who preferred alcohol (14.6%). Initiation of AAS use due to getting thinner following substance use was reported by 44.5% of the AAS using men. AAS users reported more severe substance use than non-AAS users. More than half (58%) of all patients had not been asked about AAS use, and 42.4% of those who were asked, experienced that treatment providers lacked expertise about AAS. Conclusion: Lifetime AAS use in this sample of SUD patients is common practice and comprise an underrecognized problem in SUD treatment. Given the deleterious implications to the individual and society that concomitant use of AAS may cause, it would be essential to raise the awareness about AAS use among SUD patients, and the level of competence among health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Amalia Havnes
- The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Lindvik Jørstad
- The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jim McVeigh
- Substance Use and Associated Behaviours, Department of Sociology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Marie-Claire Van Hout
- Public Health Institute, Faculty of Education, Health & Community, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Astrid Bjørnebekk
- The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a Scoping Review of Extant Empirical Literature. Int J Ment Health Addict 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-019-00217-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe use of image- and performance-enhancing drugs particularly anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is not a new phenomenon. AAS use is not limited to athletes, with mainstream populations using these drugs for aesthetic purposes. Prevalence has been predominantly in Western countries, with some recent studies indicating a rise in popularity in the Eastern Mediterranean region. A scoping review of extant empirical literature from the Eastern Mediterranean region described and mapped what is known about the extent of AAS in the region. Four themes emerged from the review: (1) profile of AAS users; (2) AAS within gymnasium practice; (3) AAS regimes of use; and (4) knowledge and understanding of the AAS concept and related adverse effects. The review highlights a relatively new phenomenon of AAS use in the Eastern Mediterranean. The review underscores the need to carry out further research, particularly qualitative and quantitative studies with both genders, and cognisant of the complexities of culture and religiosity.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize recent findings regarding the public health impact of androgen abuse. RECENT FINDINGS Abuse of androgens (also called 'anabolic-androgenic steroids') has grown into a major worldwide substance abuse problem involving tens of millions of individuals, of whom about 98% are men. Most androgen abusers are still under age 50 today, and thus, the long-term effects of these drugs are only beginning to be understood. Recent studies confirm that long-term supraphysiologic androgen exposure produces cardiovascular toxicity, characterized especially by cardiomyopathy and atherosclerotic disease. Withdrawal from androgens after long-term use may produce prolonged and sometimes irreversible hypogonadism in men. Supraphysiologic androgen levels may sometimes cause irritability, aggressiveness, and violence, whereas androgen withdrawal may cause depression. However, these psychiatric effects are idiosyncratic, affecting only a minority of users. Emerging evidence now also suggests that long-term androgen exposure may cause neurotoxicity, raising the possibility that aging androgen abusers may be at increased risk for dementia. Several recent studies have also described androgen-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and adverse musculoskeletal effects. SUMMARY Recent studies have demonstrated marked adverse effects of long-term androgen abuse. As increasing numbers of androgen abusers reach middle age, these effects will likely represent an emerging public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Kanayama
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Milano G, Chiappini S, Mattioli F, Martelli A, Schifano F. β-2 Agonists as Misusing Drugs? Assessment of both Clenbuterol- and Salbutamol-related European Medicines Agency Pharmacovigilance Database Reports. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 123:182-187. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Milano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit; University of Genoa; Genoa Italy
| | - Stefania Chiappini
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit; School of Life and Medical Sciences; University of Hertfordshire; Hatfield UK
- Casa di Cura Villa Rosa; Viterbo Italy
| | - Francesca Mattioli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit; University of Genoa; Genoa Italy
| | - Antonietta Martelli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit; University of Genoa; Genoa Italy
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit; School of Life and Medical Sciences; University of Hertfordshire; Hatfield UK
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Khalil GE, Calabro KS, Prokhorov AV. Development and initial testing of the brief adolescent smoking curiosity scale (ASCOS). Addict Behav 2018; 78:67-73. [PMID: 29127786 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the reasons behind tobacco smoking at young age are complex, research has identified curiosity as a potent driver of smoking among adolescents. OBJECTIVE The objective of the current study is to develop and provide initial evidence of reliability and validity of a short scale assessing smoking curiosity among adolescents (first measure of its kind). In particular, we developed and tested the adolescent smoking curiosity scale (ASCOS). METHODS After scale development, 101 adolescents completed a survey on smoking-related measures, including ASCOS (June to August 2014). We conducted exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha calculation to inspect factor-structure and reliability. We conducted multiple linear regression models to examine the scale's capacity to predict antecedents of smoking initiation. RESULTS Factor analysis supported a single-factor structure of smoking curiosity. ASCOS was internally reliable (Cronbach's alpha=0.83). Controlling for demographics, the measure correlated significantly with temptation to try smoking (β=0.41, p<0.01), number of friends who smoke (β=0.27, p<0.01), agreeing with the pros of smoking (β=0.41, p<0.001), sensation seeking (β=0.21, p<0.05), and depression (β=0.23, p<0.01). When controlling for a single-item measure for smoking curiosity, ASCOS significantly predicted susceptibility to smoke cigarettes (OR=3.40, p<0.05) and cigars (OR=6.66, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS ASCOS presented good psychometric properties and passed initial validity-testing through associations with antecedents of smoking. ASCOS was a better predictor of susceptibility to smoke than did a traditional single-item measure used by previous research. As an implication, ASCOS can be crucial to the development of tailored interventions for smoking prevention that can reduce smoking curiosity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges E Khalil
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Behavioral Science, 1155 Pressler, Unit 1330, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| | - Karen S Calabro
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Behavioral Science, 1155 Pressler, Unit 1330, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Alexander V Prokhorov
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Behavioral Science, 1155 Pressler, Unit 1330, Houston, TX 77030, United States
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Sagoe D, Pallesen S, Andreassen CS. Prevalence and correlates of tattooing in Norway: A large-scale cross-sectional study. Scand J Psychol 2017; 58:562-570. [DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Sagoe
- Department of Psychosocial Science; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
| | - Ståle Pallesen
- Department of Psychosocial Science; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
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Bueno A, Carvalho FB, Gutierres JM, Lhamas C, Andrade CM. A comparative study of the effect of the dose and exposure duration of anabolic androgenic steroids on behavior, cholinergic regulation, and oxidative stress in rats. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177623. [PMID: 28594925 PMCID: PMC5464548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess if the dose and exposure duration of the anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) boldenone (BOL) and stanazolol (ST) affected memory, anxiety, and social interaction, as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex (CC) and hippocampus (HC). Male Wistar rats (90 animals) were randomly assigned to three treatment protocols: (I) 5 mg/kg BOL or ST, once a week for 4 weeks; (II) 2.5 mg/kg BOL or ST, once a week for 8 weeks; and (III) 1.25 mg/kg BOL or ST, once a week for 12 weeks. Each treatment protocol included a control group that received an olive oil injection (vehicle control) and AAS were administered intramuscularly (a total volume of 0.2 ml) once a week in all three treatment protocols. In the BOL and ST groups, a higher anxiety level was observed only for Protocol I. BOL and ST significantly affected social interaction in all protocols. Memory deficits and increased AChE activity in the CC and HC were found in the BOL groups treated according to Protocol III only. In addition, BOL and ST significantly increased oxidative stress in both the CC and HC in the groups treated according to Protocol I and III. In conclusion, our findings show that the impact of BOL and ST on memory, anxiety, and social interaction depends on the dose and exposure duration of these AAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Bueno
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
| | - Fabiano B. Carvalho
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
| | - Jessié M. Gutierres
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JMG); (CMA)
| | - Cibele Lhamas
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
| | - Cinthia M. Andrade
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JMG); (CMA)
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Sagoe D, Mentzoni RA, Hanss D, Pallesen S. Aggression Is Associated With Increased Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Contemplation Among Adolescents. Subst Use Misuse 2016; 51:1462-9. [PMID: 27356242 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2016.1186696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the relationship between aggression and anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use intent among adolescents. A nationally representative sample of Norwegian 18-year-olds (N = 1,334, females = 58.7%) took part in a survey in 2013 (response rate = 64.9%). Participants completed the physical and verbal subscales of the Short-Form Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, the Intent to use AAS Scale, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. They also provided demographic information and answered questions about AAS use, gambling participation, as well as cigarette and snus use. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Lifetime and past year prevalence of AAS use was 0.1%. Between 0.4% and 1.7% of participants disclosed intent to use while between 1.1% and 2.5% expressed neutral intent to initiate AAS use. Compared to persons low on aggression, individuals high on aggression were more likely to report intent and curiosity towards initiating AAS use. Our findings indicate that aggression is a risk factor for AAS use contemplation among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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.,b KoRus-Øst, Innlandet Hospital Trust , Ottestad , Norway
| | - Daniel Hanss
- a Department of Psychosocial Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway.,c Department of Social and Cultural Sciences and Social Work , Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences , Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Ståle Pallesen
- a Department of Psychosocial Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
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