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Journal of the International Society of... Feb 2021Supplementing with creatine is very popular amongst athletes and exercising individuals for improving muscle mass, performance and recovery. Accumulating evidence also... (Review)
Review
Supplementing with creatine is very popular amongst athletes and exercising individuals for improving muscle mass, performance and recovery. Accumulating evidence also suggests that creatine supplementation produces a variety of beneficial effects in older and patient populations. Furthermore, evidence-based research shows that creatine supplementation is relatively well tolerated, especially at recommended dosages (i.e. 3-5 g/day or 0.1 g/kg of body mass/day). Although there are over 500 peer-refereed publications involving creatine supplementation, it is somewhat surprising that questions regarding the efficacy and safety of creatine still remain. These include, but are not limited to: 1. Does creatine lead to water retention? 2. Is creatine an anabolic steroid? 3. Does creatine cause kidney damage/renal dysfunction? 4. Does creatine cause hair loss / baldness? 5. Does creatine lead to dehydration and muscle cramping? 6. Is creatine harmful for children and adolescents? 7. Does creatine increase fat mass? 8. Is a creatine 'loading-phase' required? 9. Is creatine beneficial for older adults? 10. Is creatine only useful for resistance / power type activities? 11. Is creatine only effective for males? 12. Are other forms of creatine similar or superior to monohydrate and is creatine stable in solutions/beverages? To answer these questions, an internationally renowned team of research experts was formed to perform an evidence-based scientific evaluation of the literature regarding creatine supplementation.
Topics: Adiposity; Adolescent; Adult; Alopecia; Body Water; Child; Creatine; Dehydration; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Male; Muscle Cramp; Muscle, Skeletal; Sex Factors; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Testosterone; Testosterone Congeners
PubMed: 33557850
DOI: 10.1186/s12970-021-00412-w -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a class of hormones that are widely abused for their muscle-building and strength-increasing properties in high, nontherapeutic,... (Review)
Review
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a class of hormones that are widely abused for their muscle-building and strength-increasing properties in high, nontherapeutic, dosages. This review provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview on how these hormones work and what side effects they might elicit. We discuss how AAS are absorbed into the circulation after intramuscular injection or oral ingestion and how they are subsequently transported to the tissues, where they will move into the extravascular compartment and diffuse into their target cells. Inside these cells, AAS can biotransform into different metabolites or bind to their cognate receptor: the androgen receptor. AAS and their metabolites can cause side effects such as acne vulgaris, hypertension, hepatotoxicity, dyslipidemia, testosterone deficiency, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, and cardiomyopathy. Where applicable, we mention treatment options and self-medication practices of AAS users to counteract these side effects. Clinicians may use this review as a guide for understanding how AAS use can impact health and to assist in patient education and, in some cases, the management of side effects.
Topics: Male; Humans; Anabolic Androgenic Steroids; Anabolic Agents; Testosterone Congeners; Erectile Dysfunction; Steroids
PubMed: 36644692
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1059473 -
Revista Clinica Espanola Dec 2022The use of anabolic steroids affects not only professional athletes but also the general population (bodybuilders, gym clients, and adolescents). In the first case, its... (Review)
Review
The use of anabolic steroids affects not only professional athletes but also the general population (bodybuilders, gym clients, and adolescents). In the first case, its use is prohibited and sanctioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and Olympic committees. For the other users, it is difficult to establish its prevalence since many obtain the products via the internet. The reasons for its use are varied and different forms of use and other types of users have been described. Among the side effects of steroid use, hypogonadism is the most frequent cause for endocrinological consultation. After a general introduction to doping, this review describes the historical background of anabolic-androgenic steroids, their classification, forms of use, physiological effects, adverse effects on different organs and systems, treatment of hypogonadism, as well as detection methods.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Anabolic Agents; Anabolic Androgenic Steroids; Testosterone Congeners; Sports; Athletes; Hypogonadism
PubMed: 36400345
DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2022.09.003 -
Dermatology Online Journal Aug 2020Multiple prescription medications may cause or aggravate acne. A number of dietary supplements have also been linked to acne, including those containing vitamins B6/B12,... (Review)
Review
Multiple prescription medications may cause or aggravate acne. A number of dietary supplements have also been linked to acne, including those containing vitamins B6/B12, iodine, and whey, as well as "muscle building supplements" that may be contaminated with anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Acne linked to dietary supplements generally resolves following supplement discontinuation. Lesions associated with high-dose vitamin B6 and B12 supplements have been described as monomorphic and although pathogenesis is unknown, a number of hypotheses have been proposed. Iodine-related acne may be related to the use of kelp supplements and has been reported as monomorphic, inflammatory pustules on the face and upper trunk. Whey protein supplements, derived from milk and used for bodybuilding, are associated with papulonodular acne involving the trunk and sometimes the face. Finally, AAS-induced acne has been described as acne fulminans, acne conglobata, and acne papulopustulosa. With studies indicating that about half of US adults report using dietary supplements, it is important that dermatologists directly ask acne patients about their supplement use and educate them on the potential risks of even seemingly innocuous dietary supplements.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Iodine; Male; Testosterone Congeners; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Whey Proteins
PubMed: 32941710
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2020Hormones are largely responsible for the integrated communication of several physiological systems responsible for modulating cellular growth and development. Although... (Review)
Review
Hormones are largely responsible for the integrated communication of several physiological systems responsible for modulating cellular growth and development. Although the specific hormonal influence must be considered within the context of the entire endocrine system and its relationship with other physiological systems, three key hormones are considered the "anabolic giants" in cellular growth and repair: testosterone, the growth hormone superfamily, and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) superfamily. In addition to these anabolic hormones, glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol must also be considered because of their profound opposing influence on human skeletal muscle anabolism in many instances. This review presents emerging research on: (1) Testosterone signaling pathways, responses, and adaptations to resistance training; (2) Growth hormone: presents new complexity with exercise stress; (3) Current perspectives on IGF-I and physiological adaptations and complexity these hormones as related to training; and (4) Glucocorticoid roles in integrated communication for anabolic/catabolic signaling. Specifically, the review describes (1) Testosterone as the primary anabolic hormone, with an anabolic influence largely dictated primarily by genomic and possible non-genomic signaling, satellite cell activation, interaction with other anabolic signaling pathways, upregulation or downregulation of the androgen receptor, and potential roles in co-activators and transcriptional activity; (2) Differential influences of growth hormones depending on the "type" of the hormone being assayed and the magnitude of the physiological stress; (3) The exquisite regulation of IGF-1 by a family of binding proteins (IGFBPs 1-6), which can either stimulate or inhibit biological action depending on binding; and (4) Circadian patterning and newly discovered variants of glucocorticoid isoforms largely dictating glucocorticoid sensitivity and catabolic, muscle sparing, or pathological influence. The downstream integrated anabolic and catabolic mechanisms of these hormones not only affect the ability of skeletal muscle to generate force; they also have implications for pharmaceutical treatments, aging, and prevalent chronic conditions such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Thus, advances in our understanding of hormones that impact anabolic: catabolic processes have relevance for athletes and the general population, alike.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Animals; Exercise; Growth Hormone; Growth and Development; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Muscle, Skeletal; Somatomedins; Testosterone
PubMed: 32158429
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00033 -
Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2023Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant steroid hormone in primates, which is predominantly synthesized in the adrenal cortex. A characteristic curve of... (Review)
Review
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant steroid hormone in primates, which is predominantly synthesized in the adrenal cortex. A characteristic curve of growth and decline of its synthesis during life was observed, together with the corresponding formation of its sulphate ester (DHEAS). High levels of plasma circulating DHEA are suggested as a marker of human longevity, and various pathophysiological conditions lead to a decreased DHEA level, including adrenal insufficiency, severe systemic diseases, acute stress, and anorexia. More recent studies have established the importance of DHEA in the central nervous system (CNS). A specific intranuclear receptor for DHEA has not yet been identified; however, highly specific membrane receptors have been detected in endothelial cells, the heart, kidney, liver, and the brain. Research shows that DHEA and DHEAS, as well as their metabolites, have a wide range of effects on numerous organs and organ systems, which places them in the group of potential pharmacological agents useful in various clinical entities. Their action as neurosteroids is especially interesting due to potential neuroprotective, pro-cognitive, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects. Evidence from clinical studies supports the use of DHEA in hypoadrenal individuals and in treating depression and associated cognitive disorders. However, there is also an increasing trend of recreational DHEA misuse in healthy people, as it is classified as a dietary supplement in some countries. This article aims to provide a critical review regarding the biological and pharmacological effects of DHEA, its mechanism of action, and potential therapeutic use, especially in CNS disorders.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Endothelial Cells; Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; Brain; Steroids
PubMed: 36121077
DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220919125817 -
Chinese Medical Journal Sep 2019Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) represents a group of synthetic testosterone derivatives that play an important role in clinical treatment. These drugs are widely... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) represents a group of synthetic testosterone derivatives that play an important role in clinical treatment. These drugs are widely abused among the general public to increase lean weight and improve athletic performance. It has been reported that AAS use can produce many adverse effects, especially the occurrence of cardiovascular risk. Although there are many related studies, there has been no consensus on AAS use and cardiovascular risk. The present study was to review the effect of AAS on the cardiovascular system.
DATA SOURCES
The data in this review were obtained from articles included in PubMed and the National Center for Biotechnology Information database.
STUDY SELECTION
Original articles, case reports, and systematic reviews about AAS were selected for the article.
RESULTS
The use/abuse of AAS is correlated with higher cardiovascular risks, and many AAS users/abusers had cardiovascular diseases. However, there are many confounding factors in the studies that explored the causality between AAS intake and disease development, and additional studies are required to determine AAS toxicity.
CONCLUSION
AAS produces toxic effects on the cardiovascular system, and it is necessary to ensure that more people know this about AAS, including medical personnel.
Topics: Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular System; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Risk Factors; Testosterone Congeners; Thromboembolism
PubMed: 31478927
DOI: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000000407 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Nov 2020Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are a group of synthetic molecules derived from testosterone and its related precursors. AASs are widely used illicitly by... (Review)
Review
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. 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. 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. 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.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anabolic Agents; Athletes; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Female; Humans; Male; Testosterone; Testosterone Congeners
PubMed: 33158202
DOI: 10.3390/medicina56110587 -
Actas Urologicas Espanolas Jun 2020Common abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is no longer confined to high performance athletes, as it has spread among the general population. Epidemiological...
Common abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is no longer confined to high performance athletes, as it has spread among the general population. Epidemiological data about the abuse of these substances show that it is a common practice in young populations. Its use is based on the desire to increase muscle mass and strength, as well as improving physical performance. The ease of acquisition of this type of substances has developed a "sophisticated" knowledge of steroid pharmacology based on subjective and anecdotal analysis with no adverse event information, which translates into a public health crisis. Unfortunately, athletes seem to be more influenced by these experiences than by their physician's advice. The abuse of AAS by the athlete and non-athlete population and its adverse events ought to be evaluated in order to improve routine clinical practice on this regard.
Topics: Athletes; Female; Humans; Male; Substance-Related Disorders; Testosterone Congeners
PubMed: 32113828
DOI: 10.1016/j.acuro.2019.10.011 -
Medicine and Science in Sports and... Dec 2023Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because of fundamental sex differences in anatomy and physiology dictated by sex chromosomes and sex... (Review)
Review
Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because of fundamental sex differences in anatomy and physiology dictated by sex chromosomes and sex hormones. Adult men are typically stronger, more powerful, and faster than women of similar age and training status. Thus, for athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males typically outperform females by 10%-30% depending on the requirements of the event. These sex differences in performance emerge with the onset of puberty and coincide with the increase in endogenous sex steroid hormones, in particular testosterone in males, which increases 30-fold by adulthood, but remains low in females. The primary goal of this consensus statement is to provide the latest scientific knowledge and mechanisms for the sex differences in athletic performance. This review highlights the differences in anatomy and physiology between males and females that are primary determinants of the sex differences in athletic performance and in response to exercise training, and the role of sex steroid hormones (particularly testosterone and estradiol). We also identify historical and nonphysiological factors that influence the sex differences in performance. Finally, we identify gaps in the knowledge of sex differences in athletic performance and the underlying mechanisms, providing substantial opportunities for high-impact studies. A major step toward closing the knowledge gap is to include more and equitable numbers of women to that of men in mechanistic studies that determine any of the sex differences in response to an acute bout of exercise, exercise training, and athletic performance.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Male; United States; Sex Characteristics; Athletic Performance; Testosterone; Sports Medicine; Testosterone Congeners; Gonadal Steroid Hormones
PubMed: 37772882
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003300