Department of Physical Education, Govt. Degree College, Dharmanagar, Tripura(N) 799253, India.
School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India.
Steroids. 2024 Dec;212:109518. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109518. Epub 2024 Sep 24.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs), more correctly termed "steroidal androgens", are a broad category of compounds including both synthetic derivatives and endogenously produced androgens like testosterone, which have long been employed as performance-enhancing substances, primarily among recreational athletes and some professionals. While their short-term effects on muscle physiology are well-documented, the long-term health consequences remain inadequately understood. A key finding is the disruption of hormone production, leading to reversible and irreversible changes, particularly with prolonged use. While debate exists over the prevalence of adverse effects, studies suggest a spectrum of somatic and psychiatric consequences, highlighting the need for improved understanding and prevention strategies. AASs are not only affect muscle structure but also influence mood, behavior, and body image, potentially exacerbating substance dependence and psychological distress. Liver alterations are a prominent concern, with oxidative stress implicated in AAS-induced hepatotoxicity. Reproductive complications, including gonadal atrophy and infertility, are common, alongside virilization and feminization effects in both genders. Cardiovascular effects are particularly worrisome, with AASs implicated in hypertension, dyslipidemia, and increased thrombotic risk, contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moreover, AASs may enhance cancer risks, potentially accelerating carcinogenesis in various tissues, including the prostate. The review emphasizes the need for comprehensive public health initiatives to mitigate harm, including harm minimization strategies, routine health screenings, and targeted interventions for AAS users. Understanding the complex interplay of biological mechanisms and systemic effects is crucial for informing clinical management and preventive measures. This review also examines the biological impact of AASs on human muscles, detailing mechanisms of action, chemistry, and associated health risks such as liver damage, cardiovascular disease, and endocrine dysfunction.
合成代谢雄激素类固醇（AAS），更准确地称为“甾体雄激素”，是一类广泛的化合物，包括合成衍生物和内源性雄激素，如睾酮，这些物质长期以来一直被用作增强表现的物质，主要在娱乐运动员和一些专业人士中使用。虽然它们对肌肉生理学的短期影响已有充分记录，但长期健康后果仍了解不足。一个关键发现是激素产生的中断，导致可逆和不可逆的变化，特别是在长期使用时。虽然关于不良反应的普遍性存在争议，但研究表明存在一系列躯体和精神后果，强调需要更好地理解和预防策略。AAS 不仅影响肌肉结构，还影响情绪、行为和身体形象，可能加剧物质依赖和心理困扰。肝脏改变是一个突出的问题，氧化应激与 AAS 诱导的肝毒性有关。生殖并发症很常见，包括睾丸萎缩和不育，以及两性的男性化和女性化效应。心血管影响尤其令人担忧，AAS 与高血压、血脂异常和血栓形成风险增加有关，导致心血管发病率和死亡率增加。此外，AAS 可能会增加癌症风险，可能会加速各种组织的癌变，包括前列腺。该综述强调需要采取全面的公共卫生措施来减轻危害，包括危害最小化策略、常规健康筛查和针对 AAS 用户的针对性干预。了解生物学机制和系统效应的复杂相互作用对于为临床管理和预防措施提供信息至关重要。该综述还检查了 AAS 对人体肌肉的生物学影响，详细说明了作用机制、化学性质以及与肝损伤、心血管疾病和内分泌功能障碍等相关的健康风险。
