Upload
santhosh-raju
View
2.543
Download
4
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Anabolic steroid
Citation preview
Anabolic Steroids
ANABOLIC STEROIDS
Definition: A synthetic steroid hormone that resembles testosterone in promoting the
growth of muscle. Such hormones are used medicinally to treat some forms of weight
loss and (illegally) by some athletes and others to enhance physical performance.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 1
Anabolic Steroids
History:
With so many issues on steroids, does anybody wonder why steroids become so popular?
How does steroids came into existence? Is it thru an in-depth research or just by mere
discovery? From the different sources on the internet as well as other publications and
journals, steroids were so popular because of its effects and the issues that always come
with it. Whether we treat steroids as a harmful drug or a pill that gives many benefits to its
users, a better understanding is a must.
This will serve as a guide in understanding of what these steroids can do or will do to its
users. The purpose of creating these steroids and its beginnings will probably change our
perception to this drug.
Here's a timeline of the discovery and development of steroids. The issues and people who
contributed to the advancement of steroids are also presented
.
1849 - A scientist named Berthold conducted an experiment on cockerels (Dog)by
removing their testicles. The bird lost several of its male characteristics including sexual
functions. It was in this experiment that they found out that
testicles had a systemic effect on the entire organism. It has an
effect on the blood of the animals experimented.
1929 - Another experiment was conducted to produce an extract
of potent activity from bull's testicles.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 2
Anabolic Steroids
1935 - A more purified form of the extract from bull’s testicles was created.
1954(second world war) - This is the time where the use of steroids in sports began. The
Soviets team was reported to have used steroids in the
World Weightlifting Championships in Vienna, Austria.
1955 - John Zeigler began administering straight
testosterone to his weightlifters.
1960 -at this period, many scientists and doctors began
to conduct numerous studies on the effects of steroids.
1967- the International Olympic Council banned the
use of anabolic steroids.
1970 - most major sporting organizations had also banned steroids.
1972 - the International Olympic Council began a full scale drug-testing program.
1990 - the Germans had finally gotten caught, and the ensuing scandal was one which
helped give anabolic steroids the bad reputation they have had ever since.
2000 - survey among 12 graders were reported that 2.5% used steroids at least once in their
lives.
2004 to present - there was an increase in the usage among young people. The statistics
shows 3.4%anabolic steroids were continuously used by most weightlifters and
bodybuilders.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 3
Anabolic Steroids
MECHANISM OF ACTION:
As fat-soluble hormones, anabolic steroids are membrane-permeable and influence
the nucleus of cells by direct action. The action of anabolic steroids begins when the
exogenous hormone penetrates the membrane of the target cell and binds to an
androgen receptor located in the cytoplasm of that cell. From there, the compound
hormone-receptor diffuses into the nucleus, where it either alters the expression of
genes or activates processes that send signals to other parts of the cell.
The effect of anabolic steroids on muscle mass is caused in at least two ways: first,
they increase the production of proteins; second, they reduce recovery time by
blocking the effects of stress hormone cortisol on muscle tissue, so that catabolism of
muscle is greatly reduced. It has been hypothesized that this reduction in muscle
breakdown may occur through anabolic steroids inhibiting the action of other steroid
hormones called glucocorticoids that promote the breakdown of muscles. Anabolic
steroids also affect the number of cells that develop into fat-storage cells, by
favouring cellular differentiation into muscle cells instead. Anabolic steroids can also
decrease fat by increasing basal metabolic rate (BMR), since an increase in muscle
mass increases BMR.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 4
Anabolic Steroids
PHARMACOKINETICS
Absorption:
The absorption after oral dose is rapid but there is extensive first pass metabolism for
all anabolic drugs except those substituted at the 17 alpha position (methyl-
testosterone and fluoxymesterone).such drugs,(which undergo extensive first-pass
effect) are principally given by intramuscular or deep subcutaneous injection
The rate of absorption from subcutaneous or intramuscular depots depends on the
product and its formulation.
Absorption is slow for the lipid soluble esters such as the cypionate or enanthate and
for oily suspensions.
Distribution:
They are highly protein bound and are carried in plasma by a specific protein called
sex-hormone binding protein.
Metabolism:
The metabolism of drug is very rapid.
Free(de-esterified) anabolic drugs are metabolisied by hepatic mixed function
oxidases.
The elimination half-life from plasma is very short.
Some entero hepatic circulation is also seen.
Elimination:
90% of drug is excreted through urine as metabolites while 6% through faeces.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 5
Anabolic Steroids
PHARMACODYNAMICS
Anabolic effects:
They include protiene synthesis from amino acids , increased appetite , increases bone
remodeling and growth and stimulation of bone marrow, which increases the
production of redblood cells , remodeling and growth of bone .
Virilizing (androgenic) effects:
They are growth of the clitoris in females and the penis in male children(the adult
penis does not grow even when exposed to high doses of androgen), increased vocal
cord size, deepening the voice ,increased libido, suppression of natural sex hormones
and impaired production of sperm.
Skeletal muscles:
Anabolic steroids stimulate the formation of the muscles and hence cause an increase
in the size of muscle fibres , leading to increased muscle mass and strength.this
increase in muscle mass is mostly due to larger skeletal muscle,and is caused by both
increased production of muscle proteins as well as a decline in the breakdown rate of
these proteins.
Fat metabolism:
A high testosterone dose(or high dose of an anabolic steroids) also decreases the
amount of fat and muscles,while increasing protein content. There is an overall
decrease in fat content.
Psychological effect:
Some researches have speculated that the real effect of anabolic steroids is a creation
of a “psychosomatic state” characterisied by sensation of well being ,euphoria,
increased aggressiveness and tolerance to stress, allowing the athlete to train harder.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 6
Anabolic Steroids
USES
Anabolic steroids have been manufactured to enhance the anabolic properties(tissue binding)
to the androgens and minimize the androgenic(sex- linked) properties. However, no steroid
has eliminated the androgenic effects because the so called androgenic effects are really
anabolic effects in sex-linked tissuses. The effects of male hormones on accessorie sex
glands, genital hair growth and oilyess of the skin are anabolic processes in those tissuses.
The steroids with the most potent anabolic effect aare also those with the greatest androgenic
effects.
Glossing over what prompts people resorting to anabolic steroids use
Here some points:
Men suffering from behavior syndrome , believing they look small and insignificant
even though they are muscular , use anabolic steroids. Similarly women, with this
problem take the drug as they tend to think they are flabby,thoughinactual they are
quite lean and muscular.
It is seen that people who have suffered physical or sexual abuse in the past often take
recource to the drug with the belief that it will make them look stronger and abler
thus discouraging any future attacks.
Adolescent youth get a kick out of doing risky things , like driving fast ,drinking
atrociously,and such like .they are easily attracted to anabolic steroid use.
Usually,in case of following sufferings doctors prescribe anabolic steroids:
Catabolic states such as chronic infections , extensive surgery , burns, or severe
trauma.
anemia is associated with renal insufficiency, sickle cells anemia, aplastic anemia and
bone marrow failure, some kinds of breast cancer in women.
Growth failure , including short stature assosiciated with turner syndrome .
Angioedema that causes swelling of face , arms, legs, throat, windpipe, bowels, or
sexual organs .
Severe anemia:
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 7
Anabolic Steroids
Bone marrow stimulation in the theraphy for hypoplasticanemias due to leukemia or kidney
failure, especially aplastic anemia ,fanconis anemia , sickle cell anemia and
haemolyticanaemia.
.
Weight gain for chronic nutritional deficiency or AIDS Wasting syndrome.
SIDE EFFECTS
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 8
Anabolic Steroids
SHORT TERM SIDE EFFECTS:
The short term, more immediate side effects of steroid abuse are a veritable buffet of
problems. Let’s start with the men. Acne, testicular atrophy, decreased sperm count,
gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men), high blood pressure, increased LDL (bad)
cholesterol, decreased HDL (good) cholesterol, fluid retention, abnormal liver
function,
Anabolic steroids can affect women differently than men, and in some cases,
dramatically so. Women can experience many of the same dangerous effects as men
including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and liver damage. Many of the
problems,however,are exclusively feminine representations of natural male
characteristics such as male pattern balding, deepening of the voice, facial and body
hair growth, and coarsening of the skin.
For both sexes, increased aggressiveness, otherwise known as "roid rage," commonly
accompaniesthe use of steroids.
Now let’s break some of these down into further detail.
ACNE
One common side effect is the onset of acne or, in cases of
adolescents where acne is already present, a much more
severe case can present itself. The scientific explanation is
quite colorful. Steroids enlarge the sebaceous glands in the
skin. Then, they cause these glands to increase sebum (oil) production. The increased
sebum leads to plug formation and serves as "food" for bacteria.
Normal hormones surge at puberty, which is why teens develop armpit and pubic hair,
and why boys develop facial hair and deeper voices. This hormonal surge also
contributes to the cause of acne in teens. Introducing steroids to this delicate balance
is just asking for trouble.
SHRUNKEN TESTICLES
Testicular atrophy, a fancy term for shrunken balls, isn’t just a cosmetic problem.
Because an outside source of testosterone is being introduced to the body, the testes
no longer get the signal to produce their share. The brain is also being told to slow
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 9
Anabolic Steroids
down the sperm factory, and that the body is getting sperm from an outside source,
usually the hypodermic needle. The brain then sends a signal back to the testicles to
take a break. This new function can cause temporary sterility, and the jury is still out
on whether steroids are linked with permanent sterility or not. But why take the
chance?
GYNECOMASTIA
Gynecomastia, a pretty word for man-boobs, is another not-so-good
side effect of abuse that comes from the improper balance of
testosterone. When the body converts the additional testosterone
into estrogen and other female hormones in the male body, female
breast tissue is sometimes formed. Often, surgery with a painful recovery time is the
only method of removing the female tissue build-up. Basically, the surgeon enlarges
the area to be liposuctioned with a large amount of sterile fluid then employs
ultrasonic liposuction using sound waves to break up the fat.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
The next effect on our list is high blood pressure, which is caused when the steroid
forces the body to hold onto extra salt and water, rather than flushing it out as usual.
Steroids also cause an increase in the body's red blood cell count and hematocrit
levels, resulting in higher blood pressure. The long term effects of high blood pressure
are a list all their own. It causes the heart to get larger, which may lead to heart
failure. Small bulges (aneurysms) can form in blood vessels, the main artery from the
heart (aorta), arteries in the brain, legs, and intestines; and the artery leading to the
spleen. Blood vessels in the kidney can narrow, which may cause kidney failure.
Arteries throughout the body can "harden" faster, especially those in the heart, brain,
kidneys, and legs. This can cause a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure or amputation
of part of the leg. Blood vessels in the eyes may burst or bleed, which can cause
vision changes and can result in blindness.
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
High blood pressure is also often a result of high (LDL) bad cholesterol levels and/or
low (HDL) good cholesterol levels. Steroids change the levels of lipoproteins that
carry cholesterol in the blood. Steroids, particularly oral steroids, increase the level of
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 10
Anabolic Steroids
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and decrease the level of high-density lipoprotein
(HDL). This increases the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty
substances are deposited inside arteries and disrupt blood flow. If blood is prevented
from reaching the heart, the result can be a heart attack. If blood is prevented from
reaching the brain, the result can be a stroke.
LIVER MALFUNCTION
Let’s move on to the liver, where just about everything
you put in your body gets processed. In other words, just
try to live without your liver. It won’t happen. Steroid
abuse has been associated with liver tumors and a rare
condition called peliosishepatis, in which blood-filled
cysts form in the liver. Both the tumors and the cysts can
rupture, causing internal bleeding. Keep in mind, we’re
talking short term effects. Long term liver effects, you
don’t want to know, but we’ll get into that a little later.
ENLARGED PROSTATE
Next, the issue of prostate enlargement, which is a problem seen with aging males.
This is not something you typically see in younger men, unless they’re taking
anabolic steroids. Over the course of an average life span, the male prostate gland
naturally grows thirty times its original size. It doesn’t need the help of additional
testosterone to grow to the size of a grapefruit. However, when large amounts of
synthetic testosterone are involved, the prostate grows faster. The long term effect of
that is prostate cancer. It is medically proven that the cancer loves the taste of
testosterone, which feeds the growth of cancer cells.
BALDING
Baldness in women steroid abusers is caused by the body’s confused over-production
of DHT- a hair inhibitor enzyme, which generally affects both sexes similarly.
MALE CHARACTERISTICS IN FEMALES
A deepening voice is another naturally male characteristic that can develop in women
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 11
Anabolic Steroids
abusers simply because of the large amounts of testosterone sending male signals to
the brain, the control room for hormone production, and the various glands that
manage the hormone output. Steroids play havoc with the entire
system.
Excess facial and body hair growth and coarse skin, both male characteristics, are
unsavory by-products of steroid abuse by women caused by an overabundance of
male hormones. While aggressiveness and heightened libido are side effects that can
be experienced by both genders, some effects are uniquely female. For example, the
enlarged or lengthened clitoris is inherently female as well as a confused and erratic
menstrual cycle. Other traits may include shrinking breasts, anxiety, depression, and
high levels of stress. All of these characteristics can be caused by introducing the
amounts of synthetic steroids in the female body necessary to see a change in muscle
development.
AGGRESSION
In both men and women steroid abusers, evidence of “roid
rage” or increased aggression from too much testosterone is
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 12
Anabolic Steroids
a hotly contested topic. However, in animal studies, the relationship between steroids
and aggression has always been prettyclear.
LONG TERM SIDE EFFECTS
Only in recent years have researchers been able to define the long term effects of
steroid abuse. They are learning more each year as abusers age and problems present
themselves.
HIV
One of the deadliest side effects, scoffed at by many abusers, is HIV. Intravenous
needle sharing, combined with a heightened sex drive and libido function can be a
very dangerous combination. This is especially true in adolescent teens and young
adults who often have weaker decision-making skills and a high susceptibility to peer
pressure. HIV and AIDS-related deaths are on the rise and the epidemic is not as
popular in the media as in past decades. Most people adopt a “that stuff happens to
other people” attitude, and many steroid abusers, already practiced rationalizers don’t
even consider it at all.
CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
High blood cholesterol levels, as discussed earlier in this
article, can lead to premature heart conditions, heart
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 13
Anabolic Steroids
attacks and stroke. The increase in muscle mass can put undue strain on the rest of a
body that is not prepared for the surprisingly fast new muscle development. The heart
is put under more pressure to provide blood to more muscle tissue, while processing
greater levels of bad cholesterol. Moreover, high blood pressure due to salt and water
retention can put even further undue stress on the heart. No doubt, steroid abuse over
long periods of time will inevitably cause damage.
STUNTED GROWTH
Studies have shown that adolescents who abuse steroids are at risk of being short for
life. Because the body responds to puberty by slowing and eventually stopping
growth, the pubescent period of life is crucial to future development. When the
adolescent brain senses a certain level of hormones in the body, it will send messages
to the bones to stop growing, closing the growth plates in the long bones. Young male
abusers can expect to be permanently shorter than average height.
LIGAMENT AND JOINT INJURY
Steroids increase muscle mass and muscle strength, but they leave the joints and
ligaments out of the equation. Steroid abusers can expect to eventually put too much
strain on ligaments that cannot properly anchor the new muscle strength, leading to
possibly severe injury and future surgery to correct torn shoulder joints or knee
ligaments. The muscles are exerted, and the joints simply can’t handle it.
WEIGHT PROBLEMS
Steroid abusers who stop abusing often deal with atrophied muscle mass which
converts to fat. Many former abusers report a problem managing weight gain, or
losing excess flab and soft tissue that occurs when the muscles are no longer being fed
high doses of testosterone. Excess body weight contributes to a host of long-term
problems including the aforementioned cardiovascular issues.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 14
Anabolic Steroids
NEUROLOGICAL ISSUES
Studies have confirmed steroid abuse has a long term effect on the neurological pathways of
the brain. Depending on the age when steroids are taken, the effects can sometimes be
permanent. For example, abusing steroids in the teenage years of development has shown to
affect the brain’s ability to properly produce serotonin, the enzyme tied with our sense of
well-being. This tampering with serotonin can lead to permanent increases in depression and
aggression. In women, this hormonal tampering can also lead to significantly lower levels of
progesterone and estrogen,
The Dangers of Anabolic Steroid Abuse
When improperly used, anabolic steroids can cause serious health problems such as
high blood pressure and heart disease; liver damage and cancers; and, stroke and
blood clots. Other side effects of steroids include: nausea and vomiting, increased risk
of ligament and tendon injuries, headaches, aching joints, muscle cramps, diarrhea,
sleep problems and severe acne.
While the total impact of anabolic steroid abuse is not known, health care providers
have observed the following problems:
Psychological
Mood swings
Aggressive, even violent behavior
Depression
Psychotic episodes
Addiction
Because anabolic steroids are derived from testosterone, they can have profound
effects on the hormone levels of both male and female abusers.
These effects can cause any or all of the following problems in men:
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 15
Anabolic Steroids
Temporary infertility or sterility (reversible)
Altered sex drive
Prostate enlargement, and increased prostate cancer risk
Irreversible breast enlargement
Painful erections
Shrinkage of the testicles
Reduced levels of testosterone
Abnormal sperm production
Increased levels of estrogen
Health care providers have reported the following problems in women:
Increased risk of cervical and endometrial cancer
Increased risk of osteoporosis
Temporary infertility or sterility (reversible)
Altered sex drive
Birth defects in future children
Changes in fat distribution
Growth of facial and body hair
Deepening of the voice
Shrinkage of the breasts and uterus
Clitoral enlargement
Menstrual irregularity
Changes in the male reproductive system are often reversible, if anabolic steroids
have not been abused for a long period of time. Unfortunately, some of the changes in
women are NOT reversible.
Prolonged abuse of anabolic steroids very often results in physical addiction. Abusers
must undergo a strict, medically-supervised withdrawal program.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 16
Anabolic Steroids
HIV/AIDS Risk
Sometimes, athletes who use anabolic steroids may share the needles, syringes or
other equipment they use to inject these drugs. By sharing needles, syringes or other
equipment, a person becomes a high risk for HIV transmission. HIV is the virus that
causes AIDS.
If a person shares needles, syringes and other equipment to inject steroids into the
vein (IV), in the muscles or under the skin, small amounts of blood from the person
infected with HIV may be injected into the bloodstream of the next person to use the
equipment.
HIV attacks the body's defense system, making the body less able to fight off
infections and cancers. There's no vaccine or cure for HIV or AIDS. People who may
have been exposed to HIV should be tested. If they find out they have the virus, they
can start treatment early.
You can't tell just be looking at someone if he or she has HIV. And, since someone
can be infected with HIV for many years without having any symptoms, some people
may not know they have HIV. Anyone who has ever shared a needle to shoot any
drugs -- even once -- could become infected with HIV and should be tested.
Adverse effects
Bone Premature closure of the
epiphyses in children
Stunting of linear growth
Breast Atrophy in women
gynocomaestia and enlarged
nipples in men
Gynacomaestia can be
pronounced and
painful;corrective surgery
may be necessary
Cardiovascular system Cardiac damage (left
ventricular hypertrophy,
fibrosis and heart failure)
sudden cardiac death.
The link between longterm
anabolic steroids use and
cardiovascular events
remains to be clearly
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 17
Anabolic Steroids
established but the evidence
gatheredisfairly compelling.
Hair Hirsutism in women ,
acceleration of baldness in
men, male- pattern baldness
in women.
Hirsutism is at very best only
partially reversible on
cessation of administration.
Liver Liver tumours(increased risk)
Hepatic cholestasis(bile canal
obstruction)
GGT and CK, as ALT and
AST can be raised by
excercise
Skin Cystic acne This can be very severe on
the chest back and Face
Vocal cords Lengethened in women Irreversible deepening of the
voice can result in
considerable distress
Other Serious infection associated
with injected drugs toxicity
from unliscenced products.
Needle-exchange
programmes are helping to
address this problem extent is
unknowm
Contraindications
Androgens and steroid anabolic agents are contra-indicated in children and in pregnant
women. Their prescription to women gives signs of masculinization. In men, they are contra-
indicated in patients with prostate cancer.Known or suspected cancer of the prostate or (in
men)breast. Pregnancy or breast-feeding. Known cardiovascular disease is a relative
contraindication.
Preparation & Dose
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 18
Anabolic Steroids
There are three common forms in which anabolic steroids are administered :
Oralpills Injectable steroids And skin patches Topical gels
Oral administration is most convienent , but the steroid must be chemically modified
so that the lever cannot break it down before it reaches the systemic circulation, these
formulations can cause lever damage in high doses.
Injectable steroids are typically administered into the muscles , not into the vein to
avoid sudden changes in the amount of the drugs in the blood streams.
Transdermal patches(adhesive patches placed on the skin) may also be used to deliver
a steady dose through the skin and into the blood stream.injection is the most common
method used by the individuals administering anabolic steroids for non medicinal
purpose.
Supplements
Over the counter dietary supplements, such as creatine, should be used with caution. Manufacturers claim they can build muscles and improve strength without the side effects of steroids. Taken in small doses, nutritional supplements may not be harmful.
Some Anabolic Steroids (Generic & Brand )Names
Brand Name Generic Name
Androstenediol Androsteder
Bolasterone
Myage
Clostebo
Turinabol, Steranabol
Oral-Turinabol
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 19
Anabolic Steroids
Dehydrochloromethyltestosteron
19-Norandrostenedio
19-Dio
Anabolic Steroids in Sport & Exercise
In most cases, people use anabolic steroids in sports and exercise. Sportspersons, including
athletes, bodybuilders, footballers and others, who put a lot of stake in improved performance
on the field, resort to frequent usage of the drug. The same goes for those who wish to build
muscles and cut down on body fat, thereby presenting themselves with well-toned physique.
Be that as it may, the fact that the drug can boost muscle size and ability to perform well in
exerting games would mean that the use of anabolic steroids in sports and exercise is not
going to go away forever. To that extent, the role of agencies to control the abuse of the
substances is important.
And indeed that is the reason why the US Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 has been
enacted to ban selling and using anabolic steroid and pro-hormone without relevant medical
prescription. To what extent the new act is able to check the abuse of anabolic steroids in
sport and exercise, while not unnecessarily preventing genuine medical reasons, remains to be
seen.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 20
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic Steroids and Sports: Winning at any cost
To excel in athletic competition is admirable. Most high school, college, amateur and
professional athletes participate in sports for the opportunity to pit their abilities
against those of their peers, and to experience the satisfaction that comes from playing
to their potential.
Others do so to satisfy a desire for recognition and fame. Unfortunately, that creates
some athletes who are determined to win at any cost. And, they may use that
determination to justify the use of anabolic steroids, despite evidence that these drugs
can inflict irreversible physical harm and have significant side effects.
Why Some Athletes Abuse Anabolic Steroids
Believing that anabolic steroids can improve competitiveness and performance,
uninformed or misguided athletes, sometimes encouraged by coaches or parents,
abuse these drugs to build lean muscle mass, promote aggressiveness, and increase
body weight.
Some athletes frequently take two or more anabolic steroids together, mixing oral
and/or injectable types, and sometimes adding other drugs, such as stimulants,
painkillers, or growth hormones. This is called "stacking." The athlete believes that
different drugs will produce greater strength or muscle size than by using just one
drug. What they don't know, or choose to ignore, is the damage to the body that abuse
of these drugs can cause.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 21
Anabolic Steroids
Doping
How Does Blood Doping Work?
Blood doping is a method of increasing the number of red blood cells in the body which in turn carry more oxygen to the muscles. It is most often used by athletes who compete in high endurance races like cycling or cross-country skiing. In the past, a liter of blood would be removed from an athlete's system and then frozen and stored for several weeks. A day or two before a big race, the stored blood would be re-injected into the athlete's system - creating extra red blood cells. These extra red blood
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 22
Anabolic Steroids
cells would carry more oxgen to the muscles - giving the athlete an advantage over the other racers who don't use blood doping.
Athletes don't re-inject blood very much anymore. Instead, cheating athletes will inject genetically engineered drugs which cause the body to create extra red blood cells. The most common type of blood doping chemical used is called EPO - which is used to treat patients who have kidney disease. The one supposedly used by those scamming skiers in Salt Lake City is called darbepoetin, which is also used to treat kidney disease.
How Are Blood Dopers Busted?
Athletes who use blood doping to increase their performance will have a higher red blood cell density. This can be detected by testing the athlete's levels of hemoglobin (protein which causes blood to be the red color we see.) EPO and other blood doping drugs can be detected in an athlete's system by urine tests. It's believed there are some blood doping drugs out there that drug testers don't know about which some athletes are using.
Types Of Testes (Doping):
S.No Tests
1 Urine Test
2 Blood Test
3 Sweat Test
4 Hair Test
5 Gene Test
How To Identify Anabolic Steroid User:
The negative effects anabolic steroids can have on the human body can be devastating. They
range from a minor case of oily skin, to major long-term health complications, and potentially
death. Fortunately, steroids have a variety of side effects, or changes experienced by the
mind and body of a user. These changes basically fit into three categories:
1. Internal changes such as high blood pressure or out of range liver values;
2. More private or personal changes like testicular atrophy (significant shrinking of the
testicles); and
3. Noticeably external changes like severe acne or increased aggression.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 23
Anabolic Steroids
Should you suspect your child, sibling or friend of using anabolic steroids, you can look for a
variety of short-term side effects that appear as symptoms. These include visible changes in
appearance, mood and behavior. The following information will make it easier for you to
identify the specific symptoms, changes and habits of a steroid user.
Physical changes are typically the most pronounced short-term
symptoms as they are not easily concealed by the novice user and
include:
Unusually greasy hair or oily skin (often with stretch marks on the inner joints)
Small red or purplish acne, including breakouts on the shoulders and back
Gynocomastia, the abnormally excessive development of the breast tissue in males
Persistent bad breath
Thinning hair throughout the head or receding hairline (male pattern baldness)
Increased length and thickness in hair (on body parts other than the head)
Hair loss in bed, shower, comb or brush
Personality and Psychiatric changes often
happen suddenly and without visible triggers
or reasons. They include:
Extreme mood swings
Increased aggression or irritability
Becomes disrespectful or abusive (verbally and/or
physically)
Poor decision making stemming from feelings of
invincibility
Becomes secretive and/or starts lying
Withdraws from family members
Depression (usually when steroids are discontinued)
Hallucinations - seeing or hearing things that aren't there
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 24
Anabolic Steroids
Paranoia - extreme feelings of mistrust or fear
Social changes may be mistaken for natural teenage distancing or
independence. These are:
Closes and/or locks bedroom door more often
Takes longer showers or baths (this time is often used for injecting)
Phone conversations become more private
Begins receiving more packages in the mail
Asks for money more often, or has more money than usual
Is stealing or losing belongings
Begins taking naps and/or falls asleep in class
Loss of focus or concentration (at work, school or home)
Decline in grades
Conclusion
Anabolic drugs or steroids are synthetic version of the naturally occurring male
hormone testosterone .
They are primarily develop to treat hypogonadism but are now used for treatment
of a variety of condition like severe anemia angioedema, wasting of body due to
HIV infection etc…,
This drugs unfortunately have been used by many weightlifters and athletes as
performance – enhancers due to their anabolic effects and are hence considered as
doping agents.
Doping has serious adverse effects and long term use can be fatal.
Doping poses serious questions on moral and ethical values and is banned by most
of the international sports associations.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 25
Anabolic Steroids
REFERENCES
1 Michael Powers, "Performance-Enhancing Drugs" in Joel Houglum, in Gary L. Harrelson,
Deidre Leaver-Dunn, "Principles of Pharmacology for Athletic Trainers", SLACK
Incorporated, 2005,ISBN 1-55642-594-5, p. 330
2 Barrett-Connor E (1995). "Testosterone and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in
men". Diabete Metab 21 (3): 156–61.PMID 7556805.
3Yamamoto Y, Moore R, Hess H, Guo G, Gonzalez F, Korach K, Maronpot R, Negishi M
(2006). "Estrogen receptor alpha mediates 17alpha-ethynylestradiol causing hepatotoxicity". J
Biol Chem 281(24): 16625–31. doi:10.1074/jbc.M602723200.PMID 16606610.
4 De Piccoli B, Giada F, Benettin A, Sartori F, Piccolo E (1991). "Anabolic steroid use in
body builders: an echocardiographic study of left ventricle morphology and function". Int J
Sports Med 12 (4): 408–12. doi:10.1055/s-2007-1024703. PMID 1917226.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 26
Anabolic Steroids
5Hartgens and Kuipers (2004), p. 515
6 Kicman AT, Gower DB (July 2003). "Anabolic steroids in sport: biochemical, clinical and
analytical perspectives". Annals of clinical biochemistry 40 (Pt 4): 321–
56.doi:10.1258/000456303766476977. PMID 12880534.
7 Kuhn CM (2002). "Anabolic steroids". Recent Prog. Horm. Res.57 (1): 411–
34. doi:10.1210/rp.57.1.411. PMID 12017555.
8Hoberman JM, Yesalis CE (1995). "The history of synthetic testosterone". Scientific
American 272 (2): 76–81.doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0295-76. PMID 7817189.
9 Freeman ER, Bloom DA, McGuire EJ (2001). "A brief history of testosterone". Journal of
Urology 165 (2): 371–373.
10. Kashkin KB, Kleber HD. Hooked on hormones - an anabolic steroid addiction hypothesis. JAMA J Am Med Assoc 1989 Dec 8;262(22):3166-70.
11 Giannini AJ, Miller N, Kocjan DK. Treating steroid abuse - a psychiatric perspective. Clinical Pediatrics 1991 Sep;30(9):538-42. by Trent Tschirgi, R. Ph. (c) 1992 University of Maryland Office of Substance Abuse Studies.
12. Strauss RH. Anabolic steroids. In: ed. Drugs and performance in sports. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1987:5, 59-67.
13 Brower KJ, Catlin DH, Blow FC, Eliopulos GA, Beresford TP. Clinical assessment and urine testing for anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse and dependence. American Journal Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse 1991;17(2):161-71.
14. Kleiner SM. Performance-enhancing aids in sport - health consequences and nutritional alternatives. J Amer Coll Nutr 1991 Apr;10(2):163-76.
12. Lorimer DA, Hart LL. Cardiac dysfunction in athletes receiving anabolic steroids. DICP Ann Pharmacother 1990 Nov;24(11):1060-1.
15 .Goldfien A. The gonadal hormones & inhibitors. In: ed. Basic and clinical pharmacology. Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1987, 461-83.
16.Yesalis CE, Wright JE, Bahrke MS. Epidemiological and policy issues in the measurement of the long term health effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids. Sports Medicine 1989 Sep;8(3):129-38.
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 27
Anabolic Steroids
Bharath Institute Of Technology-Pharmacy Page 28