Reduced arterial elasticity after anabolic–androgenic steroid use in young adult males and mice

Abstract

High-doses of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) is efficient for building muscle mass, but pose a risk of cardiovascular side effects. Little is known of the effect of AAS on vasculature, but previous findings suggest unfavorable alterations in vessel walls and vasoreactivity. Here, long-term effect of AAS on vascular function and morphology were examined in male weightlifters, and in a mimicking animal model. Arterial elasticity and morphology were tested with ultrasound, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) in 56 current male AAS users, and 67 non-exposed weightlifting controls (WLC). Female mice were treated with testosterone for 14 days and echocardiography were applied to evaluate vascular function and morphology. Male AAS users had higher PWV (p = 0.044), reduced carotid artery compliance (p = 0.0005), and increased cIMT (p = 0.041) compared to WLC. Similar functional changes were found in the ascending aorta of mice after 7- (p = 0.043) and 14 days (p = 0.001) of testosterone treatment. This animal model can be used to map molecular mechanisms responsible for complications related to AAS misuse. Considering the age-independent stiffening of major arteries and the predictive power of an increase in PWV and cIMT, the long-term users of AAS are at increased risk of severe cardiovascular events.

Experimental studies on androgen administration in animal models: current and future perspectives

“…Al-Fathi et al [9 ▪ ] demonstrated that stanozolol administration impacted negatively on the inner diameter of the aorta, whereas the contemporary administration of stanozolol and vitamin E could mitigate adverse effects by improving the elastic fibers in the aortic wall, and thus its process of contraction. In agreement with this study, Melsom et al [30 ▪▪ ] confirmed that long-term exposure to androgens may induce age-independent stiffening of major arteries, increasing the risks of severe cardiovascular events. The importance of this study is related to the experimental model: the authors used both animal and human models, confirming the same results.…”

Health service engagement, side effects and concerns among men with anabolic-androgenic steroid use: a cross-sectional Norwegian study

“…AAS use is associated with several side effects, where the extent and severity of health issues seems to depend on AAS type, dose, accumulated time of use, method of administration and unknown predisposing factors [5,6]. Adverse health effects include cardiovascular harm, infertility, gynecomastia, neurocognitive impairment and musculoskeletal damage [5,[7][8][9][10][11][12]. In addition, about 30-50% of people who use AAS develop dependence, characterized by continued AAS use despite adverse physical and mental health effects [13].…”

Severe biventricular cardiomyopathy in both current and former long-term users of anabolic-androgenic steroids

“…The participants were recruited from this project, and the sample is partly overlapping with the one described in previous brain health publications. (16, 19, 20)…”