The Effect of Supraphysiological Doses of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on Collagen Metabolism

Abstract

We examined the effect of supraphysiological doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on collagen metabolism and whether the changes reflect the alterations in muscle, bone, and tendon collagen metabolism, possibly in a tissue-specific manner. Serum carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP), carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), urine hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP), and lysylpyridinoline (LP) as well as urine creatinine were determined from 17 men abusing AAS. Measurements were made twice during the intake of AAS and twice during the subsequent withdrawal period. When the volunteers were on steroids, their serum PIIINP concentrations and urine HP/LP ratio were significantly higher and their serum ICTP concentrations were significantly lower than during the withdrawal period (p < 0.05). Serum PIIINP correlated with total cumulative doses of injectable intramuscular steroids, and serum ICTP correlated with the duration of the steroid intake period (p<0.05). The results suggest that high doses of AAS decrease the degradation and seem to increase the synthesis of type I collagen. Furthermore, high doses of AAS are suggested to enhance soft tissue collagen metabolism on the basis of increased type III collagen synthesis and elevated HP/LP ratio during the steroid administration period. Although the tissue-specific turnover of collagen of soft connective tissues remains unknown, the turnover of bone collagen seems not to change following the use of high doses of AAS, at least within the time interval of the present study.

Gene expression in distinct regions of rat tendons in response to jump training combined with anabolic androgenic steroid administration

“…Previous studies have also demonstrated that administration of AAS inhibits the activity of MMPs, possibly impairing tendon remodeling (Dheda et al 2004;Marqueti et al 2010). However, the effects of AAS on collagen gene expression are poorly understood, although AAS may be associated with tendon dysfunction and fibrosis (Pärssinen et al 2000).…”

Matrix metallopeptidase 2 activity in tendon regions: effects of mechanical loading exercise associated to anabolic-androgenic steroids

“…However, the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) strongly inhibits this turnover (Marqueti et al 2006). Supraphysiological doses of AAS result in altered muscle, bone and tendon metabolism (Pärssinen et al 2000). AAS are used as ergogenic aids by athletes and nonathletes to enhance performance by increasing muscle size and strength.…”

“…High and multi-doses of AAS used for athletic enhancement can lead to serious and irreversible organ damage (Maravelias et al 2005). The combination of AAS and exercise induce deleterious alterations in tendon such as the presence of displastic Wbrils, with clear disruption of the Wbril interface (Michna 1986(Michna , 1987Miles et al 1992;Inhofe et al 1995;Mottram and George 2000;Pärssinen et al 2000;Bahrke and Yesalis 2004). This structural alteration results in increase of tendon stiVness and loss of elasticity, so that tendon becomes more prone to rupture (Wood et al 1988;Miles et al 1992;Inhofe et al 1995;Laseter and Russel 1991;Evans 2004).…”

Adverse cardiovascular effects of anabolic steroids: pathophysiology imaging

“…Case reports on hard atherosclerotic endpoints (sudden cardiac death, MI or stroke) comprise young AAS abusers without preexistent cardiac risk factors, suggesting that a high AAS dose imposes additional independent risk to conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Parssinen et al [10] reported a more than four times higher incidence of early death in professional athletes abusing AAS compared to the age-and sex-matched general population, in a 12-years prospective observation.…”