Abstract
Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AASs) are chemical and pharmacological derivatives of the male hormone testosterone which are widely used for increasing burst and sprinting activities in sports. Although AASs are thought to be transversal to the plurality of sports disciplines, they are principally misused by bodybuilders, weightlifters, shot, hammer, discus or javelin throwers, rugby and American football players as well as by swimmers and runners. AAS exert a kaleidoscope of effects on human biology, principally through the 5-α-reductase-mediated conversion into dihydrotestosterone, the aromatase-mediated conversion into female sex hormones, a competitive antagonism to the glucocorticoid receptors, the potential stimulation of erythropoietin secretion as well as psychoactive effects on the brain. The influence of AASs on physical performance is still undefined, since the large number of studies published so far have described discordant and often contradictory outcomes. Nevertheless, animal and human investigations support the hypothesis that the administration of AASs might increase lean body mass, muscle mass, and maximal voluntary strength especially in men, so that they would represent an appealing form of doping for increasing power capacity, sustaining intensive training periods and, last but not least, as a cosmetic muscle makeover. The aim of this article is to review the biochemistry, physiology and the ergogenic effects of AASs.
Keywords: Doping, testosterone, sports, anabolic androgenic steroids, male hormone, kaleidoscope, reductase-mediated, glucocorticoid receptors, erythropoietin secretion, psychoactive effects, ergogenic effects
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Biochemistry and Physiology of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Doping
Volume: 11 Issue: 5
Author(s): G. Lippi, M. Franchini and G. Banfi
Affiliation:
Keywords: Doping, testosterone, sports, anabolic androgenic steroids, male hormone, kaleidoscope, reductase-mediated, glucocorticoid receptors, erythropoietin secretion, psychoactive effects, ergogenic effects
Abstract: Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AASs) are chemical and pharmacological derivatives of the male hormone testosterone which are widely used for increasing burst and sprinting activities in sports. Although AASs are thought to be transversal to the plurality of sports disciplines, they are principally misused by bodybuilders, weightlifters, shot, hammer, discus or javelin throwers, rugby and American football players as well as by swimmers and runners. AAS exert a kaleidoscope of effects on human biology, principally through the 5-α-reductase-mediated conversion into dihydrotestosterone, the aromatase-mediated conversion into female sex hormones, a competitive antagonism to the glucocorticoid receptors, the potential stimulation of erythropoietin secretion as well as psychoactive effects on the brain. The influence of AASs on physical performance is still undefined, since the large number of studies published so far have described discordant and often contradictory outcomes. Nevertheless, animal and human investigations support the hypothesis that the administration of AASs might increase lean body mass, muscle mass, and maximal voluntary strength especially in men, so that they would represent an appealing form of doping for increasing power capacity, sustaining intensive training periods and, last but not least, as a cosmetic muscle makeover. The aim of this article is to review the biochemistry, physiology and the ergogenic effects of AASs.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Lippi G., Franchini M. and Banfi G., Biochemistry and Physiology of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Doping, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2011; 11 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138955711795445952
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138955711795445952 |
Print ISSN 1389-5575 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5607 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Bioprospecting of Natural Products as Sources of New Multitarget Therapies
According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, bioprospecting is the exploration of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge to develop commercially valuable products for pharmaceutical and other applications. Bioprospecting involves searching for useful organic compounds in plants, fungi, marine organisms, and microorganisms. Natural products traditionally constituted the primary source of more than ...read more
Computational Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry
The thematic issue "Computational Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry" provides a robust platform for delving into state-of-the-art computational methodologies and technologies that significantly propel advancements in medicinal chemistry. This edition seeks to amalgamate top-tier reviews spotlighting the latest trends and breakthroughs in the fusion of computational approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI) ...read more
Mitochondria as a Therapeutic Target in Metabolic Disorders
Mitochondria are the primary site of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in mammalian cells. Moreover, these organelles are an important source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in virtually any nucleated cell type. The modulation of a myriad of cellular signaling pathways depends on the mitochondrial physiology. Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed ...read more
Natural Products and Dietary Supplements in Alleviation of Metabolic, Cardiovascular, and Neurological Disorders
Metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer etc, cardiovascular disorders like angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure etc as well as neurological disorders like Alzheimer?s, Parkinson?s, Epilepsy, Depression, etc are the global burden. They covered the major segment of the diseases and disorders from which the human community ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Aesthetic Cardiology: Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Myocardial Repair
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Antihypertensive Treatments in Patients Affected by Aortic Valve Stenosis
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Role of Amitriptyline in the Management of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews Effect of the Antifibrillatory Compound Tedisamil (KC-8857) on Transmembrane Currents in Mammalian Ventricular Myocytes
Current Medicinal Chemistry Emerging Roles for Vasoactive Peptides in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies Against Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases
Current Protein & Peptide Science Selective Inhibitors of Zinc-Dependent Histone Deacetylases. Therapeutic Targets Relevant to Cancer
Current Pharmaceutical Design Cognitive and Cardiovascular Benefits of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Aging and Cognitive Decline
Current Alzheimer Research Metabolic and Cardiovascular Ageing Indices in Relation to Glycated Haemoglobin in Healthy and Diabetic Subjects
Current Aging Science Current Therapeutic Drugs Against Cerebral Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Comprehensive Review of Basic and Clinical Studies
Current Drug Delivery Non-Respiratory Manifestations of COVID-19 and Pathophysiological Evidences
New Emirates Medical Journal Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: Concepts and Controversies
Current Cardiology Reviews Primary Heart Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis
Current Rheumatology Reviews Effectiveness of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for MR Imaging and Tissue Ablation
Current Nanomedicine Electrochemical Cell-based Biosensors for Biomedical Applications
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Safety and Efficacy of Adenovirus Carrying Hepatocyte Growth Factor Gene by Percutaneous Endocardial Injection for Treating Post-infarct Heart Failure: A Phase IIa Clinical Trial
Current Gene Therapy Editorial (Thematic Issue Cells and Gene Therapy - “Do You Like Green Eggs and Ham?”)
Current Gene Therapy Effects of Emotion and Stress on Lung Function in Health and Asthma
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA): A Promising Biomarker for Cardiovascular Disease?
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Sodium Ion Transporters as New Therapeutic Targets in Heart Failure
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Pharmacological Interactions
Current Medicinal Chemistry