Anabolic Steroids

What does anabolic mean?

Tissue building

What are anabolic steroids?

Tissue building hormones secreted from adrenal glands and reproductive organs

Why did German troops use anabolic steroids?

• To increase aggression

What are typical cycles for steroids?

4-8wk cycles

How do anabolics work?

Controls DNA and RNA to increase tissue production (Which stimulates the production of muscle protein)

Are anabolic steroids lipophilic?

yes

Steps for the physiological process of steroids

1) They circulate to cells and cross lipid bilayer

2) Interact w/ steroid receptors in cytoplasm

3) Steroid + receptor moves into nucleus

4) Interaction w/ DNA causing formation of mRNA

5) mRNA moves to cytoplasm and interacts w/ tRNA and ribosomes (rRNA)

6) Using mRNA code, tRNA and ribosomes from new protein

How can steroids stop atrophy?

They block muscle breakdown signals (especially under “stress” situations)

What is IGF-1 and what does it do?

Insulin Like Growth Factor 1:

• Increases muscle protein synthesis

• Stimulates muscle cell growth and satellite cell activation

• Promotes bone growth

• Supports repair of tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues

• Enhances nutrient storage and cell survival

• Helps regulate metabolism

Where does IGF-1 Come from?

• Produced in the liver after HGH signals for it.

• Muscles also produce their own IGF-1 locally when stressed (like from lifting).

What is Human Growth Hormone? (HGH)

• A peptide hormone (released through pituitary)

• It raises IGF-1

  • HGH makes the environment more anabolic by increasing IGF-1 and improving tissue repair.

How are steroids and HGH different?

• Steroids make muscles grow faster by activating androgen receptors.

• Testosterone derivatives that directly accelerate muscle protein synthesis
  

Affects of anabolic steroids on Men

• Decreased libido

• gynecomastia

  • hard, rubbery gland that forms under the nipple when estrogen outweighs testosterone in the breast tissue.

• acne

• Baldness

• increased aggression and irritability

What happens with long term use of steroids?

• Decreased HDLs

• increased LDLs

• Hyperinsulinemia

  • Insulin levels are chronically higher than they should be

• Hypertension

  • B/C smooth muscle also hypertrophies and ends up closing off blood vessels (Vasoconstricting them)

• Liver failure

What happens to women when they use steroids?

• increased muscle size and strength w/ resistance training

Side effects for women taking steroids

• masculine secondary sex characteristics

• facial hair

• deepening of the voice

• enlarged clit

• irregular menstrual cycle

• increased aggression and irritability

What happens to children when they take steroids?

• Quicker maturation

• Shortened height

  • Due to increased rate of growth plate closure