Steroids

Steroid Hormone Response Elements

• As previously mentioned, steroid hormones
are lipid-based molecules that attach to a
receptor-complex

• The hormone-receptor complex enters the
nucleus and binds to specific regulatory
sequences

• All genes regulated by a specific steroid
hormone have the same DNA sequence
- Known as a steroid hormone response element

Natural Steroid Hormones: Testosterone

• Regulates metabolic genes that build proteins to produce muscle mass

• Promotes male sex characteristics including; facial hair and deep voice

• Helps produce sperm

• Maintains bone density

Natural Steroid Hormones: Estrogen

• Promotes female sex characteristics including; menstruation and pregnancy

• Bone strength

• Protects brain from neural damage

Synthetic Steroids

• Synthetic steroids are chemicals that are designed to mimic the actions of natural hormones

• Purpose

  • Reduces bodies rejection during an organ transplant

  • Reduces pain and inflammation

    • Eg. Arthritis, asthma, lupus

  • Increase muscle mass

Examples of Synthetic Steroids

Performance Enhancement Drugs

Some athletes use illegal steroids to improve their performance.

One of the most popular illegal substances is anabolic steroids, which are used to build muscle mass.

Side effects of anabolic steroids include: acne, bad breath, high blood pressure, liver disease, and cancer.