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Am J Med 2020 May 13. Epub 2020 May 13.

Sands Constellation Heart Institute, Rochester Regional Health, Rochester, NY.

Drug Test Anal 2020 May 9. Epub 2020 May 9.

Ghent University, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Doping Control Laboratory, Technologiepark 30 B, B-9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium.

Sulfated metabolites have been illustrated to have potential as long term markers of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse. In 2019, the compatibility of gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with non-hydrolysed sulfated steroids was demonstrated and this approach allows incorporating these compounds in a broad GC-MS initial testing procedure at a later stage. However, research is first needed to pinpoint which are beneficial. Read More

Oman Med J 2020 Mar 30;35(2):e110. Epub 2020 Mar 30.

King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) have been used internationally for enhancing physical appearance and performance despite their significant side effects. We sought to identify the prevalence of AAS use and its different risk factors among gym users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed among gym users across 20 gyms in Riyadh. Read More

Endocr Connect 2020 Mar 1. Epub 2020 Mar 1.

D Smit, Haarlem, Netherlands.

This review summarizes ten years experience with male abusers of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). The typical user of AAS is male, aged between 20 and 40 and lifting weights. Illegal AAS are cheap and easily obtained via internet or local suppliers. Read More

Probl Endokrinol (Mosk) 2019 Nov 23;65(5):341-350. Epub 2019 Nov 23.

Saint-Petersburg State University.

Background: The widespread use of AAS for non-medical purposes is more than often becoming the cause of secondary hypogonadism. The study of the formation of the negative attitude towards the use of AAS among the gym visitors is quite relevant.

Aims: To identify the frequency of the formation of a motivated refusal to continue taking androgenic anabolic steroids among men who voluntarily declared their use. Read More

Endocr Pract 2020 Mar;26(3):340-353

Over the past few decades, there has been an unprecedented rise in off-label use and misuse of testosterone, growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and adrenal supplements. Testosterone therapy is often promoted to men for the treatment of low energy, lower libido, erectile dysfunction, and other symptoms. Growth hormone is used in attempts to improve athletic performance in athletes and to attenuate aging in older adults. Read More

Int J Prev Med 2019 9;10:178. Epub 2019 Oct 9.

Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

Background: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs), when taken in supraphysiologic doses, increase muscle strength and athletic performance. Evidence suggests that long-term use of AAS in supraphysiologic doses have adverse effects on health. Therefore, the study was conducted to find crude estimate of the prevalence of AAS use among attendees of the gymnasium, the factors that could have influenced them for AAS abuse and to assess the short- and long-term side effects as perceived by them. Read More

Subst Abuse 2020 18;14:1178221820904150. Epub 2020 Feb 18.

The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.

Background: Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use is associated with serious mental and physical health problems. Evidence indicates that AAS use among people who use psychoactive substances is higher than in the general population. This study aims to estimate lifetime AAS use among patients in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, compare characteristics of AAS and non-AAS users and identify whether AAS use was addressed during treatment. Read More

Actas Urol Esp 2020 Feb 26. Epub 2020 Feb 26.

Hospital Médica Sur, Ciudad de México, México. Electronic address:

Common abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is no longer confined to high performance athletes, as it has spread among the general population. Epidemiological data about the abuse of these substances show that it is a common practice in young populations. Its use is based on the desire to increase muscle mass and strength, as well as improving physical performance. Read More

Steroids 2020 May 22;157:108614. Epub 2020 Feb 22.

Doping Control Laboratory, Seibersdorf Labor GmbH, Seibersdorf, Austria.

For an effective detection of doping with pseudo-endogenous anabolic steroids, the urinary steroid profile is of high value. In this work, the aim was to investigate steroid metabolism disruption after exogenous intramuscular administration of different testosterone esters. The investigation focused on both sulfo - and glucoro conjugated androgens. Read More

Quintessence Int 2020 ;51(6):496-501

Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a benign, self-limiting, inflammatory disease of salivary glands, mainly involving the minor salivary glands in the palate. This lesion can mimic a malignant neoplasm, both clinically and histopathologically, manifesting as a submucosal swelling or as an ulcer of the palate. This report presents a case of an otherwise healthy bodybuilder with anabolic androgenic steroids abuse with bilateral necrotizing sialometaplasia in the palate, and discusses computed tomography findings in the pre-ulceration phase. Read More

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020 Jun;105(6)

Department of Andrology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital and ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, NSW, Australia.

Context: Androgen abuse impairs male reproductive and cardiac function, but the rate, extent, and determinants of recovery are not understood.

Objective: To investigate recovery of male reproductive and cardiac function after ceasing androgen intake in current and past androgen abusers compared with healthy non-users.

Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study recruited via social media 41 current and 31 past users (≥3 months since last use, median 300 days since last use) with 21 healthy, eugonadal non-users. Read More

Br J Pharmacol 2020 May 3;177(10):2180-2198. Epub 2020 Mar 3.

Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are prescribed for medical conditions related to low testosterone. Abuse of AASs has surged as they become recognised as potent image enhancement drugs. The primary goal of most abusers is to obtain a more attractive outward appearance. Read More

Drug Alcohol Depend 2020 Mar 17;208:107874. Epub 2020 Jan 17.

The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Postbox 4959, Nydalen, Norway.

Background: Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) dependence is associated with a high prevalence of intra- and interpersonal problems, hence it is central to identify cognitive factors related to the development and maintenance of dependence.

Methods: The study explores executive functions (EFs) in a sample of 174 male weightlifters, divided into three groups; 1) AAS dependents; n = 58, 2) AAS non-dependents; n = 38 and 3) AAS non-users; n = 78, using a targeted battery of neuropsychological (NP) tests, and self-report questionnaires assessing EFs in everyday life, ADHD symptoms and psychological distress.

Results: Multivariate analysis of variance showed significant between-group differences on several EFs, including working memory [F (2, 169) = 13. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2020 Jan 12;13(1). Epub 2020 Jan 12.

Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Etobicoke General Hospital, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada.

A 34-year-old man, with previous anabolic steroid abuse, presented with right shoulder pain following an underhand bowling swing. Examination indicated a Popeye sign of the right biceps, and positive Speeds, Yergason and O'Brian's tests. MRI indicated a complete tear of the intra-articular portion of the long head of biceps tendon (LHBT). Read More

Harm Reduct J 2019 12 30;16(1):75. Epub 2019 Dec 30.

Department of Sociology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, England.

Background: A growing body of evidence suggests that anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are used globally by a diverse population with varying motivations. Evidence has increased greatly in recent years to support understanding of this form of substance use and the associated health harms, but there remains little evidence regarding interventions to support cessation and treat the consequences of use. In this scoping review, we identify and describe what is known about interventions that aim to support and achieve cessation of AAS, and treat and prevent associated health problems. Read More

J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2019 Dec 25;31(1). Epub 2019 Dec 25.

Maulana Azad Medical College, Pharmacology, 333, Gagan Vihar, New Delhi 110002, India.

Background Youth population has a common tendency to use androgenic steroids. The reasons for such abuse vary from performance enhancement to muscle building in order to enhance physical appearance. Such rampant abuse, aided by fitness centers and gym trainers, has a huge risk of side effects such as hepatic dysfunctions and increased risk of infections. Read More

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020 Feb 16;27(5):5009-5017. Epub 2019 Dec 16.

Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.

Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a commonly used anabolic-androgenic steroid. These drugs are illegally self-administered by athletes to enhance their sports performance. However, their abuse could influence the testicular function and fertility. Read More

BMC Public Health 2019 Dec 9;19(1):1650. Epub 2019 Dec 9.

Graduate Program, Life Sciences School, Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, Imaculada Conceição, 1155, Prado Velho, Curitiba, PR, CEP 8021, Brazil.

Background: To verify the prevalence and profile of users and non-users of anabolic steroid (AS) among resistance training practitioners.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional survey was performed in 100 gyms in Curitiba city, involving 5773 individuals and self-administered questionnaires. The chi-square and z-tests of proportions were used for comparison between the groups (p < 0. Read More

Drug Test Anal 2019 Nov 8;11(11-12):1644-1655. Epub 2019 Dec 8.

Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.

The anabolic-androgenic steroid methylstenbolone (MSTEN; 2α,17α-dimethyl-17β-hydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-3-one) is available as a so-called designer steroid or nutritional supplement. It is occasionally detected in doping control samples, predominantly tested and confirmed as the glucuronic acid conjugate of methylstenbolone. The absence of other meaningful metabolites reported as target analytes for sports drug testing purposes can be explained by the advertised metabolic stability of methylstenbolone. Read More

Drug Test Anal 2019 Nov 13;11(11-12):1629-1643. Epub 2019 Dec 13.

Laboratorio Antidoping FMSI, Rome, Italy.

7-keto-DHEA (3β-hydroxy-androst-5-ene-7,17-dione) is included in section S1 of the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) List of Prohibited Substances. The detection of its misuse in sports needs special attention, since it is naturally present in urine samples. The main goal of this study is to investigate the in vivo metabolism of 7-keto-DHEA after a single administration to healthy volunteers and to better describe the relationship between arimistane (androst-5-ene-7,17-dione) and 7-keto-DHEA after the application of the common routine procedures to detect anabolic steroids in WADA accredited antidoping laboratories. Read More

Behav Brain Res 2020 Feb 4;379:112339. Epub 2019 Nov 4.

Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, United States.

Our goal is to understand the consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse on cognitive function, using rats as a model. There is relatively little research on how AAS abuse impacts cognition. In the present study, rats were tested for their ability to use contextual information to guide decision-making in biconditional discrimination. Read More

Anal Bioanal Chem 2019 Nov 15;411(28):7563-7571. Epub 2019 Nov 15.

German Sport University Cologne, Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany.

Detecting the administration of naturally occurring but synthetically derived steroids (e.g., testosterone) in routine doping controls is particularly laborious and time-consuming. Read More

Span J Psychol 2019 Oct 23;22:E40. Epub 2019 Oct 23.

Universitat de València (Spain).

Recent studies have highlighted the dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and its end products, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in women with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. These studies analyzed several coping styles, but they neglected to examine the use of violent strategies to confront IPV and the way these strategies affect HPA functioning. This latter proposal would be based on the gender symmetry model of IPV, which sustains that IPV is generally symmetrical, but that women's violence tends to be a reaction to male violence. Read More

Neth J Med 2019 09;77(7):261-263

Anabolic Androgenic Steroid (AAS) Clinic, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, the Netherlands.

This case report describes a patient with a nearly fatal spontaneous haemorrhage of a hepatic adenoma that occurred in association with anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use. The patient was addicted to AAS and had been using exceptionally high dosages as well as growth hormone. After cessation of AAS use, testosterone replacement therapy was started to prevent post-AAShypogonadism and consequent relapse. Read More

Andrologia 2019 Nov 9;51(10):e13409. Epub 2019 Sep 9.

Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Human infertility is a worldwide health issue and is the inability to conceive following twelve months of unprotected sexual intercourse. Consistent studies reiterated tobacco abuse to be an important risk factor which adversely effects male fertility. This study aims to determine the correlation of kisspeptin and total testosterone levels in smokeless tobacco, smoking tobacco users and healthy controls. Read More

Forensic Sci Int 2019 Oct 8;303:109925. Epub 2019 Aug 8.

Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. Electronic address:

A 34-year old male was found breathless and panting at home by his girlfriend three hours after a gym workout. Minutes later, he collapsed and died. Autopsy, histological and chemical analyses were conducted. Read More

Steroids 2019 12 6;152:108491. Epub 2019 Sep 6.

Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Largo Onesti 1, 00197 Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161 Roma, Italy. Electronic address:

Testosterone is one of the most abused pseudo-endogenous anabolic steroids in sport doping. The current method adopted to detect the abuse of testosterone and other pseudo-endogenous steroids (endogenous steroids when administered exogenously) is first based on the longitudinal monitoring of several urinary biomarkers, which constitute the so called "steroidal module" of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP): atypical samples undergo a confirmation analysis based on the measurement of the C/C isotopic ratio of selected target compounds, to distinguish their endogenous or exogenous origin. At the same time, testosterone administration can be allowed in athletes diagnosed with hypogonadism, provided they are granted a therapeutic use exemption by the relevant medical authority. Read More

Chin Med J (Engl) 2019 Sep;132(18):2229-2236

Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China.

Objective: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) represents a group of synthetic testosterone derivatives that play an important role in clinical treatment. These drugs are widely abused among the general public to increase lean weight and improve athletic performance. It has been reported that AAS use can produce many adverse effects, especially the occurrence of cardiovascular risk. Read More

Medicina (Kaunas) 2019 Aug 27;55(9). Epub 2019 Aug 27.

Department of Functional Sciences, Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050470 Bucharest, Romania.

: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), used as a therapy in various diseases and abused in sports, are atherogenic in supraphysiological administration, altering the plasma lipid profile. Taurine, a conditionally-essential amino acid often used in dietary supplements, was acknowledged to delay the onset and progression of atherogenesis, and to mitigate hyperlipidemia. The aim of the present study was to verify if taurine could prevent the alterations induced by concomitant chronic administration of high doses of AAS nandrolone decanoate (DECA) in rats. Read More

Drug Test Anal 2019 Oct 3;11(10):1566-1571. Epub 2019 Sep 3.

International Association of Athletics Federations, Monaco and Université Côte d'Azur, LAMHESS, Nice, France.

Testosterone doping remains a prevalent and potent form of drug cheating among elite athletes. In men, the urine testosterone (T) to epitestosterone (E) ratio (T/E ratio) can identify administration of exogenous T by its suppression of endogenous T production through strong negative feedback on endogenous T and E production as well as spill over into urine of extra testosterone. However, this mechanism may be partially inoperative in females whose much lower circulating T derives from three sources, none subject to powerful negative T feedback. Read More

Steroids 2019 12 22;152:108477. Epub 2019 Aug 22.

Anti-Doping Lab Qatar, Sports City, P.O. Box 27775, Doha, Qatar. Electronic address:

The population based Steroid Profile (SP) ratio of testosterone (T) and epitestosterone (E) has been considered as a biomarker approach to detect testosterone abuse in '80s. The contemporary Antidoping Laboratories apply the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) Technical Document (TD) for Endogenous Androgenic Anabolic Steroids (EAAS) in the analysis of SP during their screening. The SP Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) adaptive model uses the concentrations of the total of free and glucuronide conjugated forms of six EAASs concentrations and ratios measured by GC/MS. Read More

Drug Alcohol Depend 2019 10 1;203:92-97. Epub 2019 Aug 1.

Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. Electronic address:

Background: The use of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) has been associated with increased aggressiveness and violent behavior. We therefore investigated the proposed correlation between the use of AAS and criminality while controlling for important socio-economics covariates and for psychiatric comorbidity.

Methods: The primary endpoints were prison sentences, and time to first prison sentence. Read More

Body Image 2019 Sep 30;30:165-169. Epub 2019 Jul 30.

San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, 6363 Alvarado Ct., San Diego, CA 92120, United States; San Diego State University, Department of Psychology, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182, United States. Electronic address:

Latino sexual minority men (SMM) have elevated anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) misuse in comparison to their heterosexual and non-Latino peers. Within a gender role framework, desire to present as masculine through heightened muscularity may be related to increased AAS misuse. To assess the association between AAS misuse and a culturally-distinct masculinity, this study examined the relationship of two aspects of machismo, traditional machismo and caballerismo, with AAS misuse in the past month. Read More

Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2019 Dec 29;15(4):616-621. Epub 2019 Jul 29.

Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy.

Even if there are well-known consequences of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse, their full pathway of action is still being investigated. In this context, the presented case report aims to discuss and provide evidence of unusual adverse effects linked to immunodeficiency in an AAS abuser. In fact, this kind of chronic complication, even if not usually considered, may lead sudden death. Read More

Physiol Rep 2019 07;7(14):e14192

Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago Health Sciences Division, Maywood, Illinois.

Androgen therapy provides cardiovascular benefits for hypogonadism. However, myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and infarction have been reported in testosterone or androgenic anabolic steroid abuse. Therefore, better understanding of the factors leading to adverse results of androgen abuse is needed. Read More

Medicina (Kaunas) 2019 Jul 22;55(7). Epub 2019 Jul 22.

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are a complex group of molecules that include both steroidal androgens and synthetic compounds, derived from testosterone. AASs are commonly used to support pharmacological therapy in cases of primary or secondary hypogonadism, major burns, and neoplastic cachexia. Their prolonged and supra-physiological consumption can provoke several adverse effects on various organs and systems. Read More

Drug Test Anal 2019 Oct 24;11(10):1556-1565. Epub 2019 Jul 24.

Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30 - 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark.

The steroidal module of the athlete biological passport (ABP) introduced by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 2014 includes six endogenous androgenic steroids and five of their concentration ratios, monitored in urine samples collected repeatedly from the same athlete, whose values are interpreted by a Bayesian model on the basis of intra-individual variability. The same steroid profile, plus dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and DHEA, was determined in 198 urine samples collected from an amateur marathon runner monitored over three months preceding an international competition. Two to three samples were collected each day and subsequently analyzed by a fully validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry protocol. Read More

Probl Endokrinol (Mosk) 2019 06 30;65(2):124-133. Epub 2019 Jun 30.

Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University.

The purpose of this review is to assess the prevalence of AA steroid use, to identify the steroids that are used, and to present the negative effects of AA steroids on the human body while describing the mechanisms of their actions on the male reproductive system. The review highlights the diagnostic features of steroid-induced hypogonadism, and assesses the effectiveness of various drugs in the reproductive rehabilitation of patients who cease taking AA steroids. Emphasis is placed on the feasibility and effectiveness of various drug treatments in the context of post cycle therapy (PCT), which seeks to stabilize and restore normal hormonal function. Read More

Ann Intern Med 2019 07;171(1):ITC1-ITC16

Emory University School of Medicine and Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia (V.T.).

Transgender persons are a diverse group whose gender identity differs from their sex recorded at birth. Some choose to undergo medical treatment to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. Barriers to accessing appropriate and culturally competent care contribute to health disparities in transgender persons, such as increased rates of certain types of cancer, substance abuse, mental health conditions, infections, and chronic diseases. Read More

Hormones (Athens) 2019 Jun 29;18(2):151-172. Epub 2019 Jun 29.

Department of Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

A constant topic reported in the lay press is the effect of sex hormones on athletic performance and their abuse by athletes in their effort to enhance their performance or to either boost or sidestep their hard, protracted, and demanding training regimens. However, an issue that it is almost never mentioned is that the athletic training itself affects the endogenous production of androgens and estrogens, while also being affected by them. Among sports, soccer is a particularly demanding activity, soccer players needing to possess high levels of endurance, strength, and both aerobic and anaerobic capacity, with the very great physiological, metabolic, physical, and psychological exertion required of the players being both influenced by sex steroids and, reciprocally, affecting sex steroid levels. Read More

Ther Adv Drug Saf 2019 13;10:2042098619855291. Epub 2019 Jun 13.

York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York, North Yorkshire, UK.

Background: Androgenic anabolic steroids (AASs) have a number of licensed clinical indications but are also subject to abuse within the body building community. They have a number of potentially important adverse pharmacological effects, and users require health monitoring, including selected laboratory investigations. The extent to which AAS users are able to seek medical supervision and the ability of healthcare providers to respond to the needs of users is uncertain. Read More

Sheng Li Xue Bao 2019 Jun;71(3):463-470

Laboratory of Neuromotor Control and Learning, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.

Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) is responsible for muscle building and masculinizing. Using AAS can enhance muscle development and strength, and improve athletic performance. AAS abuse is not only seen in sport. Read More

Drug Test Anal 2019 Sep 17;11(9):1284-1289. Epub 2019 Jul 17.

Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

To detect doping with endogenous steroids, six urinary steroids are longitudinally monitored in the athlete biological passport (ABP). These steroids include testosterone, etiocholanolone, androsterone, 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol, 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol, and the testosterone isomer epitestosterone. It is known that the intake of hormonal contraceptives may interfere with the ABP biomarkers. Read More

Bioanalysis 2019 Jun 10;11(12):1171-1187. Epub 2019 Jun 10.

School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, 1211 Geneve, Switzerland.

Quantification of testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone serum concentrations proved to be an efficient alternative to urinary steroid profiling for the detection of T doping. In this context, additional serum markers could be discovered by exploratory untargeted steroidomics studies. Endogenous steroid metabolites were monitored by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry in serum samples collected during a T administration clinical trial. Read More

Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2019 05 16;14(1):20. Epub 2019 May 16.

National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4959, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.

Background: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are used to increase muscle strength and improve appearance, but users also carry the risk of developing physical and mental health problems. In Norway, the substance use disorder treatment system provides health care to this patient group, but few AAS users have sought such treatment. Therefore, a service was created to inform AAS users and next of kin of potential negative consequences and their treatment options. Read More

Probl Endokrinol (Mosk) 2019 05 14;65(1):19-30. Epub 2019 May 14.

Almazov National Medical Research Centre.

Background: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are often used by individuals engaged in physical recreational activity. AASs inhibit the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis and can cause erectile dysfunction and reduced fertility. There is no data on the use of AASs in this category of people in the Russian Federation; therefore, a study exploring the rate and patterns of using steroids for non-medical purposes is topical. Read More

Horm Behav 2019 07 8;113:13-20. Epub 2019 May 8.

Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America. Electronic address:

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are drugs of abuse that impair behavior and cognition. In a rodent model of AAS abuse, testosterone-treated male rats expend more physical effort, by repeatedly pressing a lever for a large reward in an operant discounting task. However, since modern society prioritizes cognitive over physical effort, it is important to determine if AAS limit cognitive effort. Read More

Neuropsychology 2019 May;33(4):547-559

Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition.

Objective: To test for associations between long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use and cognitive functioning, and establish a candidate neuronal basis by assessing the associations between cognitive performance and brain morphology both in users and nonusers.

Method: Eighty four previous or current AAS-users and 69 non-AAS-using male weightlifters aged 19-75 years (mean 32.6, SD 8. Read More