title: Endocrine aspects of anabolic steroids.
abstract: Understanding of the mechanism of androgen action has been enhanced by advances in knowledge on the molecular basis of activation of the androgen receptor and the importance of tissue conversion of circulating testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and estradiol. New evidence supports the view that supraphysiological doses of anabolic steroids do have a definite, positive effect on muscle size and muscle strength. However, the nature of the anabolic action of androgens on muscle is currently unclear and may involve mechanisms independent of the androgen receptor. The dose-response relationships of anabolic actions vs the potentially serious risk to health of androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) use are still unresolved. Most of the adverse effects of AAS are reversible but some are permanent, particularly in women and children. The reported incidence of acute life-threatening events associated with AAS abuse is low, but the actual risk may be underrecognized or underreported; the exact incidence is unknown. The long-term consequences and disease risks of AAS to the sports competitor remain to be properly evaluated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Manchester, UK. Frederick.Wu@man.ac.uk
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000728:Androgens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D004300:Doping in Sports; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D045930:Anabolic Agents; D000728:Androgens