Raised concentrations of C reactive protein in anabolic steroid using bodybuilders.
OBJECTIVE
To examine levels of C reactive protein in users of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) compared with age matched control groups consisting of AAS using (but abstinent)/resistance trained and non-drug using/sedentary controls.


METHODS
Subjects included AAS using bodybuilders (n = 10); bodybuilders who denied AAS use (n = 10); sedentary controls (n = 8). Venous blood was sampled, from which serum concentrations of C reactive protein, male sex hormones, and cardiac troponin T were determined.


RESULTS
A significantly altered hormonal profile in the AAS using group provided indirect confirmation of AAS use. C reactive protein concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the AAS using bodybuilders. There was no relation between C reactive protein and cardiac troponin T.


CONCLUSIONS
AAS using bodybuilders had significantly higher C reactive protein concentrations, indicating a greater propensity to develop peripheral arterial disease.
Grace
F M
FM
Department of Health and Exercise Science, School of Applied Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Wales, UK. fgrace2@glam.ac.uk
Davies
B
B
D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000728:Androgens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D020107:Troponin T / Q000097:blood; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*
D045930:Anabolic Agents; D000728:Androgens; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D020107:Troponin T; D013739:Testosterone; D002097:C-Reactive Protein