Evidence for a decrease in cardiovascular risk factors following recombinant growth hormone administration in abstinent anabolic-androgenic steroid users.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether six days recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in an abstinent anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) group had any cardiovascular and biochemical effects compared with a control group.


METHODS
Male subjects (n=48) were randomly divided, using a single blind procedure into two groups: (1) control group (C) n=24, mean+/-SD, age 32+/-11 years; height 1.8+/-0.06m; (2) rhGH using group (0.058IUkg(-1)day(-1)) (GH) n=24, mean+/-SD, age 32+/-9 years; height 1.8+/-0.07m. Physiological responses, anthropometry, arterial pulse wave velocity (APWV), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), peak oxygen uptake (VO(2) peak) and biochemical indices were investigated.


RESULTS
Body mass index, fat-free mass index and VO(2) peak significantly increased while body fat significantly decreased within GH (all P<0.017). Insulin like growth factor-I significantly increased within GH (P<0.017) and compared with C (P<0.05). Serum sodium significantly increased (P<0.017) and serum homocysteine, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, thyroid stimulating hormone and tetra-iodothyronine (T(4)), significantly decreased within GH (all P<0.017). T(4) significantly decreased compared with C (P<0.05). Arterial pulse wave velocity, peak and recovery systolic and diastolic BP, significantly decreased compared with C (P<0.05). Resting HR and rate pressure product (RPP) significantly increased compared with C (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study suggest that short term use of rhGH may have beneficial effects on endothelial function and specific inflammatory markers of cardiovascular disease in abstinent AAS users, but may have an adverse effect on the cardiovascular system, as evidenced by the increase in resting RPP.
Graham
Michael R
MR
Health and Exercise Science Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sport and Science, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom. drgraham@glam.ac.uk
Baker
Julien S
JS
Evans
Peter
P
Kicman
Andrew
A
Cowan
David
D
Hullin
David
D
Davies
Bruce
B
D000328:Adult; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000728:Androgens / Q000009:adverse effects; D000886:Anthropometry; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D045930:Anabolic Agents; D000728:Androgens; D015415:Biomarkers; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013006:Growth Hormone