Abstract
Purpose
To examine levels of C-reactive protein in anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) users compared with age matched control groups consisting of AAS using (but abstinent)/resistance trained non-drug-using/sedentary controls.
Method
Subjects included (n = 10) AAS-using bodybuilders; (n = 10) bodybuilders who denied AAS use; and (n = 8) sedentary controls. Venous blood was sampled, from which, serum concentrations of C-reactive protein, male sex hormones and Cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) were determined.
Results
Testosterone was significantly higher in the AAS using group (p<0.05) compared with controls. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the AAS users (p<0.01) compared with controls. Hormonal profile in the AAS using group is consistent with the use of exogenous androgens and thus provided indirect confirmation of AAS use. CRP was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the AAS using bodybuilders compared with controls.
Conclusion
AAS using bodybuilders had significantly higher C-reactive protein concentrations, indicating a greater propensity to develop peripheral arterial disease. Further, more detailed investigation is required.
To examine levels of C-reactive protein in anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) users compared with age matched control groups consisting of AAS using (but abstinent)/resistance trained non-drug-using/sedentary controls.
Method
Subjects included (n = 10) AAS-using bodybuilders; (n = 10) bodybuilders who denied AAS use; and (n = 8) sedentary controls. Venous blood was sampled, from which, serum concentrations of C-reactive protein, male sex hormones and Cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) were determined.
Results
Testosterone was significantly higher in the AAS using group (p<0.05) compared with controls. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the AAS users (p<0.01) compared with controls. Hormonal profile in the AAS using group is consistent with the use of exogenous androgens and thus provided indirect confirmation of AAS use. CRP was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the AAS using bodybuilders compared with controls.
Conclusion
AAS using bodybuilders had significantly higher C-reactive protein concentrations, indicating a greater propensity to develop peripheral arterial disease. Further, more detailed investigation is required.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | S170-S170 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - May 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | American College of Sports Medicine Conference 2004 - Indianapolis, United States Duration: 2 Jun 2004 → 5 Jun 2004 |