Effects of longitudinal abuse of anabolic steroids on liver enzymes activity and lipid profiles of male bodybuilders

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of anabolic steroids (AS) abuse on liver enzymes activity and lipid profiles in male bodybuilders. 40 well-trained bodybuilders, with 20 self-reporting regular AS use and 20 self-reporting never taking AS (NAS) were recruited for this study. Participants reported to the laboratory for blood sampling to assess liver enzymes activity (Aspartate transaminase [AST], Alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and Alkaline phosphatase [AP]), lipid profiles and fasting blood sugar (FBS). Moreover, maximal strength and muscle volume were measured. The results indicated that AS users had higher strength in the bench press (113±11.8 vs. 93.7±13.3 kg) and leg press (329.5±40.4 vs. 248.5±41.0 kg), muscle volume (arm, 41.2±3.5 vs. 35.1±4.2 cm and thigh, 60.6±6.4 vs. 53.7±5.6 cm), LDL (179.2±34.1 vs. 155.8±37.7 mg/dL), TG (166.5±74.4 vs. 126.9±48.2 mg/dL), TC (253.2±59.6 vs. 143.5±48.0 mg/dL), AST (53.2±14.3 vs. 34.5±11.11 IU/L) and ALT (53.5±15.1 vs. 33.3±7.8 IU/L) (p < 0.05). However, NAS users indicated higher HDL (43.5±15.2 vs. 30.7±10.0 mg/dL) and AP (82.7±30.6 vs. 75.6±30.1 IU/L) (p < 0.05) in comparison to AS users. In conclusion, AS abuse is associated with alterations in liver enzymes function and lipid profiles that, represent an increased risk profile in athletes who used AS.