Jon J Rasmussen1,2, Morten Schou3,2, Per L Madsen3, Christian Selmer1, Marie L Johansen1,2, Peter Hovind4, Peter S Ulriksen5, Jens Faber1,2, Finn Gustafsson6,2, Caroline Kistorp1,2. 1. Centre of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine. 2. Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. 3. Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Herlev and Gentofte. 4. Department of Clinical Physiology, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Rigshospitalet and Glostrup. 5. Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Herlev and Gentofte. 6. Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Rigshospitalet and Glostrup.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is prevalent among recreational athletes and adverse effects on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness could be substantial. Testosterone decreases natriuretic peptides which are key components in BP-regulation and may impair BP-homeostasis in AAS abusers. OBJECTIVE: To investigate BP and aortic stiffness in relation to natriuretic peptides among current AAS abusers, former AAS abusers and controls. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 37 current AAS abusers, 33 former AAS abusers and 30 controls were included. All participants were men involved in recreational strength training. We used 24-h BP monitoring, assessed proximal aorta distensibility index (ADI) by MRI and obtained overnight fasting blood samples to measure: midregional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), aldosterone, noradrenaline and copeptin. RESULTS: Current AAS abusers exhibited higher mean (95% confidence interval) 24-h systolic BP than controls [132 (129; 135) versus 124 (120; 128) mmHg, P = 0.005] and systolic hypertension was more frequent among current AAS abusers than controls (51 versus 17%, P = 0.009). ADI was lower among both current and former AAS abusers suggesting higher aortic stiffness; %-difference (95% confidence interval) from controls: -21% (-35; -5) and -21% (-36; -4), P < 0.05. Plasma MR-proANP was decreased, whereas aldosterone and noradrenaline were increased among current AAS abusers compared with former AAS abusers and controls. Decreased MR-proANP was independently associated with increased systolic BP and reduced ADI in multivariate linear regressions. CONCLUSION: Current AAS abusers displayed increased 24-h systolic BP and decreased plasma MR-proANP. Both current and former AAS abusers exhibited higher aortic stiffness.
BACKGROUND: Abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is prevalent among recreational athletes and adverse effects on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness could be substantial. Testosterone decreases natriuretic peptides which are key components in BP-regulation and may impair BP-homeostasis in AAS abusers. OBJECTIVE: To investigate BP and aortic stiffness in relation to natriuretic peptides among current AAS abusers, former AAS abusers and controls. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 37 current AAS abusers, 33 former AAS abusers and 30 controls were included. All participants were men involved in recreational strength training. We used 24-h BP monitoring, assessed proximal aorta distensibility index (ADI) by MRI and obtained overnight fasting blood samples to measure: midregional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), aldosterone, noradrenaline and copeptin. RESULTS: Current AAS abusers exhibited higher mean (95% confidence interval) 24-h systolic BP than controls [132 (129; 135) versus 124 (120; 128) mmHg, P = 0.005] and systolic hypertension was more frequent among current AAS abusers than controls (51 versus 17%, P = 0.009). ADI was lower among both current and former AAS abusers suggesting higher aortic stiffness; %-difference (95% confidence interval) from controls: -21% (-35; -5) and -21% (-36; -4), P < 0.05. Plasma MR-proANP was decreased, whereas aldosterone and noradrenaline were increased among current AAS abusers compared with former AAS abusers and controls. Decreased MR-proANP was independently associated with increased systolic BP and reduced ADI in multivariate linear regressions. CONCLUSION: Current AAS abusers displayed increased 24-h systolic BP and decreased plasma MR-proANP. Both current and former AAS abusers exhibited higher aortic stiffness.
Authors: H S Melsom; C M Heiestad; E Eftestøl; M K Torp; K Gundersen; A K Bjørnebekk; P M Thorsby; K O Stensløkken; J Hisdal Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2022-06-11 Impact factor: 4.996
Authors: Deaglan McCullough; Richard Webb; Kevin J Enright; Katie E Lane; Jim McVeigh; Claire E Stewart; Ian G Davies Journal: Rev Endocr Metab Disord Date: 2020-12-02 Impact factor: 6.514
Authors: Giovanni Corona; Giulia Rastrelli; Sara Marchiani; Sandra Filippi; Annamaria Morelli; Erica Sarchielli; Alessandra Sforza; Linda Vignozzi; Mario Maggi Journal: World J Mens Health Date: 2021-06-01 Impact factor: 5.400