Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are synthetic androgen-like compounds which are abused in sport communities despite their side effects. AAS abuse has been coupled with several medical complications, such as sterility, gynecomastia, and increased risk of cardiovascular and hepatic diseases. More recently, it has been observed that non-medical use of these steroids is frequently associated with changes in mood as well as cognitive deficits. Although the nature of this association is still largely unexplored, recent animal studies have shown the neurodegenerative potential of these compounds ranging from neurotrophin unbalance to increased neuronal susceptibility to apoptotic stimuli. Hence, exposure to AASs may result in a compromised brain, more susceptible, later in life, to the onset or progression of diseases not usually linked to drug abuse, especially neurodegenerative diseases.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 107-114 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 2 SUPPL. |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2013 |
Keywords
- Anabolic androgenic steroids
- Drug of abuse
- Nerve growth factor
- Neurodegenerative diseases
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Physiology (medical)
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
- Cancer Research