Medical and nonmedical uses of anabolic-androgenic steroids

Article Abstract:

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are drugs that resemble testosterone, an androgen (male sex hormone). These agents were synthesized with the goal of developing drugs with the anabolic (muscle-building) effects, but not the androgenic effects, of testosterone. No steroids have yet been synthesized that have only anabolic effects. AAS are legitimately prescribed up to three million times per year in the US to treat certain anemias and gynecologic problems, to increase protein anabolism, and to aid the treatment of growth delay and osteoporosis. Nonmedically, AAS are used by body builders and others in good health to increase skeletal muscle size and strength. This usage has been condemned by many medical and sports organizations on the basis of fair play, known adverse effects, and unknown long-term effects. Although previously thought to be ineffective, AAS do increase muscle size and strength in people who are involved in physical training and consume a high-protein, high-calorie diet. Athletes who take AAS have reported improvements in their physical, mental and emotional states and appearance. The epidemiology of AAS use is discussed in this article, as are the sources of AAS. Adverse effects are described, including those on the liver, growth, and sexual characteristics. Research of the effects of AAS on fat metabolism, cardiovascular health, and tumor growth is underway. Efforts to limit nonmedical use have included legislative and legal initiatives and educational efforts by professional and medical groups. The AMA (American Medical Association) supports increased criminal penalties for nonprescribed AAS use, but does not favor classifying AAS as a controlled substance. The AMA continues to cooperate with other organizations in educating athletes and other users, and encourages research concerning the effects of AAS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Laws, regulations and rules, Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, Social policy, Drugs and athletes, Anabolic steroids

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Mortality rates after 10.5 years for participants in the multiple risk factor intervention trial: findings related to a priori hypotheses of the trial

Article Abstract:

The Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT) was conducted to determine whether a combination of interventions could prevent coronary heart disease (CHD) in middle-aged men who were at increased risk for the disease. Subjects were selected on the basis of their blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and smoking habits. They were then divided into two groups, the special intervention program or usual medical care (control group). The interventions focused on dietary changes (reductions in saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol with increases in polyunsaturated fat), weight loss, and cessation of smoking. The number of participants in the special intervention group was 6,428; there were 6,438 subjects in the control group. It was previously reported that after subjects were enrolled in the intervention program for six to eight years, there were no differences between the two groups in mortality from CHD or from all causes. The mortality data reported in this study were taken 10.5 years after the initiation of interventions, which was about four years after the intervention program ended. Mortality was lower for the intervention group by 10.6 percent for death from CHD, and by 7.7 percent for deaths from all causes. The lower mortality in the intervention group was mainly due to a 24 percent lower rate of death from acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) in the intervention group when compared with the control group. The authors conclude that multiple interventions to reduce CHD risk factors can lower the mortality of middle-aged men over a period of approximately 10 years. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Mortality, Risk factors, Statistics, Heart attack, Infarction

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Physical activity counseling for healthy adults as a primary preventive intervention in the clinical setting: report for the US Preventive Services Task Force

Article Abstract:

Several medical conditions, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity, which are major causes of death and disability, may be prevented or controlled by exercise. The role of counseling healthy people regarding physical activity as a means of preventing a number of diseases is evaluated. Several issues are explored, such as suffering due to physical inactivity and the effectiveness of exercise in preventing disease. Aspects of physical activity counseling are analyzed, including simplicity, cost effectiveness, safety, acceptability and patient compliance. Guidelines are given regarding physical activity counseling in routine clinical practice for the prevention of six medical conditions. Information is provided regarding the specific health benefits of exercise as well as the likelihood of changing people's behavior to become more physically active.

Methods, Analysis, Hypertension, Patient compliance, Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, Exercise therapy, Osteoporosis, Preventive medicine, Health counseling, Medicine, Preventive

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