Effects of anabolic steroids, testosterone, and HGH on blood lipids and echocardiographic parameters in body builders

Int J Sports Med. 1989 Feb;10(1):62-6. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1024877.

Abstract

To evaluate the metabolic or cardiovascular effects induced by self-administration of human growth hormone (HGH) alone or combined with testosterone and anabolic steroids, we conducted a study with 15 male body builders. Of these, 8 (control group) did not take any hormonal substances; 6 (experimental group) self-administered testosterone, anabolic steroids, and HGH for 6 weeks in various dosages; 1 subject self-administered only HGH for an equal period of time. At the end of the period of treatment with the hormonal combination, the experimental group continued for 2 additional weeks with anabolic steroids and testosterone only. All maintained the same, unaltered type and intensity of training, and constant diet. Before the beginning of treatment with hormonal substances, after 6 weeks, and at the end of treatment (for a total of 8 weeks), they were tested for total and HDL-cholesterol (t-chol and HDL-chol), apolipoproteins A-1 and B (apo A-1 and B), and triglycerides (tg). Before the start and after 6 weeks, an echocardiographic examination was performed to assess left ventricular dimensions and function in all 15 body builders. The most interesting result is a significant decrease of HDL-chol and apo A-1 derived from self-administration of anabolic steroids and HGH together.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anabolic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apolipoprotein A-I
  • Apolipoproteins A / blood
  • Apolipoproteins B / blood
  • Cholesterol, HDL / blood
  • Echocardiography*
  • Growth Hormone / pharmacology*
  • Heart Ventricles / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Male
  • Sports*
  • Testosterone / pharmacology*
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • Weight Lifting*

Substances

  • Anabolic Agents
  • Apolipoprotein A-I
  • Apolipoproteins A
  • Apolipoproteins B
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Lipids
  • Triglycerides
  • Testosterone
  • Growth Hormone