Abstract des Autors

Chronic side effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) abuse had never been clearly demonstrated. Observed side effects were usually considered as a reversible and subside after the cessation of the drugs. In order to determine changes in cardiovascular system and a degree of health risk in human subjects taking AASs, the three years lasting study on group of anonymous body builders (15 men and 2 women) was conducted. The results of the study confirmed that AASs abuse may induce echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy without any correlation to the exercise capacity, hypertrophy of the left ventricle as well as some other changes in echocardiography parameters (PLVWd enlargement). Reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and in HDL/LDL ratio as well as increased aldosterone blood levels (especially post-exercise) and disturbed blood levels of other hormones (decreased LH) was demonstrated. Also increases in HT, RBC and increased activities of AspAT, AIAT and CK were observed. Three results: decreased concentration in HDL-cholesterol (below 1 mmol/l), LH (below 1 U/ml) and increased activity of CK (above 300 U/ml) may be applied as screening tests for discrimination between "on" and "off" cycle of AASs abuse. Auto-antibodies against heart muscle (AHMA), anti-skeletal muscle (ASMA) and anti-smooth muscle (SAM) were much more frequent in AASs abusers than in the control group (P<0.01). Most of the changes were normalised during the "off" period. However, increased level of aldosterone in serum and appearance of AHMA, ASMA and SAM indicated long lasting, pathological changes after cessation of the AASs. Increased aldosterone serum levels might also suggest a disturbed function of circulatory renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Experiments with administration of large doses of AASs to healthy human subjects can not be continued because of ethical and legal regulations. Verf.-Referat