Daily answer
Scott Rand
Which of the following is NOT a property of anabolic steroids?
A. Reverse the actions of glucocorticoids and help metabolize ingested proteins, converting a negative nitrogen balance into a positive one
B. Gives the athlete a state of euphoria and decreased fatigue that allows the athlete to train harder and longer
C. Anabolic effects increase the number of muscles in the body for larger size and strength and better performance
D. May induce hypertension, liver tumors, hirsutism, and premature closure of growth plates
E. Androgenic effects may increase or decrease libido along with other side effects like gynecomastia
Correct: C
Anabolic steroids are testosterone derivatives with three main mechanisms of action. The anticatabolic effects reverse the actions of glucocorticoids and help metabolize ingested proteins, converting a negative nitrogen balance into a positive one. The anabolic effects directly induce skeletal muscle synthesis, but they do not increase the number of muscles in the body. When muscle synthesis is increased, athletes experience better strength and performance as well as larger mass of muscles. The “steroid rush” is a state of euphoria and decreased fatigue that allows the athlete to train harder and longer.
A randomized double-blind study of 40 men examined the effects of supraphysiologic testerosterone doses and compared placebo with or without weight training with testosterone doses with or without weight training. The subjects in the exercise plus testosterone group had a 9% increase in mass and 23 % increase in strength compared with 3% and 9% in the exercise plus placebo group. These doses were comparable with the doses that many athletes who use steroids take.
Adverse effects of steroids include: sexual side effects like decreased or increased libido, decreased sperm production, gynecomastia, and hirsutism; psychiatric effects like euphoria, aggression or personality disorders; and serious irreversible side effects including hypertension, severe tendon ruptures, liver tumors, psychosis, premature closure of growth plates and irreversible hirsutism and voice changes in women.
Most sports organizations have rules that ban the use of anabolic steroids for any reason.
1. Ahrendt, Dale. “Ergogenic Aids: Counseling the Athlete” Amer Fam Phys 2001 Mar; 63(5): 913-22.
2. Bhasin S, Storer TW, Berman N, Callegari C, Clevenger B, Phillips J, et al. “The effects of supraphysiologic doses of testerosterone on muscle size and strength in normal men.” N Engl J
3.
4. Med 1996; 335: 1-7.
5. 2008-09 NCAA Banned-Drug List
Scott E Rand, MD FAAFP CAQSM
Director, Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship
Co Director of Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Willowbrook
Assistant Professor of Clinical Family Medicine Houston Methodist Academic Institute
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine, Texas A&M University
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine in Clinical Medicine Weill Cornell Medical College.
13802 Centerfield Dr Suite 300
Houston, TX 77070
Scott Rand
Question:
Which of the following beta-agonists is not considered a banned substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations when used within permitted limits?
A. Clenbuterol
B. Salbutamol (inhaled, ≤1600 µg over 24 hours)
C. Terbutaline
D. Formoterol (oral)
Correct Answer: B. Salbutamol (inhaled, ≤1600 µg over 24 hours)
Explanation:
According to the WADA Prohibited List, inhaled salbutamol is permitted up to a maximum of 1600 micrograms over 24 hours (not exceeding 800 µg over any 12-hour period). Exceeding this threshold or using it via other routes may result in an adverse analytical finding
Reference: