Pharmacology of Anabolic Steroids

The document from 2008 provides a comprehensive review of the pharmacology of anabolic steroids, discussing their potential for muscle growth and strength in athletes and bodybuilders, as well as their clinical applications for treating conditions like cachexia and muscle loss in the elderly. It acknowledges the need for more studies to demonstrate their efficacy in improving physical function and quality of life in clinical settings. The review also covers the risks of virilization, particularly in women, and the adverse health effects documented in the former German Democratic Republic. It discusses the development of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) as a potential alternative with fewer side effects. The document examines the mechanisms of action of anabolic steroids, their myotrophic-androgenic index, and the challenges in regulating their use in sports, including the emergence of "designer steroids." It also explores the molecular biology of the androgen receptor, the anticatabolic effects of anabolic steroids, and their behavioral effects. Finally, the document emphasizes the importance of randomized trials to assess the clinical usefulness of anabolic steroids and the need for out-of-competition testing to prevent doping in sports, while also highlighting the medical risks and the difficulty in assessing the prevalence of severe adverse effects due to the clandestine nature of steroid use.