BODY-COMPOSITION, CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-FACTORS AND LIVER-FUNCTION IN LONG-TERM ANDROGENIC-ANABOLIC STEROIDS USING BODYBUILDERS 3 MONTHS AFTER DRUG-WITHDRAWAL

The purpose of this study was to investigate in a cross-sectional desi gn body composition, muscle fiber characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and liver enzymes in long term androgenic-anabolic steroids ( AAS) using bodybuilders three months after drug withdrawal (AAS group; n = 16) and in non-users (CO group; n = 12). Training and dietary dat a were collected in all subjects. Anthropometry included weight, heigh t, 8 skinfolds and 11 circumferences, Percentage fat (%FAT), fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) were calculated, In a muscle biopsy from the vastus lateralis muscle water content, fiber type distribution an d diameters of fiber type I and type II were determined. Age, height, training characteristics, nutrition, skinfolds, %FAT and FM did not di ffer between the groups. The AAS group had greater BW and LBM, and lar ger circumferences of thorax, waist, upper arm and thigh than the CO g roup, Muscle biopsy data were comparable, except for muscle fiber diam eter of type I which was larger in the AAS group. No differences in se rum values of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, no r in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed. In both grou ps serum alkaline phosphatase and gamma GT were within the normal rang e, This study suggests that in long term AAS using bodybuilders, after a three months AAS free period, BW is greater than in non drug users. This is reflected in larger LBM, circumferences and diameter of muscl e fiber type I, In addition, no differences in fat mass, blood pressur e, lipoprotein profiles and liver enzymes exist between AAS users thre e months after interrupted drug use and their non drug using counterpa rts.