(282) CONSEQUENCES OF ANABOLIC-ANDROGENIC STEROID ABUSE IN MALES: RESULTS FROM A META-ANALYSIS STUDY

Abstract Objectives The real epidemiology and the possible consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) use still represent a very tricky task due to the difficulties in the quantification and detection of these drugs. The aim of the present study is to systematically meta-analyze and discuss the available evidence regarding the impact of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) on the male reproductive system. Methods A comprehensive Medline, Embase and Cochrane search was performed. All studies investigating the impact of AAS on several andrological outcomes without any restriction were included. Results Out of 738 studies, 24 specifically analyzed the andrological consequences of AAS in males. These trials included 2411 patients with a mean age of 29.7 years and a mean follow-up of 148.7 weeks. The trials differ in basal characteristics and type of AAS used. In particular, 13 studies compared the effects of AAS to controls whereas 11 reported only side effects in the active group. Body builders or weightlifters were the most common athletes considered, the list of which included also soccer players, other professional athletes as well as recreational exercisers. In the vast majority of the cases, control groups were made up of non-abuser athletes but also of normal sedentary groups. Conclusions Available data clearly indicated that AAS negatively affect endogenous T production. In addition, increased T and estradiol circulating levels were also observed according to the type of preparations used. The latter leads to an impairment of sperm production and to the development of side effects such as acne, hair loss and gynecomastia. Furthermore, a worse metabolic profile, characterized by reduced high density lipoprotein and increased low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels along with an increased risk of hypertension has been also detected. Finally sexual dysfunctions, often observed upon doping, represent one the most probable unfavorable effects of AAS abuse. Conflicts of Interest No conflict of interest to declare.