White matter abnormalities in long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid users: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Previous research indicates that long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users exhibit abnormalities in amygdala structure and function.
• The inferior-fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) is a critical white matter tract connecting the amygdala to other brain regions involved in emotional processing and reward.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate white matter microstructure alterations in the IFOF of long-term AAS users.
• To explore the relationship between AAS use, IFOF integrity, and potential impacts on amygdala-related functions.

Main Methods:

• Diffusion-weighted imaging was used to assess white matter microstructure in 9 male long-term AAS users and 8 matched controls.
• Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and linear regression were employed to analyze group differences, adjusting for age and testosterone levels.

Main Results:

• AAS users demonstrated significantly higher fractional anisotropy (FA) in the left IFOF compared to nonusers.
• A positive correlation was observed between cumulative AAS dose and FA in the IFOF.
• While differences were more pronounced in the left IFOF, the right IFOF showed a non-significant trend.

Conclusions:

• Long-term AAS use is associated with altered white matter organization and integrity within the IFOF.
• These microstructural changes may influence amygdala-related processes, including reward system function.
• Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate their functional significance.