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Updated: Jun 27, 2025
A Microfluidic Flow Chamber Model for Platelet Transfusion and Hemostasis Measures Platelet Deposition and Fibrin Formation in Real-time
Published on: February 14, 2017
Platelet activity, coagulation, and fibrinolysis in long-term users of anabolic-androgenic steroids compared to
Tea Sætereng Fyksen1, Ingebjørg Seljeflot2, Paul Vanberg3
1Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.
Long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users showed no increased platelet activity. However, AAS use was linked to higher D-dimer and lower PAI-1 levels, suggesting prothrombotic effects may involve other hemostatic factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Sports medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is linked to adverse cardiovascular effects, including prothrombotic risks.
- Understanding the impact of long-term AAS use on hemostasis is crucial for assessing cardiovascular disease risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare platelet activation, aggregation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis in long-term AAS users versus non-using strength-trained athletes.
- To investigate the specific hemostatic alterations associated with AAS use.
Main Methods:
- Compared 37 long-term AAS users with 17 non-using athletes.
- Verified AAS use via blood and urine analysis.
- Assessed platelet function (PFA-100, aggregometry), activation markers, coagulation (fibrinogen, D-dimer, inhibitors), and fibrinolysis (PAI-1).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in platelet aggregation between groups.
- AAS users had lower von Willebrand factor and slightly higher P-Selectin.
- AAS users exhibited higher D-dimer levels and lower PAI-1 activity.
Conclusions:
- Long-term AAS users did not show elevated platelet activity compared to controls.
- AAS use is associated with altered coagulation (higher D-dimer) and fibrinolysis (lower PAI-1).
- Prothrombotic effects of AAS may stem from mechanisms beyond platelet activation.
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