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Published on: February 12, 2018
Exposure to anabolic-androgenic steroids shortens life span of male mice
1Department of Zoology, University of Texas, Austin 78712, USA. bronson@mail.utex.edu
Abstract:
Adult male laboratory mice were exposed for 6 months to a combination of four anabolic-androgenic steroids of the kinds and at the relative levels to which human athletes and body builders expose themselves. The four steroids included testosterone, two 17-alkylated steroids, and an ester, and they were given at doses that totaled either 5 or 20 times normal androgenic maintenance levels for mice. By the time the survivors were 20 months old (1 yr after the termination of steroid exposure), 52% of the mice given the high dose of steroids had died compared with 35% of the mice given the low dose and only 12% of the control mice given no exogenous hormones (P < 0.001). Autopsy of the steroid-treated mice typically revealed tumors in the liver or kidney, other kinds of damage to these two organs, broadly invase lymphosarcomas, or heart damage, and usually more than one of these conditions. It can be concluded that the life span of male mice is decreased dramatically by exposing them for 6 months to the kinds and relative levels of anabolic steroids used by many athletes and body builders.
Insights
Exposure to anabolic-androgenic steroids significantly reduced lifespan in male mice. High doses led to a 52% mortality rate, with common findings of tumors and organ damage.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Endocrinology
- Animal Studies
Background:
- Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are performance-enhancing drugs used by athletes and bodybuilders.
- The long-term health effects of AAS exposure, particularly at levels used by humans, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of chronic exposure to a combination of AAS on the lifespan and health of adult male mice.
- To determine the dose-dependent effects of AAS on mortality and organ pathology.
Main Methods:
- Adult male mice were administered a mixture of four AAS (testosterone, two 17-alkylated steroids, one ester) for six months.
- Dose levels were set at 5x and 20x the normal androgenic maintenance levels for mice.
- Mortality rates and pathological findings were assessed up to 20 months of age.
Main Results:
- Significant dose-dependent decrease in lifespan was observed in AAS-exposed mice compared to controls.
- High-dose group showed 52% mortality by 20 months, compared to 35% in the low-dose group and 12% in controls (P < 0.001).
- Autopsies revealed frequent liver and kidney tumors, organ damage, lymphosarcomas, and cardiac issues in steroid-treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Chronic exposure to AAS at levels relevant to human athletes dramatically shortens lifespan in male mice.
- AAS administration is associated with severe organ pathology, including tumors and cardiovascular damage.
- These findings highlight the significant health risks associated with AAS use.
