Anabolic steroids (steroids for short) are used widely among bodybuilders to
increase their testosterone, thus to get ‘stacked’ or larger. Steroids seem
to be a wonderful thing for these bodybuilders, but very few of them know just
how they work and what the effects are. History The word “anabolic” portrays
any substance, which accumulates nitrogen in muscle protein and from there
builds muscle tissue. The body’s natural anabolic steroid is called
testosterone, which men (naturally) obtain more of, than women do. Testosterone
brings on the development of speed, mass, endurance, definition, and strength.
Testosterone is naturally released into the blood stream, goes to different
locations, accomplishes its goal, and is broken down by enzymes. This process is
done rather quickly. Eventually chemists discovered how to modify testosterone
molecules to make them last longer, and this is how anabolic steroids came into
play. What Steroids do (biologically)? In a normal body, the procedures of
catabolism (breaking down and removal of old cells) and anabolism (building up
of new cells) are in an equilibrium. When anabolic steroids are used, this
balance is thrown off by the supremacy of the building up of new cells, and from
cells come muscle, so therefore muscle mass is increased. As previously stated,
all anabolic steroids are chemical derivatives of testosterone. Because
testosterone has a short biological half-life, pharmacological use requires the
steroid to be altered to slow metabolism by the liver. Commonly, oral steroids
are modified by alkylation (replacing H with a CH3 group), and injectable
steroids are modified by esterification of the hydroxyl group. Anabolic steroids
work by coupling with the cytoplasmic androgen receptor, where the
steroid-receptor complex moves into the nucleus and binds to DNA. The steroid
and receptor may also dissociate in the nucleus and act on DNA separately, but
it is uncertain if this actually happens. Testosterone may also inhibit the
catabolic pathway associated with glucocorticoids, but this is also uncertain as
to whether this is affiliated with an interaction between testosterone and
glucocorticoid or the nuclear manner of the steroid-receptor complex. In the
nucleus steroids seem to intensify specific gene material. Then mRNA is prepared
to be sent out of the nucleus, leaving increased protein synthesis. If the
complex inhibits the catabolic enzymes then it is possible that catabolic
inhibition may also occur in the nucleus. By looking at the concentration of the
androgen receptor, it is an example of how sensitive it is. Skeletal muscle
typically contains 0.5-3 femto (1E-12) moles per milligram of protein, at the
same time other androgen sensitive organs, may have up to 25 times more
receptors. Oral Steroids and their effect on The Liver Oral steroids have a
negative effect on the liver due to the fact that they have an alkyl group
(methyl or ethyl) assembled at the 17-alpha position. The 17-beta hydroxyl (OH)
is now changed from a secondary to an unoxidizable teritary one (an irregular
disfigure), which obstructs the natural hepatic oxidation of the 17 hydroxyl
group. When this metabolic inactivation is blocked, the liver turns to less
proficient and more complex mechanisms of inactivation. Injectable steroids are
conceived to go in the system and get hydrolyzed and become a natural
metabolizable secondary 17-beta hydroxyl steroid, and are not considered to be
dangerous to the liver. Common/Known Effects of Steroid Use Water retention is a
known sign of a steroid user. Usually the neck and facial are become puffy, or
puffier than normal. It may be hard to recognize in someone you first met, but
once his or her steroid use is complete, you can see the difference. Acne is
another effect through steroid use. A person who has never had a problem can
develop one from steroids. Also acne can appear in places that were never a
problem. The formation of breast-like glands can arise, this is called
gynecomastia. Roid rages or overly aggressive behavior can take place through
steroid use. People often joke about the term ‘roid rage’, but it is not a
joke. People who use steroids often find that their performance during their
workouts are enhanced because they can take out their aggression through lifting
more, but they also take aggression out on other parts of their surroundings
(people around them, walls, slamming doors, etc). High blood pressure can become
a problem after or during steroid use. Because steroids affect cholesterol
levels (by clogging the arteries), heart problems may arise in steroid users.
The elevated level on the nervous system can trigger heart Palpitations. When a
steroid user begins using, sexual arousal increases, but eventually impotence
can occur when the user goes on and off of steroids. When high dosages of
steroids are used, a painful liver disease called Jaundice can develop. Jaundice
involves an enlarged liver, flu-like symptoms, and yellowing of the skin and
eyes. Cataracts or glaucoma may develop in the eyes. Cushings syndrome may
develop with long-term use, this involves dark marks on the skin, puffiness of
the face, and possible facial hair in women. Women can also experience
Osteoporosis due to the calcium loss. Because steroids can increase the output
of stomach acid and lower the production of protective stomach mucus, irritation
of the stomach can occur. Blood sugar levels may change, an increase of
appetite, an increase of delayed healing of injuries, menstrual changes in
women. How Are They Used/Purchased by the General Public? Anabolic steroids are
acquired through the black market, and sometimes even veterinary anabolic
steroids are consumed. On the average, people taking anabolic steroids use
methods heard by word of mouth rather than using scientific experiments. There
is a term used to describe the way steroids are used, its called ‘stacking’.
This term denotes the immense amounts of anabolic steroids taken and the use of
more than one type of steroid at the same time. Instead of constantly taking
large doses of steroids, people take vast amounts for about a month to 1 1/2yr,
then stop for a period of time before they take them again. This system is known
as ‘cycling’. In conclusion, the use of anabolic steroids is not a healthy
alternative to increasing your muscles. Steroids alter a trait that you already
have. The question steroid users should ask themselves is “Do I want to look
good now and damage myself internally, risking my future health”? Most steroid
users do not have a remote idea about what these drugs do to them. In turn they
unknowingly damage their DNA and cause future problems for themselves.
Bibliography .

Bibliography
Arnold, Patrick. The chemistry: Steroids and the Liver. Issue No.1. . Growth
Hormone Information. Growth Hormone Revolution. PHD Pharmaceuticals.