EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS x ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ANABOLIC ANDROGENIC STEROIDS (AAS) AND THEIR DERIVATIVES Eduardo Farraboti Rocha, Luciana Lopes Guimarães, Valter Garcia Santos

Abstract

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are physiological hormones or synthetic derivatives. The anabolic effect occurs through action on the androgen receptor, enhancing male secondary sexual characteristics and stimulating protein synthesis, leading to muscle hypertrophy. Due to the risks and indiscriminate use of EAA, the Ministry of Health makes them substances for controlled use by Ordinance 344/98 of the Ministry of Health. With the aim of analyzing and comparing EAA and derivatives in terms of their effectiveness, affinity and potential effects adverse. A qualitative literature review was carried out on the PUBMED platform with the keywords use of recreational substances, anabolic androgenic steroids and anabolic steroids. Selected articles from the last 5 years available in full for free (406 articles). Articles that did not demonstrate the relevance of the physiological effects of AAS and articles that did not fit the work proposal were excluded, totaling 22 articles for introduction and discussion. Risks associated with the use of EAA are directly related to the degree of affinity to androgen receptors, with dehydroepiandrosterone and stanozolol having anabolic effects, adverse effects and low affinity to the androgen receptor; andarine, ligandrol, ostarine, oxandrolone, testolone and testosterone with moderate response; dromostanolone, nandrolone and trenbolone with high response. Studies have shown the benefits of increased muscle mass, strength, efficiency, increased bone density, reduced body and visceral fat. Risks such as calcification of vascular smooth muscle, thromboembolism, hypertension, coronary spasm, myocardial apoptosis, cardiac hypertrophy, dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, sudden cardiac arrest, damage to nervous tissue, degeneration of cortical neurites, acne and hepatotoxicity were highlighted. The benefits and risks of using EAA are proportionally linked to its affinity for the androgen receptor. EAA promote benefits such as a large increase in striated muscle anabolism, as well as the stimulation of red blood cell synthesis and increased bone density, however, they cause significantly harmful adverse effects to the frequent user, with cardiovascular dysfunctions being the main risk. Its use for hormone replacement is very supported, while illicit use is risky.