University Network

Muscle mass and body strength can be possible benefits of performance enhancing or bodybuilding steroids used by athletes but this can lead to kidney function damage. The finding was revealed by a presented paper at the American Society of Nephrology’s 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego, CA.

In today’s times, more and more athletes are abusing anabolic steroids are to deliver dramatic performances and attain muscle mass.

From Sciencedaily.com:

When the bodybuilders discontinued steroid use their kidney abnormalities improved, with the exception of one individual with advanced kidney disease who developed end-stage kidney failure and required dialysis. Also, one of the bodybuilders started taking steroids again and suffered a relapse of severe kidney dysfunction.

The researchers propose that extreme increases in muscle mass require the kidneys to increase their filtration rate, placing harmful levels of stress on these organs. It’s also likely that steroids have direct toxic effects on the kidneys. “Athletes who use anabolic steroids and the doctors caring for them need to be aware of the potentially serious risks to the kidney,” said Dr. Herlitz.

This study was conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Vivette D’Agati, MD at Columbia Univeristy Medical Center. Study co-authors include Glen Markowitz, MD, Joshua Schwimmer, MD, Michael Stokes, MD, Cheryl Kunis, MD, Vivette D’Agati, MD, (Columbia University Medical Center); Alton Farris, MD, and Robert Colvin, MD (Massachusetts General Hospital).

The findings suggested that long-term and habitual use of steroids could have serious effects on the kidneys.

Category: Anabolic Steroids | Tags: Anabolic Steroids, bodybuilding steroids, kidney dysfunction, steroid use, use of steroids