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Summary: As per the latest findings, athletes using anabolic steroids might boost strength and gain muscle mass, but at the same time, can damage their kidney function. It has been seen that regular steroids use can have serious adverse effect on kidney which was not known earlier.
According to a paper presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego, CA, athletes using anabolic steroids might upsurge muscle strength and body mass, but at the same time, it damages the kidney function. Further, findings mention that regular use of steroids can have an adverse impact on kidney which was not known earlier.
Many a times, it has been reported that professional athletes having overdose of anabolic steroids are common. Although it is known that steroids use is not good in terms of health. However, lately, its adverse impact is not known until now.
Leal Herlitz, MD (Columbia University Medical Center) and her colleagues lately showed the first study unfolding damage to the kidneys subsequent lasting misuse of anabolic steroids. The researchers studied 10 bodybuilders group who were using the steroids from years developed protein dripping into urine and severe reductions in kidney function. Kidney test revealed the fact that 9 out of 10 bodybuilders developed a condition named focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a type of blemishing within the kidneys. This is somewhat same as morbidly obese patients, but more adverse condition. This disease usually take place when kidney is overworked.
Upon withdrawing the steroid use, the bodybuilders showed improvement in these kidney anomalies except in one case of advanced stage of kidney failure. Additionally, where one bodybuilder rebuke steroids intake again and faced relapse kidney dysfunction. According to the researchers, upsurge in muscle mass need kidneys to intensify its filtration rate, inducing harmful stress on the organ. Besides, there is proximity of direct toxic effects. According to Dr. Herlitz, Athletes relying on anabolic steroids and their medical practitioner must be aware of the potentially severe risks to the kidney.
This study was done in the research laboratory of Dr. Vivette D’Agati, MD at Columbia University Medical Center. Study co-authors were Joshua Schwimmer, MD, Glen Markowitz, MD, Michael Stokes, MD, Vivette D’Agati, MD, (Columbia University Medical Center); Alton Farris, MD, Cheryl Kunis, MD, and Robert Colvin, MD (Massachusetts General Hospital).
