Wasan Kh. Ali
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Mosul, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Many young individuals pursue bodybuilding and weightlifting to achieve a muscular physique with broad shoulders and a lean waist. However, in their desire for rapid results, some resort to anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) without awareness of their potential health risks. This study investigated the effects of testosterone injections, administered at a dose of 600 mg weekly for five weeks, on selected biochemical variables in male athletes aged 15–55 years who attended training centers in Nineveh Governorate. Serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and testosterone levels. Results demonstrated a significant elevation (p < 0.01) in serum testosterone, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL among steroid users compared to the control group. Conversely, HDL levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), indicating disruption of the lipid balance. Correlation analysis revealed a positive association between testosterone levels and total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL, whereas a negative correlation was observed with HDL (p < 0.01). These findings highlight that unsupervised use of anabolic steroids can induce severe alterations in lipid metabolism, predisposing athletes to cardiovascular risks. The study underscores the importance of medical supervision, public awareness, and preventive strategies to mitigate steroid misuse in sports communities.
Keywords: Athletes, Testosterone Hormone, Steroids, Triglycerides with Testosterone, Triglycerides with Athletes.
