The Effects of Testosterone and Steroids

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Anabolic-androgenic steroid is a family of lipophilic hormone that derived from cholesterol, which includes the natural male hormone testosterone and its synthetic derivatives, such as nandrolone and androsterone (Janjic et al. 2012; Basile et al. 2013). Testosterone is the principle molecule that possesses both anabolic and androgenic properties, which semantically refers to the ability to stimulate the synthesis of complex biological molecules and the growth of masculine characteristics respectively (Quan et al. 2011). The supplement of testosterone has been used in medicine as an effective treatment of hypogonadism or severe muscle catabolism since its discovery. However, due to the poor efficacy in the form of oral medication and parenteral injection, testosterone is chemically modified to different kinds of anabolic-androgenic steroids to maximize the anabolic effects and minimize the undesirable androgenic effects (Schanzer 1996 and Fontana et al. 2013).
Testosterone Effect on Fat Mass
Testosterone regulates many physiological processes such as muscle protein metabolism, sexual and cognitive functions, secondary sex characteristics, and bone metabolism (Bhasin et al. 2001). In general, most of the anabolic-androgenic steroids are modified to share the similar function as testosterone, despite the efficacy and different metabolism pathways due to different stereochemical structures and additional chemical groups (Schanzer 1996). Testosterone has been reported to have a correlation with the whole body and regional fat mass. One study has shown that hypogonadal men, males that have lower physiological testosterone level, have higher fat mass compared to men with normal physiological testosterone level. The study further show ...

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...ndrogenic steroids related dysregulation of dopamine (Ricci et al. 2010).
Conclusion
Anabolic-androgenic steroids have tremendous effects on losing fat and building muscle and other masculine characteristics. Its uses in medicine benefits many patients suffered from diseases related with hormone disorders and muscle disorder. However, considering the adverse effects and potential severe harms to human body, the government should restrict the legislation on the regulation of anabolic-androgenic steroids, prohibiting the unauthorized sale of products containing steroids and educate the public about the severe side affect to reduce the opportunity of abuse. More researches on the molecular biology, potential application and adverse effects of testosterone are needed to be done; hence, the power of anabolic-androgenic steroids can be utilized to improve our well being.

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