https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4257-6070
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Abstract
Background
Nowadays bodybuilders use anabolic steroids frequently. Abuse of these substances can cause significant side effects; therefore, we aim to investigate the effect of anabolic steroids on DNA damage in bodybuilders’ blood lymphocytes.
Methods and materials
This case-control study was performed on 36 male bodybuilders in Gonabad. The case group included bodybuilders with a history of taking anabolic-androgenic steroids (n = 18), and the control group composed of bodybuilders who did not use anabolic-androgenic steroids (n = 18). Intravenous blood samples were obtained and then the lymphocytes, cells and electrophoresis of blood were extracted. Afterward, the coloured slides and DNA damage were measured using a fluorescent microscope and CometScore software. The DNA damage was compared using t-tests .
Results
Results showed that there was no significant difference between age, marital status, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the case and control group. However, parameters related to the DNA damage including tail length, percent tail DNA, and tail moment were significantly higher in the case group.
Conclusion
The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids increases DNA damage in the bodybuilders’ blood lymphocytes.
Acknowledgments
This article is extracted from the second and six authors M.D. thesis. The authors thank the vice chancellor for research of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences and all of the participants. The Ethics Committee of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences approved this research (Ethical code: IR.GMU.REC13980087 and Proposal code: A-10-1641-4).
Disclosure statement
There are no relevant financial or non-financial competing interests to report.