Lack of genotoxicity induced by steroids anabolic in bodybuilding practicers

Abstract

Anabolic steroids have been used in order to increase muscular mass and to improve the performance in sporting competitions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genotoxic effect of anabolic steroids in bodybuilders, using the comet assay that is able to detect primary DNA damage. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 63 volunteers: 23 bodybuilders and anabolic steroids-users; 20 bodybuilders-non-steroids users; and 20 sedentary individuals, who did not practice any physical exercise (control group). The used anabolic steroids included: stanozolol, nandrolone decanoate, testosterone cypionate, oxymetholone and a combination of testosterone decanoate, testosterone phenylpropianate, testosterone isocaproate and testosterone propianate. The results showed no statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the level of DNA damage (tail moment) among the groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that the anabolic steroids, as well as resistance training (bodybuilding) did not induce increase of DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes.