Application of Passive Head Motion to Generate Defined Accelerations at the Heads of Rodents

Exercise is widely recognized as effective for various diseases and physical disorders, including those related to brain dysfunction. However, molecular ...

Juntendo University

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other hormones such as growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) have been shown to increase muscle mass in patients suffering from various diseases related to muscle atrophy. Despite known side-effects associated with supraphysiologic doses of such drugs, their anabolic effects have led to their widespread use and abuse by bodybuilders and athletes such as strength athletes seeking to improve performance and muscle mass. On the other hand, resistance training (RT) has also been shown to induce significant endogenous hormonal (testosterone (T), GH, IGF-1) elevations. Therefore, some bodybuilders employ RT protocols designed to elevate hormonal levels in order to maximize anabolic responses. In this article, we reviewed current RT protocol outcomes with and without performance enhancing drug usage. Acute RT-induced hormonal elevations seem not to be directly correlated with muscle growth. On the other hand, supplementation with AAS and other hormones might lead to supraphysiological muscle hypertrophy, especially when different compounds are combined.

The role of hormones in muscle hypertrophy.

Sedentary lifestyle and over-nutrition are the main causes of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the same causes are major triggers of hypogonadism. Many T2D patients show low testosterone levels while hypogonadal men seem to be prone to become diabetic. Testosterone plays a major role in the regulation of muscle mass, adipose tissue, inflammation and insulin sensitivity and is therefore indirectly regulating several metabolic pathways, while T2D is commonly triggered by insulin resistance, increased adipose tissue and inflammation, showing a negative correlation between testosterone levels and T2D. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is widely used in patients with symptoms of hypogonadism, however it is not commonly used as preventive intervention or treatment for T2D patients even though hypogonadal patients share many common symptoms (obesity, insulin insensitivity, increased inflammation, decrease in muscle mass and strength) with T2D patients. Even though TRT is often associated with side effects such as prostatic hypertrophy or cancer, cardiovascular risks due to increase in the number of red blood cells and infertility, several studies have shown that TRT remains a potent intervention improving metabolic functions such as glycated haemoglobin, blood sugar, total cholesterol and visceral fat. The purpose of this review is to discuss the possible benefits and risks of TRT in the prevention and treatment of obesity and T2D and assess the health risks and benefits of common T2D medications and testosterone.

Potential application of testosterone replacement therapy as treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes in men.

Performance enhancing substances are becoming increasingly popular amongst bodybuilders and people who want to enhance their physiques. However, due to the rise of the Internet and laws prohibiting sales of these substances without prescription, the route of procurement and administration practices have become more and more dangerous. Prior to the mid-1970's, anabolic steroids were not regulated and easily available from physicians and pharmacies in several countries. In 1990, the United States enacted the Anabolic Steroid Control Act, leading to the proliferation of black markets and underground laboratories. The shift from pharmacy to underground online sites for the procurement of anabolic steroids led to an increase of fake products with low purity and the ability to potentially endanger the health of anabolic steroid users. Underground laboratories emerged both locally and in countries with lax legal regulations. 'Anabolic steroid tourism' and large networks of online resellers emerged, leading to the banalisation of the illegal procurement of anabolic steroids. Furthermore, the increase of anecdotal information spreading on the internet among anabolic steroid user forums nourishes the rampant misinformation and dangerous practices that currently exist. The dosages and ways of administration recommended on these forums can be false and misleading to those who lack a medical background and cannot go to their physician to seek advice because of the fear of repercussions. This review aims to elucidate and describe current practices of the anabolic-androgenic steroids black market and draw attention to potential dangers for users.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids: procurement and administration practices of doping athletes.

In the current aging society, the occurrence of the locomotive syndrome, a condition in which the locomotive organs are impaired, is increasing. The locomotive system includes support (bones), mobility and impact absorption (joints and intervertebral disks), drive and control (muscles, nerves), and network (blood vessels). The impairment of any of those systems can lead to a major decrease in quality of life. In recent years, several studies on methods to improve and prevent conditions impairing the locomotive syndrome have been conducted. Almost in parallel with the structure supporting mobility and body functions, testosterone levels decrease with age. Testosterone is a hormone-regulating several pathways affecting each aspect of the locomotive syndrome. Testosterone is regulated by the pituitary gland triggering several processes in the body through genomic and non-genomic pathways, affecting muscles, bones, nerves, joints, intervertebral discs, and blood vessels. The purpose of this review is to investigate the role of testosterone in each of the systems involved in the locomotive syndrome.

Mobility and Biomechanical Functions in the Aging Male: Testosterone and the Locomotive Syndrome.

: Low testosterone and its symptoms is a condition affecting many males with severe repercussions on health. Testosterone affects metabolism, bones, joints, and ligaments, the cardiovascular system, liver, sexual functions, muscle mass, and the nervous system. Nowadays, due to recent research showing the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy, this treatment is gaining in popularity among aging men. However, testosterone replacement can increase the risk of infertility. : Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is used in the treatment of male infertility due to its luteinizing hormone (LH)-like action triggering testosterone and sperm production. Due to these positive effects on testosterone production, HCG has also been used to treat secondary hypogonadism. In this review, based on a literature review for the years 1977-2020 via Google Scholar, we summarize the current research on HCG as treatment for patients suffering from low testosterone and provide an overview of the pros and contras for HCG therapy as compared to testosterone replacement therapy for the treatment of secondary hypogonadism. : The testosterone and sperm production triggering effects of HCG without the side effects on fertility seen in testosterone replacement therapy make HCG therapy a prime candidate for patients suffering from secondary hypogonadism.

Julius Fink

Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology,
Graduate School of Medicine,
Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Graduate School of Medicine

Juntendo University

Application of Passive Head Motion to Generate Defined Accelerations at the Heads of Rodents

Julius Fink

.css-o250i3{font-size:18px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;line-height:21.6px;}Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology,Graduate School of Medicine,Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Graduate School of Medicine

Juntendo University

Application of Passive Head Motion to Generate Defined Accelerations at the Heads of Rodents

Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology,
Graduate School of Medicine,
Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Graduate School of Medicine