Higher myonuclei density in muscle fibers persists among former users of anabolic androgenic steroids

[MR. BMJ]

Higher myonuclei density in muscle fibers persists among former users of anabolic androgenic steroids

AbstractBackground and objective. No information exists on the long-lasting effects of supraphysiological anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) usage on the myocel

academic.oup.com

Higher myonuclei density in muscle fibers persists among former users of anabolic androgenic steroids
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, dgad432, https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgad432
Published: 19 July 2023

Abstract​

Background and objective: No information exists on the long-lasting effects of supraphysiological anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) usage on the myocellular properties of human skeletal muscle in previous AAS users. We hypothesized former AAS users would demonstrate smaller myonuclei domains (i.e., higher myonuclei density) compared to matched controls.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study in men aged 18-50 years engaged in recreational strength training. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the m. vastus lateralis. Immunofluorescence analyses were performed to quantify myonuclei density and myofiber size.

Results: Twenty-five males were included: 8 current and 7 previous AAS users and 10 controls. Median (25th-75th percentiles) accumulated duration of AAS use was 174 (101–206) and 140 (24–260) weeks in current and former AAS users, respectively (P = 0.482). Geometric mean (95%CI) elapsed duration since AAS cessation was 4.0 (1.2; 12.7) years among former AAS users. Type II muscle fibers in former AAS users displayed higher myonuclei density and DNA-to-cytoplasm ratio than controls, corresponding to smaller myonuclei domains (P = 0.013). Longer accumulated AAS use (weeks, log2) was associated with smaller myonuclei domains in previous AAS users, beta-coefficient (95%CI), -94 (-169; -18), P = 0.024. Type I fibers in current AAS users exhibited a higher amount of satellite cells per myofiber (P = 0.031) compared to controls.

Conclusion: Muscle fibers in former AAS users demonstrated persistently higher myonuclei density and DNA-to-cytoplasm ratio four years after AAS cessation suggestive of enhanced retraining capacity.

 

[Doitagain]

Fresh nice study. IIRC the same has been previously shown to happen in rodents.

 

[MR. BMJ]

Fresh nice study. IIRC the same has been previously shown to happen in rodents.

Yea, that one was done in rats by Egner et al:

Egner IM, Bruusgaard JC, Eftestol E, Gundersen K. A cellular memory mechanism aids overload hypertrophy in muscle long after an episodic exposure to anabolic steroids. J Physiol. 2013;591(Pt 24):6221-6230.

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

Here is the full text if anyone wants to read it

Higher myonuclei density in muscle fibers persists among former users of anabolic androgenic steroids.pdf

drive.google.com

this also why when people say / claim natty and no advantage after a few years off from using PED's is bullshit, it is a permanent benefit. They also found the more AAS usage, the better / the more and longer the benefit lasts

 

[Hyperemia]

Here is the full text if anyone wants to read it

Higher myonuclei density in muscle fibers persists among former users of anabolic androgenic steroids.pdf

drive.google.com

this also why when people say / claim natty and no advantage after a few years off from using PED's is bullshit, it is a permanent benefit. They also found the more AAS usage, the better / the more and longer the benefit lasts

Thanks, I kept turning up summaries of the study when I googled it. I knew we extrapolated this from rodents before but seeing human studies is far more interesting.

 

[165StateChamp]

Here is the full text if anyone wants to read it

Higher myonuclei density in muscle fibers persists among former users of anabolic androgenic steroids.pdf

drive.google.com

this also why when people say / claim natty and no advantage after a few years off from using PED's is bullshit, it is a permanent benefit. They also found the more AAS usage, the better / the more and longer the benefit lasts

Don’t you think the shutdown of the HPTA offsets any benefit from the increased myonuclei density? For long-term steroid users going truly natural at least.

 

[Elvia1023]

I have read similar studies before and it's a subject that interests many. Obviously there are some permanent changes that years of AAS will create. Moreover, carrying that extra muscle tissue over years creates it's own changes regardless of anabolic usage. Once you get to a certain level even if you come off and lose everything it should be easier/faster to get back because of "muscle memory". However with all things considered and this was debated a lot a few months ago in regards to solely how we look you are never going to keep the same look and the muscle will fall off it's just a matter of training, nutrition and time. The better you train and the better your diet the more and longer you can maintain but off all drugs it's just a matter of time.

It is true guys that used aas for many years and built a good physique when they come off everything they usually have a certain almost deflated look. That's just because they held muscle for so long and it doesn't just all disappear overnight. Some guys seem to think they can use some aas and come off and keep all the muscle and that's just totally wrong unless they were really fucking up things and later improved their training/nutrition massively post aas. Even guys who attain an extremely high level physique (LBM) they can maintain muscle well on a fraction of the dose but if they have a break they are going to need the same amount of anabolics they used prior to get back to their previous high level if all variables were maximized initially.