Measurement of androgen and estrogen receptors in breast tissue from subjects with anabolic steroid-dependent gynecomastia.

Abstract

In order to assess the relationship between anabolic steroid administration and gynecomastia, we studied the effects produced by administering nandrolone decanoate and a mixture of propionate, phenilpropionate, isocaproate and testosterone decanoate to bodybuilders during a six month period. The following significant changes occurred: a 53% reduction in serum testosterone; LH and FSH levels were suppressed to 77% and 87%, respectively, in comparison to control values; and although 45% of the subjects showed an increase in serum estradiol levels, no statistically significant differences were found compared with control estradiol levels. With regard to estradiol and androgen receptors, 85% of gynecomastia tissue contained estradiol or androgen receptors, while 40% contained both. The mean values of estradiol and androgen receptors in the cytosol were 65 +/- 10 and 52 +/- 5 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Nuclear androgen and estradiol receptor levels were 33 +/- 7 and 67.5 +/- 9 fmol/mg protein, respectively. The presence of hormone receptors in gynecomastia receptive cells provides support for the hypothesis that gynecomastia is steroid-dependent.

• Authors: L Calzada, J Torres-Calleja, J M Martinez, N Pedrón
• Journal: Life sciences (Life Sci) Vol. 69 Issue 13 Pg. 1465-9 (Aug 17 2001) ISSN: 0024-3205 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 11554608 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anabolic Agents
• Receptors, Androgen
• Receptors, Estrogen
• Nandrolone

Topics

• Adult
• Anabolic Agents (adverse effects)
• Breast (chemistry, metabolism)
• Cell Nucleus (metabolism)
• Cytosol (metabolism)
• Gynecomastia (chemically induced, metabolism)
• Humans
• Male
• Nandrolone (adverse effects)
• Receptors, Androgen (metabolism)
• Receptors, Estrogen (metabolism)