P1690
Diminished macrophage cholesterol efflux mediated by HDL and coronary artery disease in young male anabolic androgenic steroid users

Extract

Background: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) have been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The illicit use of these substances also leads to a remarkable decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) plasma concentration, which could be a key factor in the atherosclerotic process. More interestingly, not only the concentration of HDL, but also its functionality, plays a pivotal role in CAD. However, whether the HDL (functionality or concentration) has a role in premature CAD in young male AAS users is completely unknown.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether AAS abuse could impair both concentration and the functionality of HDL by cholesterol efflux mediated by HDL. In additional, we investigated the prevalence of CAD in young male AAS users.

Methods: Twenty strength-trained AAS users (AASU) age 29±5 yr, 20 age-matched strength-trained AAS nonusers (AASNU), and 10 sedentary controls (SC) were enrolled. Blood samples were taken to assess HDL concentration. Functionality of HDL was evaluated by measuring the 14C-cholesterol efflux mediated by HDL and coronary artery was evaluated with coronary computed tomography angiography.