Anabolic androgenic steroid-induced liver injury: An update

Abstract

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are a group of molecules including endogenous testosterone and synthetic derivatives that have both androgenic and anabolic effects. These properties make them therapeutically beneficial in medical conditions such as hypogonadism. However, they are commonly bought illegally and misused for their anabolic, skeletal muscle building, and performance-enhancing effects. Supraphysiologic and long-term use of AASs affects all organs, leading to cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal, and hematologic disorders. Hepatotoxicity is one of the major concerns regarding AASs treatment and abuse. Testosterone and its derivatives have been most often shown to induce a specific form of cholestasis, peliosis hepatis, and hepatic benign and malignant tumors. It is currently believed that mechanisms of pathogenesis of these disorders include disturbance of antioxidative factors, upregulation of bile acid synthesis, and induction of hepatocyte hyperplasia. Most toxicity cases are treated with supportive measures and liver function normalizes with discontinuation of AAS. However, some long-term consequences are irreversible. AAS-induced liver injury should be taken in consideration in patients with liver disorders, especially with the increasing unintentional ingestion of supplements containing AAS. In this paper, we review the most current knowledge about AAS-associated adverse effects on the liver, and their clinical presentations, prevalence, and pathophysiological mechanisms.

Key Words: Androgens; Steroids; Cholestasis; Fibrosis; Liver; Chemical and drug induced liver injury

Core Tip: There is a great deal of literature on the prevalence, pathophysiology, and therapeutic options for anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS)-associated adverse effects. However, AAS-induced liver injury is perhaps still underreported and poorly understood. In this paper, we review the latest knowledge obtained about molecular mechanisms of AAS-associated liver injury from most recent in vitro and animal studies, as well as the latest case reports regarding adverse effects of AASs in dietary supplements.

INTRODUCTION

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are group of compounds that include endogenous androgens, most importantly testosterone, and their synthetic derivatives[1]. Testosterone and synthetic AASs have been commonly used for their androgenic masculinizing effects resulting in male secondary characteristics, as well as anabolic skeletal muscle building effects due to enhanced protein utilization and synthesis mechanisms[2,3]. AASs are medically indicated in conditions such as male primary and secondary hypogonadism, aplastic anemia, muscle wasting in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, osteoporosis, libido dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, and breast cancer[4]. However, they are often misused because of their performance-enhancing and anabolic effects resulting in increased fat-free mass and improved muscle fiber size and strength. Abuse of AASs for aesthetic purposes and athletic performance improvement has surged as a public health problem in the past few decades among both professional and recreational athletes and bodybuilders[5,6]. Unmodified testosterone is rapidly metabolized when administered orally or parenterally and exerts a similar proportion of anabolic and androgenic effects. Chemical modifications of testosterone allow prolonged effective blood concentrations and changes to its pharmacodynamic properties, therefore enhancing desired anabolic or androgenic effects. In its synthetic derivatives used for aestethic and performance-enhancing purposes, testosterone is altered mainly through alkylation and esterification to enhance bioavailability by reducing hepatic metabolism, prolong duration of action, and maximize anabolic properties, though all of the synthetic compounds still exert significant androgenic effects. Supraphysiologic doses and prolonged unsupervised use of AASs have major impacts on users, affecting all organs and causing cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, neuropsychiatric, renal, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, dermatologic, immune, and hematologic disorders. Testosterone has a major impact on homeostasis of electrolytes, macromolecules, and micromolecules, including alterations in systemic iron balance and erythropoiesis. It has been established that AAS-induced erythropoiesis is mediated by erythropoietin[7]. Most recent studies also imply suppression of hepcidin (a negative regulator of the iron transporter ferroportin) as a mechanism of androgen-induced enhanced iron absorbtion and incorporation into red blood cells[8]. Some of the most common adverse effects related to AASs are dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypogonadism and infertility, aggression and mood disorders, addiction, and liver and kidney injury[9-11]. This has led to stricter laws regarding availability of AASs, mainly in professional sports organizations which ban anabolic steroid use, and test competitors for the presence of illegal steroids not only because of the unfair advantage in performance, but also because of their potentially dangerous side effects. In legal terms, AASs are classified in the United States as schedule 3 drugs by the Drug Enforcement Agency, meaning that they can be legally obtained as prescription-only drugs. However, they are illegally sold among teammates, trainers, and fitness centers, through black market or counterfeit prescriptions. Furthermore, many AASs are legally bought and consumed unknowingly in over-the-counter dietary supplements advertised as energy, virility, and muscle strength enhancers[12-14]. Although the precise number of AAS users is difficult to determine, it is estimated that the prevalence across the world is 1%-5%[15]. A study in 2013 found that the prevalence of AAS use among male elite college students in the United States during their lifetime is about 20%[16]. In Norway high school population, a prevalence of 4% was found[17]. While it is difficult to establish a true prevalence of AAS use due to underreporting of this socially undesirable behavior, all the surveys nevertheless found significantly higher AAS use in male compared to female persons and the majority of AAS users are or were professional or near professional athletes[15]. With the liver being the main site of steroid clearance, hepatotoxicity is one of the major adverse effects of chronic AAS use. The aim of this paper is to focus on the most recent studies and knowledge obtained regarding AAS-induced liver injury.

HEPATOTOXICITY

Since the 1950s, a significant number of studies and case reports have raised concerns regarding hepatotoxic effects including cholestasis, hepatic neoplasms, hepatocyte toxicity, and peliosis hepatis related to use of AASs[11,18]. Correlation between steroids and these effects has been attributed to the role of the liver as the primary clearance site for AASs. As mentioned before, synthetic steroids are usually modified to prevent first-pass hepatic metabolism, preventing their clearance by the liver and, therefore, elevating their risk of hepatotoxicity[19]. Most studies of long-term use have not identified exact dosages and concentrations, administration paths, and types of steroid compounds often used simultaneously. Prospective studies with supraphysiologic doses are difficult to gain institutional review board (IRB) approval due to ethical and legal considerations[20], therefore randomized controlled trials are lacking and in this minireview we discuss data from case reports, in vitro studies, and studies on animal models.

Proposed mechanisms of liver injury include anabolic steroid-induced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the hepatic tissue, and Kupffer cell activation resulting in production of inflammatory cytokines and collagen deposition, increased oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species with subsequent mitochondrial degeneration in liver cells, and stimulation of intracellular androgenic steroid receptors inducing unregulated growth of hepatocytes. An in vitro study in 2021 reported that disruption of mitochondrial respiratory chain reactions occurs early in the pathogenesis of liver injury caused by supraphysiologic doses of nandrolone, a synthetic AAS commonly used for performance enhancement. It specifically inhibits respiratory chain complexes I and III, which causes accumulation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress[21]. Indeed, earlier animal studies detected a reduced amount of glutathione and enzymes that serve as free radical scavengers (superoxide dismutase and catalase) as well as increasing thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances indicating impaired redox homeostasis[22,23]. Furthermore, oxidative stress interfered with mitochondrial membrane potential dynamics[24] and altogether resulted in reduced cell energy supply leading to malfunction and necrosis of hepatocytes. Apart from disturbance in cellular function, distortion in mitochondrial morphology and increased number of lysosomes in hepatocytes were observed by electron microscopy[25]. Another process observed after prolonged administration of nandrolone in animal studies was excess collagen deposition in liver parenchyma. It is known that AASs induce infiltration of the liver with inflammatory cells, which together with activated Kupffer cells, favor a pro-inflammatory state by releasing nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and inflammatory cytokines transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and interleukin-1B (IL-1B). Such conditions also lead to activation of liver stellate cells, resulting in excessive collagen synthesis and deposition[26]. Interestingly, AASs can also promote collagen synthesis by activating their intracellular receptor and activation of transcription factors involved in collagen synthesis[27]. A recent study also gave convincing evidence for a role of testosterone in the pathophysiology of liver diseases with higher occurrences in males than in females. It demonstrated that the susceptibility of the mouse liver to injury was correlated with excessive inflammatory response mediated by androgen receptors (ARs) and testosterone-induced NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation associated with a variety of chronic diseases[28]. Hepatotoxicity of AASs may also vary due to individual susceptibility, pre-existing liver conditions, and genetic factors. Most frequently reported liver disorders related to AASs are cholestasis, peliosis hepatis, and development of liver tumors[11,29-32]. Figure 1 shows an overview of proposed mechanisms of hepatotoxicity caused by AAS.

Figure 1 Proposed mechanisms of anabolic androgen steroid-induced liver injury. A: Oxidative stress in the mitochondria. Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) impair mitochondrial respiratory function, which leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Cell membrane is damaged due to lipid peroxidation and intracellular ATP depletion occurs due to mitochondrial impairment. This results in cellular dysfunction at many levels (e.g., toxic compounds can enter the cell). Mitochondrial morphology is also changed, with reduced cristae and swelling. In addition, there is an increase in lysosome number. Lack of energy supply eventually leads to hepatocyte necrosis; B: Immune cell infiltration of liver parenchyma. Long-term treatment with AASs like nandrolone is associated with immune cell infiltration which maintains proinflammatory state in liver tissue. Under such conditions, Kupffer cells release transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and interleukin-1B (IL-1B) which mediate hepatic stellate cell activation: Extracellular matrix and collagen deposition leading to liver fibrosis; C: Hepatocyte hyperplasia causes formation of hepatic tumors. In rats treated with high-dose nandrolone, it was observed that it supported the viability of hepatic stem cells, which are potential reservoir of cancer stem cells. Nodular hepatocyte hyperplasia causes parenchyma distortion and mechanical blockage of vasculature which forms cystic lesions filled with blood, known as peliosis hepatic; D: “Bland cholestasis”. Activation of androgen receptors (ARs) by AASs interferes with bile transporters, mediates intrahepatic microfilament damage, and increases expression of genes for acid bile and bile transporter synthesis, and these changes result in bile acid accumulation, cholestasis, and cholestatic jaundice. SOD: Superoxide dismutase; CAT: Catalase; AR: Androgene receptor; AAS: Anabolic androgenic steroid; AR: Androgen receptor. Figure created with Servier Medical Art, https://smart.servier.com/.

AAS drug-induced liver injury (AAS DILI) has also been frequently reported to cause serum liver enzyme elevations in AAS users. Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities are, in general, regarded as indicators of hepatocellular damage. Transient elevation of AST and ALT in plasma has been largely reported in AAS users[33], but liver damage may not be the cause of the elevations because of the possible contribution of heavy and intense workouts with consequent muscle damage and rhabdomyolysis. Thus, liver enzymes can be elevated independent of androgenic steroid use. Studies showing elevations of creatine kinase (CK) and AST, with no ALT and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) elevations, support this concept and suggest that hepatotoxicity related to AASs may be over-estimated if serum ALT, AST, and GGT concentrations are the sole criteria used[34]. Furthermore, a recent multi-center prospective study regarding the incidence of liver injury in transgender patients treated with hormone therapy including AASs showed no significant ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), or GGT elevations[35]. Most of the hepatotoxic effects, cholestasis, peliosis, and liver tumors are associated with orally administered AASs such as testosterone cypionate, enanthate, propionate, methyltestosterone, oxymetholone, danazol, stanozolol, formebolone, and methandienone[36,37], but intramuscular preparations were also linked to hepatotoxic effects[38]. Patil et al[38] reported three cases of AAS-induced hepatotoxicity which all manifested differently. The first case was a 31-year-old man who developed cholestatic liver injury after 2 mo of oxymetholone use, the second case was a 24-year-old man who developed well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and multiple hepatic adenomas after 3 years of intramuscular testosterone decanoate and daily oral stanozolol use, and the third case was a 36-year-old man with steatohepatitis after 2 mo of intramuscular nandrolone decanoate use[38]. The exact incidence of AAS DILI is difficult to establish due to both underreporting and lack of awareness. On the other hand, even when a history of AAS use is known, it may be difficult to establish the causality, particularly when multiple agents are used concomitantly or if there is an underlying liver condition. However, there has been a trend of increased AAS DILI reporting in recent years which may lead to new insights into pathophysiology and disease course. According to currently available data, AAS DILI has a good prognosis as the majority of cases recover completely and only a very small number of cases develop hepatic failure or die[39].

CHOLESTASIS

Although cholestasis is unlikely in patients treated with parenterally administered unmodified testosterone, 17α-alkyl-substituted steroids, which are designed to decrease hepatic metabolism, directly contribute to a highly characteristic form of acute cholestasis, ranging from very mild to severe. Some characteristic clinical manifestations are nausea, pruritus, fatigue, jaundice, and dark urine with elevated bilirubin and ALP, but without significant elevations of AST, ALT, and GGT. Such characteristics are indicative of cholestasis with minimal inflammation of the liver or bile duct. Resolution usually occurs upon discontinuation of anabolic steroids, although some case reports indicate benefits of hydrocortisone and ursodeoxycholic acid treatment[13,39-42].

Some animal model studies have suggested AAS-induced disruption of intrahepatic microfilaments and interference with bile transporter proteins as a pathophysiological mechanism of this syndrome rather than inflammation and injury to the liver and bile duct[29,43]. El-Sherrif et al[13] reported two cases of cholestatic DILI caused by the short-term use of AAS-containing dietary supplement Mass-Drol. The authors found that inhibition of expression of genes ATPB81 and ABCB11 by AAS may play a crucial role as the underlying mechanism of cholestatic injury. This leads to impaired bile salt transport and also reduced excretion of different hepatic ectoenzymes. Indeed, both patients presented with cholestasis with marked hyperbilirubinemia, but lack of GGT rise. The authors postulated that individuals who are carriers of c.2093G >A mutation in ABCB11 may be specifically susceptible to cholestatic hepatic injury caused by AASs due to this mechanism[13]. Additionally, the role of multidrug-related proteins (MRP2, MRP3, and MRP4) is important in bile acid transfer as a complimentary mechanism. It was shown that testosterone metabolites are substrates of MRP2 protein, which has reduced activity in Dubin-Johnson syndrome (DJS). The effect of AAS in DJS has not been investigated to our knowledge, whereas it was found that pregnancy and oral contraceptives increase bilirubin levels in women with DJS[44]. Different underlying mechanism was proposed by Petrov et al[45], who used an in vitro model to demonstrate that AR activation may upregulate the expression of bile acid synthesis genes as well as bile acid transporters. Most recent studies have reported that the patterns of “bland” cholestasis in AAS users are so specific that this picture can be virtually sufficient to make a diagnosis of AAS-induced cholestasis[46]. Many reports refer to these phenomena as AAS DILI[39,47].

PELIOSIS HEPATIS

Peliosis hepatis is a rare condition characterized by hypervascular liver parenchyma and blood-filled cysts that is known to be associated with use of AASs and several other drugs like estrogens, corticosteroids, and azathioprine. So far, disruption of hepatic extracellular matrix and direct endothelial cell injury have been suggested as generating mechanisms for liver peliosis. It has also been proposed that steroid-induced hepatocyte hyperplasia results in mechanical obstruction of hepatic vascular system, causing dilatation and loss of endothelial barrier function[11,30,48]. Molecular mechanisms in pathophysiology of peliosis remain poorly understood; however, an important role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested in recent studies. VEGF induces angiogenesis, capillary permeability, and proliferation of endothelial cells in liver and other tissues. Tzirogiannis et al[49] found a major protective effect of VEGF which almost totally reversed the extent of peliosis in a model of cadmium-induced toxic liver injury and peliosis, implying that it preserves endothelial cell function. However, a study of peliosis hepatis in a patient with follicular lymphoma found elevated VEGF and suggested that lesions could be caused by elevation of VEGF and its angiogenic effects[50]. An animal model study of peliosis hepatis associated with melanoma supports a concept that a tumor-derived factor such as VEGF could induce development of peliosis due to its endothelial cell proliferation effect[51]. These conclusions indicate a need for further research of pathophysiology in peliosis hepatis as well as AASs and their impact on growth factors. Peliosis hepatis is commonly asymptomatic, but case reports described presentation characterized by sharp abdominal pain and hemoperitoneum in cases of cyst rupture[52]. Peliosis is usually treated with supportive care and the condition has shown to regress with discontinuation of AASs[53,54]. The condition has been reported not only in use of 17-alpha-alkylated steroids, but also in patients treated with unmodified testosterone[19]. Given its benign nature, most cases of peliosis hepatis are incidentally found and the most appropriate diagnostic modalities are magnetic resonance imaging[55] and histological examination. Once diagnosed, the offending drug should be discontinued and the condition closely monitored to reduce the risk of rupture, especially with larger lesions.

NEOPLASMS

Hepatic tumors, ranging from benign adenomas to malignant hepatocellular carcinoma, have been reported in patients with long-term anabolic steroid therapy[56-58]. Studies have suggested a higher hepatic cancer prevalence in males than in females. Higher endogenous concentrations of androgens may be a major factor in the development of liver carcinomas. Having both the estrogen and ARs, the liver is a hormone sensitive organ. The use of AASs is highly associated with hepatocyte proliferation and liver tumors[59]. An in vitro study on HepG2 cells showed that a supraphysiologic dose of nandrolone changed their phenotype to be stem-like, but the mechanism of this transformation remains to be elucidated. In the same study, nandrolone administered in vivo in a mouse model promoted “stemness” in healthy organs, primarily ones naturally rich in stem cells such as the liver. Cell “stemness” phenotype is a metabolically latent state in which there is a lower oxygen consumption in the mitochondria. Expression of Nanog, Lin28, Myc, and Klf4 genes and CD133 membrane protein is also considered to be markers of cell stemness. This led to a hypothesis that long-term supraphysiologic doses of nandrolone in young healthy individuals possibly increase the risk of malignancy in stem-cell rich organs by increasing the reservoir of stem cells which over a period of time under additional toxic stimuli may turn into cancer stem cells[21]. Studies to date indicate that most of AAS-induced tumors occur with use of agents containing a 17-alpha-alkyl group, but it has also been reported in patients treated with unmodified testosterone[56,60,61]. Histologically, these tumors are most commonly hepatic adenomas or HCC, but cholangiocarcinomas and angiosarcomas have also been reported with long-term AAS use[20]. Given the possibility of malignant transformation of hepatic adenoma, which occurs 10 times more commonly in men than in women, it is recommended that surgical resection be the most appropriate approach in men. In women, estrogen-containing oral contraceptives are a common cause, so their cessation, together with periodic surveillance, is an acceptable approach[62,63]. Solimini et al[11] reviewed case reports regarding liver tumors as well as cholestatic hepatitis associated with AASs and reported that several different AAS agents were associated with such liver pathology. Notably, chronic AAS use of several years is linked to development of HCC, while benign neoplasms were mostly linked to short-term use of AAS[11].

ADDITIONAL CONCERNS REGARDING AASS AND THE LIVER

Other hepatic disorders associated with AASs include toxicant-associated fatty liver disease (TAFLD), and possible increased risk of hepatitis B and C infections due to unsafe administration of AASs[64]. In addition, a negative effect on lipoproteins with reduced HDL-cholesterol and increased LDL-cholesterol concentrations has been reported mostly in long-term steroid users[65,66], which contribute to increased risk of coronary disease with AAS use.

Another concerning issue is the increasing number of mislabeled over-the-counter dietary supplements sold legally and containing significant amount of AASs. This has also been associated with adverse effects, but remains underreported and poorly understood. However, new case reports have been published on DILI with jaundice, cholestasis, dyslipidemia, and elevated serum liver enzyme panels in patients directly associated with dietary supplement use. After discontinuation of supplements, liver function commonly returned to normal[67,68]. Consumers may unknowingly use AASs which can result in acute, but also chronic, health problems that are difficult to link to these products and lead to re-exposure[69-71].

CONCLUSION

AAS use is closely linked to hepatotoxicity and serious hepatic conditions such as cholestasis, peliosis hepatis, and benign and malignant hepatic tumors, as well as steatohepatitis and dyslipidemia with multiple studies supporting a causal association. Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed including AR receptor-mediated inflammatory response, disturbance of hepatic antioxidant factors, promotion of hepatocyte hyperplasia, and upregulation of bile acid synthesis. Most of these conditions have been reported with 17-alpha-alkylated steroids. Liver function usually returns to normal with discontinuation of use, but a higher HCC prevalence with AASs is concerning. Another important fact is the increasing number of case reports presenting patients with dietary supplements-associated liver conditions that are still underreported. Given all of the above, screening for liver pathology in known AAS users should be considered in order to possibly reverse the condition. Also, if certain liver pathology is diagnosed incidentally, a history of AAS as potential causal agent should be actively sought, and if found, addressed promptly.