17β-Hydroxy-5alpha-androst-1-en-3-one (1-testosterone) is a potent androgen with anabolic properties

Angelika Friedel, Matthias Kamber, Torsten Hertrampf, Ute Laudenbach-Leschowski, Wilhelm Schänzer, Mario Thevis, Günter Vollmer, Oliver Zierau, Patrick Rene Diel

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Abstract

Since the begining of the year 2005, the use of steroid precursors (prohormones) is illegal in the United States; nevertheless, there is still an enormous abuse of such substances. One of the most frequently misused steroids, often declared to be a prohormone, is 1-testosterone (17β-hydroxy-5alpha-androst-1-en-3-one, 1-Testo). In this study, we have characterised molecular mechanisms of its action, determined its tissue specific androgenic and anabolic potency and investigated potential adverse effects. 1-Testo binds highly selective to the androgen receptor (AR) and has a high potency to stimulate AR dependent transactivation. In vivo an equimolar dose of 1-Testo has the same potency to stimulate the growth of the prostate, the seminal vesicles and the androgen sensitive levator ani muscle as the reference compound testosterone propionate (TP). Administration of 1-Testo, in contrast to TP, results in a significant increase of liver weight. Our results demonstrate that 1-Testo, even without being metabolised, is a very potent androgen. It binds selectively to the AR and transactivates AR dependent reporter genes. In vivo it has a high androgenic and anabolic potency and increases liver weight. In summary 1-Testo can be characterised as a typical anabolic steroid. It has to be assumed that consumption of this substance is associated with adverse side effects typical for this class of compounds. Therefore, a strict control of its ban is essential. Verf.-Referat
Translated title of the contribution17β-Hydroxy-5alpha-androst-1-en-3-one (1-Testosteron) ist ein wirksames Androgen mit anabolen Eigenschaften
Original languageEnglish
JournalToxicology letters
Volume165
Pages (from-to)149-155
Number of pages7
ISSN0378-4274
Publication statusPublished - 2006

Citation