Kidney disease associated with androgenic-anabolic steroids and vitamin supplements abuse: Be aware!

Nefrologia (Engl Ed). 2020 Jan-Feb;40(1):26-31. doi: 10.1016/j.nefro.2019.06.003. Epub 2019 Oct 1.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

The excessive chase for beauty standards and the rise of muscle dysmorphia have ultimately led to an increase in androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) and intramuscular injections of vitamins A, D and E (ADE) abuse, which is associated with several adverse effects and has become a public health issue. This review of literature discusses kidney injury associated with the use of AAS and ADE, highlighting the mechanisms of acute and chronic renal lesion, such as direct renal toxicity, glomerular hyperfiltration and hypercalcemia. Future perspectives regarding evaluation and early diagnosis of kidney injury in these patients are also discussed.

Keywords: Acute kidney injury; Androgenic–anabolic steroids; Chronic kidney disease; Enfermedad renal crónica; Esteroides androgénicos-anabólicos; Hipercalcemia; Hypercalcemia; Lesión renal aguda; Suplementos vitamínicos; Vitamin D; Vitamin supplements; Vitamina D.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / chemically induced
  • Anabolic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Androgens / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / chemically induced
  • Hypercalcemia / complications
  • Kidney / drug effects
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Testosterone Congeners / adverse effects*
  • Vitamin A / adverse effects
  • Vitamin D / adverse effects
  • Vitamin E / adverse effects
  • Vitamins / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anabolic Agents
  • Androgens
  • Testosterone Congeners
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E