Fast Facts: What are steroids?
CH2ooccH3 Steroids are found naturally in both plants and animals. It is a type of lipid molecule (the same as fats and CH3 CH ooccH waxes) with a 4-ring chemical structure. Steroids can have all sorts of different functions in an organism CH3 2 oH 3 0 CH depending on what is attached to those 4 rings. Some examples of steroids and their 3functions include: CH3 oH 0 CH3 H
CORTISONE:
0 Converts fat and protein into blood sugar (glucose) for energy and lowers the immune response to reduce redness and swelling such as in skin rashes.
CH3 0 H
H H H
H CH2ooccH3 CH3 H CH3 oH
0 CH3 H 0
H
CHOLIC ACID:
CH3 H HC–CH2–cH2–cH2–c–CH3 CH3 CH3 H CH3 HC–CH2–cH2–cH2–c–CH3 CH3 CH3 – –
Breaks down fats for digestion and absorption in the intestinal tract.
CH3 CH3 Ho Ho
CH3 H HC–CH2–cH2–cH2–c–CH3 CH3 CH3 – CH3
CHOLESTEROL:
Ho Functions as a part of cell membranes as well as the nervous system, and the starting material for the production of all other steroids in the body. We use cholesterol taken from the food we eat, as well as from what the liver makes naturally. oH CH3 CH–CH2–cH2–cooH CH CH3 3 oH 12 CH–CH2–cH2–cooH CH3 12
CH3 Ho 3 Ho 3 CH3
CH3 oH 12 CH3 CH–CH2–cH2–cooH
STEROIDS AS HORMONES Many steroids function as hormones or chemical messengers within the body to regulate how the body responds to the environment. Steroids have been used medically for many years for a variety of conditions. Steroid abuse has become a concern in cases such as in sports where anabolic or “muscle-building” steroid hormones are used to change or enhance one’s normal performance. WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? Health risks from the use of these steroids include both physical and psychological side effects such as cancer, bloating, high blood pressure, heart disease, severe acne and aggressive or violent behavior. Men may develop female characteristics, become bald or unable to reproduce. Women who use steroids for nonmedical reasons risk developing irreversible male characteristics and may also become bald or unable to reproduce. The use of steroid hormones by adolescents and children can permanently stop their bones from growing. The federal government considers possession and distribution of steroids without a valid prescription a crime. The use of steroids in sports is considered a form of cheating in most sports leagues and councils, including professional sports and the Olympics. WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE? Individuals can achieve the same muscle and performance enhancement through proper athletic training without the risks of non-medical steroid use. It’s just not worth it!
USEFUL WEBSITES
http://www.cancerbacup.org.uk/Treatments/Supportivetherapies/Steroids Up-to-date information for cancer patients and their families. www.aap.org/family/steroids.htm Steroid information for young athletes and their parents. www.well.com/user/woa/fsroids.htm Dangers of anabolic steroids. www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Steroids/AnabolicSteroids.html Comprehensive information about steroids. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steroid_hormone Definition of steroids and hormones. http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_ster1.asp Steroid information for teenagers and their parents. http://www.drugfreesport.com/choices/drugs/steroids.html NCAA website with comprehensive steroid information.
This exhibit was made possible through the generous support of the August H. Homeyer Vital Science Endowed Fund for the Life Sciences.