Drug-induced liver injury in selective Androgen Receptor Modulator users
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMS) were initially administered with the intention of preventing muscle-wasting in cancer patients. In the past couple of decades, with increased popularity in recent years, athletes and bodybuilders have used SARMS as an alternative to traditional Androgenic-Anabolic Steroids. SARMS are virtually unregulated and can be easily purchased online. This thesis reviewed and analyzed 17 case studies concerning adult males with Drug-Induced Liver Injury after using Ostarine, RAD-140, and Ligandrol. Cholestatic or Mixed Drug-Induced Liver Injury occurred in 16 of the cases, while Hepatocellular Drug-Induced Liver Injury occurred only once. The single case of Hepatocellular Drug-Induced Liver Injury was also the only case that was not accompanied by a hyperbilirubinemia. A standardized Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) showed SARMS to be the probable cause of 5 of the cases presented and possible cause in the remaining 12 cases. These results were often skewed because post-hospital laboratory testing was unavailable and RUCAM also factors in reoccurring exposures which did not occur in any of the cases. Little research has been conducted on side effects of SARMS and drastic policy changes are necessary to prevent a public health crisis.
Description
2024