The mechanism of action of steroids at the cellular level is very complex, however, at least a general, schematic idea of this process should be had. Once in the blood, steroid molecules are distributed throughout the body, where skeletal muscle cells, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, certain areas of the brain and some endocrine glands react to them.
The selective accumulation of anabolic steroids and testosterone in the body is associated with the presence in the cells of so-called “target organs” – specific molecular structures of a protein nature, which are called receptors. These intracellular receptors for testosterone, firstly, differ from the receptors of other steroids (estrogens, gestagens, corticosteroids and others) and, secondly, interact with anabolic steroids as testosterone-related compounds.
When bound, the receptor-steroid complex is transported through the cell cytoplasm into the cell nucleus, where it interacts with proteins. As a result of this, the synthesis of all types of nucleic acids is stimulated and the process of formation of new protein molecules is “started”.
These new molecules are either used inside the cell or released from the cells and carried by the blood (immunoglobulins, fibrinogen, blood transport proteins, and others). Another important area of anabolic action is the effect of anabolic steroids on the permeability and structure of cell membranes and subcellular components.
As a result, nutrients, amino acids , vitamins, macro- and microelements, oxygen, glucose, fatty acids and many other molecules that are necessary for the physiological course of all metabolic processes are actively supplied to cells and subcellular structures. Anabolic steroids stimulate the synthesis of creatine phosphate and ATP (adenosine triphosphoric acid), which are the main suppliers of energy to the working muscle cell. ATP is directly involved in the functioning of the contractile proteins of muscle cells. Without it there is no movement, speed and strength.
In addition to creatine phosphate and ATP, there are other substances that perform energy functions that are actively affected by anabolic steroids. These are glycogen and lipids (fats).
Thus, anabolic steroids stimulate the synthesis of new cells and speed up energy production in the body. This explains why anabolic steroids allow athletes to train longer and more intensely, and also increase strength in athletes even without significant weight gain. It should be noted that this enhances the function of cellular respiration and the oxygen transport function of the blood, since the total amount of both blood and red blood cells increases.
Anabolic steroids reduce the formation of blood clots in microvessels and also reduce blood clotting, which is essential for improving microcirculation during intense physical work. In the last decade, scientists have found that during intense physical activity, free radicals accumulate in the body, which have a harmful effect on biological membranes, energy metabolism and many other functions that contribute to exercise.
They are factors limiting sports performance. Reducing their number, binding and preventing their negative effects leads to the normalization of cell activity and the restoration of strength and speed. Almost all anabolic steroids have such properties, providing an antioxidant effect in the human body. This fact has been known for more than 20 years, but the fact that it is directly related to sports has become obvious recently. Some researchers believe that anabolic steroids reduce the breakdown of muscle fibers caused by intense training.
This implies a possible limitation in the activity of cortisol, the human catabolic hormone. This means that steroids help reduce the amount of catabolic hormone entering muscle tissue. A decrease in cortisol increases the effect of anabolic steroids with all the ensuing consequences. Steroid anabolics also act on cells of other organs, except muscle ones, since they have a universal effect in the human body. However, any exposure to steroids other than the positive ones listed above is considered an unwanted adverse reaction.
