Synaptic and Extrasynaptic Mitochondria: Features and Impact of High Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids Use

Abstract

The abuse of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) drugs has turned into a public health issue over the last years. Supraphysiological dosage of AAS is widespread among the elite sports community to increase skeletal muscle mass, oxidative metabolism, and physical performance. Also, recreational athletes have abused trying to improve aesthetic image or gain economic or social benefits. Unfortunately, AAS drug abuse may result in undesirable mental and physical consequences like aggressiveness, depression, and cardiovascular damage and is also an open gate for the consumption of other illicit drugs. Indeed, AAS have been considered abuse substances, sharing addiction mechanisms with drugs like opioids. Though AAS misuse targets many neural systems and accessory components, particular effects on mitochondrial bioenergetic mechanisms associated with synapse have been neglected. This chapter discusses general effects and how common AAS such as testosterone and nandrolone decanoate abuse impact the bioenergetic responsiveness of the synaptic and extrasynaptic mitochondria.