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Generic MALE
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Just a reminder of what we already know...
Taking AS can greatly alter lipoprotein levels (cholesterol). Studies show that elevated LDL (bad cholesterol) increases the risk of heart disease by the formation of "fatty streaks" on arteries and the formation of "foam cells". AS use can dramatically alter the balance of HDL (good cholesterol) to LDL, resulting in markedly increased risk for atherosclerotic plaque (cholesterol junk lining your arteries). It seems to take decades for atherosclerotic plaque to build up to a point where it can cause heart attacks and other damage, but what they know now is that it is not a slow steady process but that there are periods of rapid development over those decades. AS use might cause bursts of rapid development in some people. I think it is important to take special precautions during cycles to prevent possible rapid development of foam cell formation.
I was reading yesterday and was reminded of the importance of anti-oxidants for those who use AS.
"Normal LDL does not cause foam cell formation when incubated with cultured macrophages or smooth muscle cells. But, when LDL undergoes lipid peroxidation, it becomes a ligand for alternative, scavenger receptors that sre present on endothelial cells and macrophages. Uptake of modified (oxidized) lipoproteins by these receptors in macrophages results in formation of cholesterol laden foam cells. In addition to inducing foam cell formation, oxidized LDL acts in the vessel wall to stimulate of cytokines and growth factors by endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and monocyte derived macrophages......." Page 2249
"Our current understanding of the mechanism by which elevated LDL levels promote atherogenesis relates to oxidative modification of these particles within the artery wall, promoting formation of macrophage-derived foam cells and providing stimulus for inflammation. These concepts have given rise to considerable interest in the possibility that anti-oxidants, either dietary or pharmacologic, might reduce atherogenesis. Considerable experimental evidence supports this notion. In addition, many observational studies show a correlation of anti-oxidant consumption and reduced cardiovascular risk....." page 1383
Quoted excerpts taken from Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 15th edition 2001.
We all want to be stronger and healthier, and while it is not a proven "fact" ; evidence does support the role of anti-oxidants in preventing the formation of plaque in the arteries. Taking anti-oxidant vitamins while consuming daily fresh vegetables and fruits (I put vegetables first because they are lower in sugars than fruits and therefore help prevent insulin spikes and the halt of lipolysis - the breakdown of fat) can help prevent the oxidation or modification of LDL.
AS will cause elevations of the LDL fraction of cholesterol. other natural products like policosanol, niacin (which is the strongest thing shown to elevate HDL), water soluble fiber in the diet and guggulipids will also help keep our cholesterol in "normal" balance - but even with these other things many AS users will have LDL elevations. So it seems important to prevent the oxidation of these LDL portions thereby preventing foam cell formation.
Taking AS can greatly alter lipoprotein levels (cholesterol). Studies show that elevated LDL (bad cholesterol) increases the risk of heart disease by the formation of "fatty streaks" on arteries and the formation of "foam cells". AS use can dramatically alter the balance of HDL (good cholesterol) to LDL, resulting in markedly increased risk for atherosclerotic plaque (cholesterol junk lining your arteries). It seems to take decades for atherosclerotic plaque to build up to a point where it can cause heart attacks and other damage, but what they know now is that it is not a slow steady process but that there are periods of rapid development over those decades. AS use might cause bursts of rapid development in some people. I think it is important to take special precautions during cycles to prevent possible rapid development of foam cell formation.
I was reading yesterday and was reminded of the importance of anti-oxidants for those who use AS.
"Normal LDL does not cause foam cell formation when incubated with cultured macrophages or smooth muscle cells. But, when LDL undergoes lipid peroxidation, it becomes a ligand for alternative, scavenger receptors that sre present on endothelial cells and macrophages. Uptake of modified (oxidized) lipoproteins by these receptors in macrophages results in formation of cholesterol laden foam cells. In addition to inducing foam cell formation, oxidized LDL acts in the vessel wall to stimulate of cytokines and growth factors by endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and monocyte derived macrophages......." Page 2249
"Our current understanding of the mechanism by which elevated LDL levels promote atherogenesis relates to oxidative modification of these particles within the artery wall, promoting formation of macrophage-derived foam cells and providing stimulus for inflammation. These concepts have given rise to considerable interest in the possibility that anti-oxidants, either dietary or pharmacologic, might reduce atherogenesis. Considerable experimental evidence supports this notion. In addition, many observational studies show a correlation of anti-oxidant consumption and reduced cardiovascular risk....." page 1383
Quoted excerpts taken from Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 15th edition 2001.
We all want to be stronger and healthier, and while it is not a proven "fact" ; evidence does support the role of anti-oxidants in preventing the formation of plaque in the arteries. Taking anti-oxidant vitamins while consuming daily fresh vegetables and fruits (I put vegetables first because they are lower in sugars than fruits and therefore help prevent insulin spikes and the halt of lipolysis - the breakdown of fat) can help prevent the oxidation or modification of LDL.
AS will cause elevations of the LDL fraction of cholesterol. other natural products like policosanol, niacin (which is the strongest thing shown to elevate HDL), water soluble fiber in the diet and guggulipids will also help keep our cholesterol in "normal" balance - but even with these other things many AS users will have LDL elevations. So it seems important to prevent the oxidation of these LDL portions thereby preventing foam cell formation.
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