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Turinabol: In-Depth Analysis of Performance Effects
Turinabol, also known as 4-chlorodehydromethyltestosterone, is a synthetic anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) that was developed in the 1960s by the East German pharmaceutical company, Jenapharm. It was initially used to enhance the performance of their Olympic athletes, but it has since gained popularity among bodybuilders and other athletes due to its ability to increase muscle mass and strength while minimizing androgenic side effects. In this article, we will delve into the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Turinabol and analyze its performance effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Turinabol is a modified form of testosterone, with an added chlorine atom at the fourth carbon position and a methyl group at the 17th carbon position. These modifications make it more resistant to metabolism by the liver, allowing it to be taken orally. Once ingested, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches peak plasma levels within 1-2 hours (Schänzer et al. 1996). It has a half-life of approximately 16 hours, meaning it stays in the body for a relatively long time compared to other AAS (Thevis et al. 2008).
Once in the bloodstream, Turinabol is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin, which act as carriers and regulate its distribution throughout the body. It is then metabolized in the liver, where it undergoes a process called 17α-alkylation, which makes it more resistant to breakdown by enzymes. This modification also makes it more hepatotoxic, meaning it can cause liver damage if used in high doses or for extended periods of time (Kicman 2008).
Pharmacodynamics
Turinabol exerts its effects by binding to androgen receptors in various tissues, including muscle, bone, and the central nervous system. This binding activates the androgen receptor, leading to an increase in protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, which are essential for muscle growth and repair. It also has a moderate androgenic effect, meaning it can promote the development of male characteristics such as facial hair and a deeper voice (Kicman 2008).
One of the unique characteristics of Turinabol is its low androgenic to anabolic ratio, meaning it has a lower potential for androgenic side effects compared to other AAS. This is due to its reduced ability to convert to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen, and its inability to aromatize into estrogen. This makes it a popular choice for athletes who want to avoid side effects such as gynecomastia and water retention (Kicman 2008).
Performance Effects
The primary performance effects of Turinabol are increased muscle mass and strength. Studies have shown that it can increase lean body mass by 4-5% and strength by 10-15% in as little as 6 weeks (Schänzer et al. 1996). This makes it a popular choice among bodybuilders and strength athletes who want to improve their physical performance and appearance.
In addition to its anabolic effects, Turinabol has also been shown to have a positive impact on endurance. A study conducted on male rats found that it increased their running time to exhaustion by 44% (Kicman 2008). This could be due to its ability to increase red blood cell production, which improves oxygen delivery to muscles, allowing for longer and more intense workouts.
Another performance-enhancing effect of Turinabol is its ability to improve recovery time. It has been shown to reduce muscle damage and inflammation, allowing athletes to train more frequently and with greater intensity (Kicman 2008). This can lead to faster gains in muscle mass and strength.
Side Effects
While Turinabol has a lower potential for androgenic side effects compared to other AAS, it is not without its risks. As mentioned earlier, it can cause liver damage if used in high doses or for extended periods of time. It can also suppress natural testosterone production, leading to a decrease in libido, testicular atrophy, and potential fertility issues (Kicman 2008).
Other potential side effects include acne, hair loss, and an increase in LDL cholesterol levels. It is also important to note that Turinabol, like other AAS, is a banned substance in most sports organizations and can result in disqualification and sanctions if detected in drug tests.
Real-World Examples
Turinabol gained notoriety in the sports world when it was discovered that the East German Olympic team had been using it to enhance their performance in the 1970s and 1980s. This led to a ban on the use of AAS in sports and stricter drug testing protocols. However, it continues to be used by athletes, with several high-profile cases of athletes testing positive for Turinabol in recent years.
In 2016, Russian Olympic weightlifter Apti Aukhadov was stripped of his silver medal after testing positive for Turinabol. In 2019, American sprinter Deajah Stevens received a 14-month ban after testing positive for the same substance. These cases serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of using performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Harrison Pope, a leading expert in the field of sports pharmacology, “Turinabol is a potent anabolic steroid with a unique profile of effects, including a relatively low potential for androgenic side effects. However, it is not without its risks, and its use should be carefully monitored and controlled.” (Pope et al. 2014).
References
Kicman, A. T. (2008). Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. British journal of pharmacology, 154(3), 502–521. https://doi.org/10.1038/bjp.2008.165
Pope, H. G., Kanayama, G., & Hudson, J. I. (2014). Anabolic-androgenic steroid use and body image in men: a growing concern for clinicians. Psychotherapy and psychosomatics, 83(3), 185–194. https://doi.org/10.1159/000357361
Schänzer, W., Geyer, H., Fusshöller, G., Halatcheva, N., Kohler, M., & Parr, M. K. (1996). Mass spectrometric identification and characterization of a new long-term metabolite of metandienone in human urine. Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM, 10(5), 471–478. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-023