What are SARMs? A Comprehensive Overview
Selective androgen receptor modulators, or SARMs, are a class of compounds that have garnered significant attention in recent years. These molecules are designed to selectively bind to androgen receptors in the body, creating a coordination complex that influences hormonal activity. In simpler terms, SARMs act as chemical messengers that modulate hormone levels, similar to anabolic steroids, but with distinct differences that set them apart.
Understanding SARMs: The Basics
SARMs, as the name suggests, selectively target androgen receptors, which are proteins found in various tissues, including muscles, bones, and the prostate. When SARMs bind to these receptors, they trigger specific responses in the body, particularly related to muscle growth and fat loss. Unlike anabolic steroids, which can indiscriminately affect various tissues, SARMs are designed to target specific tissues, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects.
One of the key features of SARMs is their ability to influence the body’s androgen production, a crucial aspect of maintaining muscle mass and bone density. Despite their potential, SARMs are not yet approved for medical use beyond research and development, meaning they are primarily studied in a laboratory setting. As a result, most SARMs are identified by chemical abbreviations rather than formal names.
Presumably Safer Than Steroids
SARMs have long been considered a safer alternative to anabolic steroids, and ongoing research continues to support this assumption. Steroid use has been associated with a range of side effects, including the risk of addiction. Studies have shown that approximately 30% of steroid users develop a dependence that is difficult to overcome without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. In contrast, there is little evidence to suggest that SARMs carry the same risk of addiction.
Recent studies have highlighted the significant role that SARMs play in the physiology and pathology of various tissues. These findings suggest that SARMs can promote muscle growth without the addiction risks commonly associated with anabolic steroids. This characteristic makes SARMs an attractive option for researchers exploring muscle preservation and enhancement.
Liver and Kidney Preservation
Anabolic steroids have long been known to pose risks to the liver and kidneys, especially with prolonged use. The constant strain placed on these organs by steroid use can lead to severe damage, sometimes resulting in liver or kidney failure. This has been well-documented through years of case studies involving athletes and bodybuilders who have suffered from steroid-related health issues.
In contrast, SARMs do not appear to have the same detrimental effects on the liver and kidneys. In fact, some research suggests that SARMs may have therapeutic benefits for both muscle tissue and internal organs like the liver and kidneys. This potential for organ preservation is one of the reasons SARMs are considered a safer alternative to steroids.
How Do SARMs Work?
While SARMs and steroids both interact with androgens, their mechanisms of action differ in several key ways. Androgens are hormones that play a significant role in developing and maintaining male characteristics, such as muscle mass and strength. Both SARMs and steroids bind to androgen receptors in the body, but the way they exert their effects is what sets them apart.
Firstly, SARMs selectively bind to cellular androgen receptors in specific tissues, such as muscles and bones, without affecting other tissues like the prostate. This selective binding reduces the risk of side effects typically associated with steroid use. Secondly, SARMs can convert into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that plays a crucial role in developing male characteristics. Lastly, SARMs can also convert into estradiol, a hormone that binds to estrogen receptors, influencing processes like bone density and fat distribution.
The Future of SARMs in Research
As research into SARMs continues, their potential applications are becoming increasingly apparent. While they are not yet approved for medical use, their ability to selectively target tissues and promote muscle growth with fewer side effects than steroids makes them a promising area of study. Researchers are particularly interested in SARMs’ potential for treating conditions such as muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and other disorders related to muscle and bone health.
References:
- Kanayama, G, et al. “Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Dependence: an Emerging Disorder.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2009, link.
- Narayanan, R, et al. “Development of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Apr. 2018, link.
- Sánchez-Osorio, M, et al. “Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids and Liver Injury.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2008, link.
- Gao, W, & Dalton, J. “Expanding the therapeutic use of androgens via selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs).” Drug Discovery Today., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2007, link.