From the Guidelines
Stanozolol works by increasing intrinsic production of C1-INH, and its mechanism of action is believed to be related to its ability to bind to androgen receptors, triggering increased protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in muscle cells. The most recent and highest quality study on the topic is from 2021 1, which provides evidence that attenuated androgens, including stanozolol, are effective in reducing the frequency and severity of attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema. Some key points about stanozolol's mechanism of action include:
- It is a 17-alpha-alkylated derivative of dihydrotestosterone, which allows it to be taken orally while maintaining its potency
- It has a relatively strong anabolic effect compared to its androgenic effects
- It reduces sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, which increases the amount of free testosterone in the bloodstream
- It stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) and increases bone mineral density However, it's essential to consider the potential side effects of stanozolol, including weight gain, acne, virilization, menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, hepatic abnormalities, growth retardation, behavioral and mood alterations, headache, and cardiovascular risk 1. In terms of dosage, the required dose of stanozolol may range from 0.5 mg taken alternate days to up to 4 mg daily or at doses as high as 8 mg a day for short periods throughout the year 1. Another study from 2007 1 provides additional information on the use of anabolic steroids, including stanozolol, in patients with COPD, but the most recent and highest quality study is from 2021 1.
From the Research
Mechanism of Action of Stanozolol (Winstrol)
The mechanism of action of Stanozolol (Winstrol) involves several key aspects:
- Anabolic action: Stanozolol has been shown to increase muscle protein synthesis in female rats, which is evident from the study 2. This anabolic action is due to increased RNA concentration with no change in the rate of protein synthesis per unit RNA.
- Anticatabolic action: Stanozolol also has an anticatabolic action, which involves inhibition of the corticosterone-induced fall in muscle RNA activity, as seen in the study 2.
- Influence on muscle protein synthesis: Stanozolol influences muscle protein synthesis with no evident effects on protein degradation, as reported in the study 2.
- Androgen receptor coordination: The androgen receptor plays a crucial role in coordinating muscle metabolic and contractile functions, as shown in the study 3. Stanozolol, being an anabolic steroid, binds to the androgen receptor and exerts its function.
Key Findings
Some key findings related to the mechanism of action of Stanozolol include:
- Increased muscle protein synthesis in female rats 2
- Anticatabolic action involving inhibition of corticosterone-induced fall in muscle RNA activity 2
- Influence on muscle protein synthesis with no evident effects on protein degradation 2
- Androgen receptor coordination of muscle metabolic and contractile functions 3
- Stimulation of net muscle protein synthesis in young men, as seen with oxandrolone, a synthetic analog of testosterone 4
Related Studies
Related studies have investigated the effects of anabolic steroids, including Stanozolol, on muscle growth and protein metabolism:
- The study 5 investigated the hepatic effects of Stanozolol administration in rats and found that it induced telomerase activity at the molecular level in the liver tissue.
- The study 6 reviewed the concept that anabolic steroids increase skeletal muscle mass and discussed the physiological evidence that supports this concept.
- The study 4 demonstrated that short-term oxandrolone administration stimulates net muscle protein synthesis in young men, which may be related to an increase in androgen receptor expression in skeletal muscle.