Cholestasis due to Ligandrol: a case report

Abstract

Anabolic steroids and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have been used for decades to increase muscle mass and enhance athletic performance, and their use without medical supervision and regulatory approval is increasing, raising serious public health concerns. This case report presents a male patient who developed cholestatic hepatotoxicity secondary to the use of Ligandrol, a SARM. Although SARMs are promoted as safer alternatives to anabolic steroids, this case highlights the potential risks associated with their use, specifically, liver injury. Several regulatory agencies have issued warnings about the association of SARMs with cancer, osteoporosis, and liver injury. Ligandrol, also known as LGD-4033, is popular among athletes and bodybuilders, but it is not approved for human consumption and is a banned substance in sport. In Colombia, there have been published cases reporting adverse effects of anabolic steroids, but no reports associating Ligandrol with liver failure. This case is therefore relevant to the national medical literature. The aim of this report is to raise awareness among physicians about the risk of liver compromise with Ligandrol and to contribute to the growing evidence on the dangers of SARMs. It is crucial to raise awareness of these risks, both among health professionals and the general public, given the lack of regulation and long-term studies on the safety of these compounds.