006 TESTOSTERON (ng/dl) 539 ± 391 383,8 ± 187,6 250 – 850 NS PF-01367338 purchase ESTROGENS (pg/ml) 363 ± 508,7 21,8 ± 33,5 15 – 35 0.000 DHEA (ng/ml) 2,8 ± 1,9 5,3 ± 2,4 1 – 7,5 0.000 FT3 (pg/ml) 3,2 ± 0,5 3,4 ± 0,5 1,5 – 4,5 NS FT4 (ng/ml) 1,4 ± 0,5 1 ± 0,1 0,75 – 1,95 NS TSH (micrU/ml) 1,5 ± 0,6 1,32 ± 0,8 0,5 – 4 NS CORTISOL (mcg/dl) 14 ± 3,6 13,3 ± 5 4 – 20 NS All of the subjects presenting hormone alterations were submitted

to an additional complete clinical evaluation which revealed the absence of any disease IWR-1 mouse or pathological conditions. In particular, no alteration of the secondary sexual characters were found (particularly notable the absence of gynecomastia in men with elevated progesterone levels). However, as a form of “good medical practice” all these subjects were advised to stop the consumption of potentially unsafe products and were recommended for a careful medical follow-up. Dietary habits All the users who presented with abnormal sexual hormone levels declared this website of regularly consuming multiple dietary supplements, including

“traditional” and “natural” compounds. Interestingly, those with abnormal estrogen levels shared the consumption of high dosage of soy protein (2 gr/Kg/die). Subjects with abnormal estrogen levels associated with increased progesterone levels consumed products

containing ecdysteroids. Finally, those with increased testosterone levels consumed both high dosage of soy protein and products containing ecdysteroids and tribulus terrestris. GC/MS analysis of the commercially available products The GC/MS analysis excluded the contamination of the texted products by steroid hormones. Discussion As far as our knowledge goes, this is the first study investigating the real consumption of plant-derived nutritional supplements with ergogenic intent on recreational athletes and the possible Afatinib clinical trial side effects deriving from this practice. The study highlighted that, among Italian athletes, these products are poorly known when compared to the “traditional” supplements and that their use is still limited. Noteworthy, even with the limitations due to the smallness of the sample, the study seems to demonstrate that the regular use of this types of nutritional supplements, even in the form of poly consumption, do not cause organ suffering or damage, in particular to liver and kidneys. On the contrary, the significant alterations of the sexual hormone profile, emerged in habitual users, represents the major finding of this investigation.