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Case Reports
. 2024 Aug 27;16(8):e67958.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.67958. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators Leading to Liver Injury: A Case Report

Michael R Demangone  1 , Karam R Abi Karam  2 , Joshua Li  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators Leading to Liver Injury: A Case Report

Michael R Demangone et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have gained popularity for their alleged ability to selectively target androgen receptors, potentially offering muscle-building benefits with fewer side effects than traditional steroids. However, the safety profile of SARMs, including RAD-140, is not fully understood. This case report presents a 29-year-old male who developed liver injury after taking RAD-140. The patient experienced jaundice and elevated liver enzymes after three months of RAD-140 use. A liver ultrasound revealed hepatic steatosis and a hyperechoic lesion. Symptoms resolved after discontinuing RAD-140. Similar cases of liver injury associated with RAD-140 have been reported, highlighting the potential hepatotoxicity of this SARM. Discontinuation of RAD-140 appears to reverse liver injury, but the long-term effects and risks of SARM use remain unclear. This case highlights the need for caution and monitoring when considering SARMs for performance enhancement.

Keywords: drug-induced liver injury; liver cirrhosis; rad-140; sarms; testalone.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. An ultrasound of the abdomen shows a measured lesion
A. The hyperechoic right hepatic lesion measures a length of 9 mm and a width of 5 mm; B. The hyperechoic right hepatic lesion measures a height of 9 mm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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