Showing posts with label prostate cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prostate cancer. Show all posts
Androgen replacement appears not to increase prostate cancer risk.
Testosterone replacement therapy appears to be safe and does not increase the incidence of prostate cancer, according to a study published online June 6 in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) appears to be safe and does not increase the incidence of prostate cancer, according to a study published online June 6 in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Mark R. Feneley, M.D., from University College Hospital, and Malcolm Carruthers, M.D., from the Centre for Men's Health -- both in London, conducted an updated audit to analyze the long-term incidence of prostate cancer for men receiving TRT. Data were reviewed from 1,365 men (mean age, 55 years) with symptomatic androgen deficiency receiving TRT (pellet implants, Restandol, mesterolone, and Testogel) and monitored for up to 20 years. All patients were prescreened for prostate cancer, and endocrine, biochemical, hematological, and urinary profiles were conducted at baseline and every six months.
After 2,966 man-years of treatment, the researchers found that 14 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed (one case per 212 years of treatment). The mean time to diagnosis was 6.3 years (range, one to 12 years). All of the tumors were suitable for potentially curative treatment and were clinically localized. Starting testosterone treatment had no statistically significant impact on total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA, or the ratio of free:total PSA. There was no association seen between any initial PSA change and subsequent diagnosis of cancer.
"This study adds to the considerable weight of evidence that with proper clinical monitoring, testosterone treatment is safe for the prostate and improves early detection of prostate cancer," the authors write. "Testosterone treatment with regular monitoring of the prostate may be safer for the individual than any alternative without surveillance."
Latest research study shows Testosterone does NOT cause prostate problems :-)
Testosterone Replacement Treatment may now be officially recommended to men suffering "male menopause" in light of new findings, doctors say.
The breakthrough findings were released at the start of Britain's first ever Andropause Awareness Week, in time for a gathering of scientists and clinicians in Munich to discuss advances in knowledge and treatment.
The "male menopause" has been deemed as an excuse for men's short temper in middle age, but the condition is a real one, and more than 2 million men in andropause may benefit from TRT, the report says.
Scientists say there is no link between testosterone treatment and prostate cancer, as previously feared.
TRT, which is reportedly the most effective known medication for andropause, had been associated to prostate cancer. But the Institute of Urology at University College Hospital in London has recently disproved the link. Their research findings indicate that raising testosterone levels could in fact be beneficial to the prostate.
The breakthrough findings were released at the start of Britain's first ever Andropause Awareness Week, in time for a gathering of scientists and clinicians in Munich to discuss advances in knowledge and treatment.
The "male menopause" has been deemed as an excuse for men's short temper in middle age, but the condition is a real one, and more than 2 million men in andropause may benefit from TRT, the report says.
Scientists say there is no link between testosterone treatment and prostate cancer, as previously feared.
TRT, which is reportedly the most effective known medication for andropause, had been associated to prostate cancer. But the Institute of Urology at University College Hospital in London has recently disproved the link. Their research findings indicate that raising testosterone levels could in fact be beneficial to the prostate.
Two Canadian University football players test positive for steroids.
Two players with the Universite Laval Rouge et Or football team have been suspended for two years after testing positive for steroid use, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport announced Tuesday.
Second-year linebacker Michael Abraham failed a urine test administered on Feb. 7, testing positive for the steroid 19-norandrosterone.
During a second round of tests a month later, first-year offensive lineman Steeve Vachon tested positive for methandienone.
Both players admitted their infractions once confronted with the test results and were banned from playing for the Rouge et Or for two years.
Second-year linebacker Michael Abraham failed a urine test administered on Feb. 7, testing positive for the steroid 19-norandrosterone.
During a second round of tests a month later, first-year offensive lineman Steeve Vachon tested positive for methandienone.
Both players admitted their infractions once confronted with the test results and were banned from playing for the Rouge et Or for two years.
Operation Raw Deal target gets three years for Compton based underground steroid lab.
A man prosecutors say manufactured steroids at one of the largest underground steroid labs ever found in the United States and sold them on the Internet was sentenced on Monday to three years in federal prison.
Warren Abramson, 33, pleaded guilty in January to five counts of possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, maintaining a drug-related premises and possessing unregistered firearm silencers.
Abramson was indicted by a federal grand jury last June on charges stemming from a 2007 raid of his home in the Los Angeles suburb of Compton, where authorities say they uncovered a clandestine steroid lab and made one of the largest steroid seizures in U.S. history.
Investigators found more than 6.5 kilograms (14.3 pounds) of anabolic steroids, which translates into more than a quarter million doses, said Thom Mrozek, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles.
Also found were numerous firearms, three silencers and thousands of rounds of ammunition, Mrozek said.
Mrozek said Abramson remained a fugitive following the indictment, until he was arrested in Las Vegas in September while attempting to purchase firearms.
Warren Abramson, 33, pleaded guilty in January to five counts of possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, maintaining a drug-related premises and possessing unregistered firearm silencers.
Abramson was indicted by a federal grand jury last June on charges stemming from a 2007 raid of his home in the Los Angeles suburb of Compton, where authorities say they uncovered a clandestine steroid lab and made one of the largest steroid seizures in U.S. history.
Investigators found more than 6.5 kilograms (14.3 pounds) of anabolic steroids, which translates into more than a quarter million doses, said Thom Mrozek, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles.
Also found were numerous firearms, three silencers and thousands of rounds of ammunition, Mrozek said.
Mrozek said Abramson remained a fugitive following the indictment, until he was arrested in Las Vegas in September while attempting to purchase firearms.
Bodybuilding and steroids on the rise in Afghanistan.
Steroids were on sale last week at Bush Bazaar, a maze of stalls named after President George W. Bush because merchants hock U.S. military surplus and other American wares, including bodybuilding vitamins, shakes and powders with names like Mega Mass and Great Gainer.
Among the vendors was Zalmai, 23, who goes by one name and keeps steroid vials and tablets stashed on a shelf in his shop behind bottles of "power capsules" sporting the likeness of Jay Cutler, former Mr. Olympia.
Steroids for sale include systanol, testoviron and deca durabolin. He also sells human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, a hormone used to enhance steroids' effects.
Each box of steroids sells for about $5, he said. The Health Ministry inspector who visits regularly does not ask about the steroids — he mainly checks to make sure the protein powders have not expired. Steroids are not illegal, so Zalmai — an aspiring bodybuilder himself — has never had a problem.
"These are only for professionals," he said, adding that he makes those new to the sport wait four months before selling them steroids.
"The people who don't know how to use it are damaging their bodies," he said.
It was rumored that steroids contributed to the death of last year's Mr. Afghanistan heavyweight title winner. Arif Sakhi, 26, died last June after suffering liver and kidney failure, typical side effects of longtime steroid abuse.
Ustaad Bawar Hotak, the head of the Afghanistan Bodybuilding Federation, and others in the Afghan bodybuilding community deny that Sakhi was doping. In a country rife with corruption and organized crime, where conspiracy theories abound, they insist he was killed by his enemies.
"It wasn't about using drugs," gym owner Sherzad says. "He just had problems with people who poisoned him."
But both Sherzad and Hotak concede that doping is common among Afghan bodybuilding amateurs and professionals, and that more could be done to expand testing at professional competitions.
"We don't have the systems to do the doping tests here, because it's expensive," Hotak says, and the country does not have specialized labs to handle testing.
Last year, Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee joined the World Anti-Doping Agency, which has promised drug-testing equipment and funding in coming months, according to the committee's president, Lt. Gen. Mohammad Tahir Aghbar.
Last month, Aghbar created a team of investigators who inspect Kabul's gyms, quietly looking for steroids. During the next few months, they will report which gyms have the most people using steroids, he says, and his office plans to mount an educational campaign in Kabul and other provinces geared toward zero tolerance.
Among the vendors was Zalmai, 23, who goes by one name and keeps steroid vials and tablets stashed on a shelf in his shop behind bottles of "power capsules" sporting the likeness of Jay Cutler, former Mr. Olympia.
Steroids for sale include systanol, testoviron and deca durabolin. He also sells human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, a hormone used to enhance steroids' effects.
Each box of steroids sells for about $5, he said. The Health Ministry inspector who visits regularly does not ask about the steroids — he mainly checks to make sure the protein powders have not expired. Steroids are not illegal, so Zalmai — an aspiring bodybuilder himself — has never had a problem.
"These are only for professionals," he said, adding that he makes those new to the sport wait four months before selling them steroids.
"The people who don't know how to use it are damaging their bodies," he said.
It was rumored that steroids contributed to the death of last year's Mr. Afghanistan heavyweight title winner. Arif Sakhi, 26, died last June after suffering liver and kidney failure, typical side effects of longtime steroid abuse.
Ustaad Bawar Hotak, the head of the Afghanistan Bodybuilding Federation, and others in the Afghan bodybuilding community deny that Sakhi was doping. In a country rife with corruption and organized crime, where conspiracy theories abound, they insist he was killed by his enemies.
"It wasn't about using drugs," gym owner Sherzad says. "He just had problems with people who poisoned him."
But both Sherzad and Hotak concede that doping is common among Afghan bodybuilding amateurs and professionals, and that more could be done to expand testing at professional competitions.
"We don't have the systems to do the doping tests here, because it's expensive," Hotak says, and the country does not have specialized labs to handle testing.
Last year, Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee joined the World Anti-Doping Agency, which has promised drug-testing equipment and funding in coming months, according to the committee's president, Lt. Gen. Mohammad Tahir Aghbar.
Last month, Aghbar created a team of investigators who inspect Kabul's gyms, quietly looking for steroids. During the next few months, they will report which gyms have the most people using steroids, he says, and his office plans to mount an educational campaign in Kabul and other provinces geared toward zero tolerance.
IForce Nutrition fined $125000 for steroid tainted supplements.
An Arizona-based pharmaceutical company has been fined and placed on probation for violating federal laws governing dietary supplements.
Tribravus Enterprises, which also does business as IForce Nutrition in California, was penalized this week in federal court in Boise. The company was convicted for distributing drugs that violated the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill fined the company $125,000 and imposed stricter testing protocols during a three-year probation to make sure the company's future diet pills don't contain banned steroids.
Food and Drug Administration investigators found that the company's dietary pills and capsules contained synthetic steroids and should have been regulated as unapproved drugs under federal laws.
The charges were filed in Idaho because Tribravus delivered its products to an Idaho retail company for wider distribution.
Tribravus Enterprises, which also does business as IForce Nutrition in California, was penalized this week in federal court in Boise. The company was convicted for distributing drugs that violated the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill fined the company $125,000 and imposed stricter testing protocols during a three-year probation to make sure the company's future diet pills don't contain banned steroids.
Food and Drug Administration investigators found that the company's dietary pills and capsules contained synthetic steroids and should have been regulated as unapproved drugs under federal laws.
The charges were filed in Idaho because Tribravus delivered its products to an Idaho retail company for wider distribution.
Two British Police officers charged with supplying steroids.
Two St Helens police officers have been suspended after they were charged with misconduct and supplying bodybuilding steroids.
DC Paul Fletcher, 46 of Bryn, Wigan and Sergeant Paul Hornby, 42, of Winstanley, have been accused of supplying Class C drugs.
They are also charged with misconduct in public office.
It emerged this week the charges were brought against them on Thursday, April 14.
The officers appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, which granted bail to the men until Friday, May 12 when they are due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court.
DC Paul Fletcher, 46 of Bryn, Wigan and Sergeant Paul Hornby, 42, of Winstanley, have been accused of supplying Class C drugs.
They are also charged with misconduct in public office.
It emerged this week the charges were brought against them on Thursday, April 14.
The officers appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, which granted bail to the men until Friday, May 12 when they are due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court.
British Facebook steroid dealer targetted by UK press.
( The number of steroid dealers on Facebook is very high. I'm actually surprised this is the first case of it to appear in the mainstream press. Many of the dealers are even using their real names ).
Tony Laidler, a 36-year-old bodybuilder, nightclub doorman and Nissan car factory worker, tells potential customers that injecting drugs is not painful and advises them to use Google to check for side-effects.
Repeated postings from Laidler stating "Human growth hormone £150" and "Melantan 2 tanning injections £25" have appeared on the pages of his more than 770 Facebook friends.
Moat, also a bodybuilder and nightclub doorman, had used steroids for years and had a history of violence and paranoia.
He went on the rampage on Tyneside with a sawn-off shotgun last July, murdering one person and seriously injuring two others before eventually killing himself.
Laidler was a childhood friend of Moat and a pall-bearer at his funeral, and has since been a contributor to the "RIP Raoul Moat" Facebook page.
Laidler's adverts, uncovered in a Sky News investigation, encourage people to contact him directly, but some potential customers have written on his Facebook wall.
Enquiring about Melantan 2, a common misspelling of the unlicensed tanning drug Melanotan II, one woman who runs a beauty salon asked Laidler: "Do they hurt?
"Where do u inject it into n would I need a licence for it in the salon? any side effects?" she wrote.
Laidler replied: "dont hurt, get your body to release its tanning agent, tans in 5 day last 3 months ish," adding: "Google it, it's on google".
In reply to another enquiry from a man in County Durham, Laidler described the quantities on offer as: "Melantan 2 10mg per vil, hgh 100iu".
Human growth hormone is measured in International Units, or IUs, of powder while Melanotan II is typically produced in 10mg vials.
Both drugs are mixed with water and injected by users.
Tony Laidler, a 36-year-old bodybuilder, nightclub doorman and Nissan car factory worker, tells potential customers that injecting drugs is not painful and advises them to use Google to check for side-effects.
Repeated postings from Laidler stating "Human growth hormone £150" and "Melantan 2 tanning injections £25" have appeared on the pages of his more than 770 Facebook friends.
Moat, also a bodybuilder and nightclub doorman, had used steroids for years and had a history of violence and paranoia.
He went on the rampage on Tyneside with a sawn-off shotgun last July, murdering one person and seriously injuring two others before eventually killing himself.
Laidler was a childhood friend of Moat and a pall-bearer at his funeral, and has since been a contributor to the "RIP Raoul Moat" Facebook page.
Laidler's adverts, uncovered in a Sky News investigation, encourage people to contact him directly, but some potential customers have written on his Facebook wall.
Enquiring about Melantan 2, a common misspelling of the unlicensed tanning drug Melanotan II, one woman who runs a beauty salon asked Laidler: "Do they hurt?
"Where do u inject it into n would I need a licence for it in the salon? any side effects?" she wrote.
Laidler replied: "dont hurt, get your body to release its tanning agent, tans in 5 day last 3 months ish," adding: "Google it, it's on google".
In reply to another enquiry from a man in County Durham, Laidler described the quantities on offer as: "Melantan 2 10mg per vil, hgh 100iu".
Human growth hormone is measured in International Units, or IUs, of powder while Melanotan II is typically produced in 10mg vials.
Both drugs are mixed with water and injected by users.
Philly detective pleads not guilty in steroids case.
A Philadelphia police detective charged last week with heading a conspiracy to illegally distribute anabolic steroids pleaded not guilty Tuesday in federal magistrate court and was released on $50,000 unsecured bond.
U.S. Magistrate Linda Caracappa also put Keith Gidelson, 34, under 24-hour house arrest with electronic monitoring at his Waldemire Drive home in the city's Andalusia section. He had been detained since his arrest on April 27.
Gidelson, a 14-year veteran, was a detective assigned to the special-victims unit, but had been out on disability before his arrest.
Two other police officers - Joseph McIntyre, 36, and George Sambuca, 25 - were also charged in the case and released on $50,000 unsecured bond. Sambuca has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and distribution of anabolic steroids and McIntyre has not yet been arraigned.
All three have been suspended from the force for 30 days with intent to dismiss.
U.S. Magistrate Linda Caracappa also put Keith Gidelson, 34, under 24-hour house arrest with electronic monitoring at his Waldemire Drive home in the city's Andalusia section. He had been detained since his arrest on April 27.
Gidelson, a 14-year veteran, was a detective assigned to the special-victims unit, but had been out on disability before his arrest.
Two other police officers - Joseph McIntyre, 36, and George Sambuca, 25 - were also charged in the case and released on $50,000 unsecured bond. Sambuca has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and distribution of anabolic steroids and McIntyre has not yet been arraigned.
All three have been suspended from the force for 30 days with intent to dismiss.
Abbott sues Teva to try and keep it's generic Testosterone gel off US pharmacy shelves.
An Abbott Laboratories unit accused generic drugmaker Teva Pharmaceuticals USA in a lawsuit of patent infringement with plans to market a copy of Abbott’s AndroGel testosterone preparation.
Abbott is asking a judge to block U.S. sales of the drug by Teva until the patent expires in 2021, according to an April 29 complaint filed in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware.
Without such an order, “plaintiffs will be substantially and irreparably harmed by Teva’s infringement,” lawyers for Abbott contend in court papers.
The Abbott Park, Illinois-based drugmaker said in a statement April 29 it received approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to sell the 1.62 percent prescription gel formulation, used to treat adult men with hypogonadism, or lack of testosterone.
The condition, affecting nearly 14 million U.S. men, can result in hair loss, erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual desire and depression, according to the statement.
The case is Abbott Products Inc. v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., 11-cv-384, U.S. District Court, District of Delaware (Wilmington).
Abbott is asking a judge to block U.S. sales of the drug by Teva until the patent expires in 2021, according to an April 29 complaint filed in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware.
Without such an order, “plaintiffs will be substantially and irreparably harmed by Teva’s infringement,” lawyers for Abbott contend in court papers.
The Abbott Park, Illinois-based drugmaker said in a statement April 29 it received approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to sell the 1.62 percent prescription gel formulation, used to treat adult men with hypogonadism, or lack of testosterone.
The condition, affecting nearly 14 million U.S. men, can result in hair loss, erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual desire and depression, according to the statement.
The case is Abbott Products Inc. v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., 11-cv-384, U.S. District Court, District of Delaware (Wilmington).
Pakistan Body Building Federation worried about steroid use.
Excessive use of drugs and steroids by owners of body building gyms in absence of expert advice has become a matter of concern for the Pakistan Body Building Federation.
“It’s a matter of serious concern because this trend is rising among gym owners, which are not checked by any government agency,” said the general secretary of South Asian Body Building Federation, Sohail Anwar.
Talking to this correspondent on the sidelines of a bodybuilding contest held at Sindh Museum, Mr Anwar raised some important questions about the bodybuilding which was getting popular day by day thanks to English and Indian movies.
Anwar who runs a chain of gyms in Karachi believed that bodybuilding was not restricted to a particular class now.
“Irrespective of the discipline, fitness is becoming very important for people. That’s why we are trying to change concept of bodybuilding and trying to introduce a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
“Look at the turnout of youths in this hall for this district-level event…this despite the sport of bodybuilding not getting any backing,” he argued.
On the culture of steroid and supplment use he said, “In fact, gyms are mostly run by uneducated people and they feel free to train boys the way they want. As a result, steroids and food supplements are being excessively used.”
He said that a check and balance system for use of supplements should be put in place under advice of medical experts.
“Educated people are not coming to own this field so quacks become trainers and start training bodybuilders,” Anwar said.
“I raised this issue before the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on sports after we returned from South Asian Games,” he said referring to four gold, two silver and one bronze medals bagged by Pakistani bodybuilders in that event.
“Our federation should be have authority to issue NoCs to people for opening gyms so that this sport is organised in a better way,” he said.
Anwar emphasised the need for a legislation to keep things in order and to check use of drugs and steroids.
“Only food supplements certified by laboratories should be allowed in gyms,” he said.
“It’s a matter of serious concern because this trend is rising among gym owners, which are not checked by any government agency,” said the general secretary of South Asian Body Building Federation, Sohail Anwar.
Talking to this correspondent on the sidelines of a bodybuilding contest held at Sindh Museum, Mr Anwar raised some important questions about the bodybuilding which was getting popular day by day thanks to English and Indian movies.
Anwar who runs a chain of gyms in Karachi believed that bodybuilding was not restricted to a particular class now.
“Irrespective of the discipline, fitness is becoming very important for people. That’s why we are trying to change concept of bodybuilding and trying to introduce a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
“Look at the turnout of youths in this hall for this district-level event…this despite the sport of bodybuilding not getting any backing,” he argued.
On the culture of steroid and supplment use he said, “In fact, gyms are mostly run by uneducated people and they feel free to train boys the way they want. As a result, steroids and food supplements are being excessively used.”
He said that a check and balance system for use of supplements should be put in place under advice of medical experts.
“Educated people are not coming to own this field so quacks become trainers and start training bodybuilders,” Anwar said.
“I raised this issue before the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on sports after we returned from South Asian Games,” he said referring to four gold, two silver and one bronze medals bagged by Pakistani bodybuilders in that event.
“Our federation should be have authority to issue NoCs to people for opening gyms so that this sport is organised in a better way,” he said.
Anwar emphasised the need for a legislation to keep things in order and to check use of drugs and steroids.
“Only food supplements certified by laboratories should be allowed in gyms,” he said.
Fourteen arrested including three cops in bust of domestic Sciroxx steroid supplier.
As federal prosecutors tell it, Philadelphia Police Detective Keith Gidelson had a lucrative side business running a network that illegally distributed anabolic steroids and human growth hormone.
In an indictment unsealed yesterday, Gidelson, 34, and 14 others - including Philadelphia police officers Joseph McIntyre, 36, and George Sambuca, 25 - are accused of conspiring to distribute anabolic steroids and HGH since September 2009.
The three cops - sporting tattoos and bulging biceps - were arrested early yesterday and taken to federal magistrate court in the afternoon.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey called it "another dark day" for the department. The arrests bring to 26 the number of city cops who have been charged with crimes since 2009.
Ramsey said the three have been suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss. Gidelson and Sambuca were recently out on disability. Ramsey said he would seek to recover their pay if they committed the alleged offenses while on disability.
Authorities said that Gidelson ran the distribution network out of his home on Waldemire Drive in the Far Northeast and that he obtained monthly shipments of the steroids and HGH from two suppliers identified only as "Karl" and "Roger" in Europe and China.
Karl allegedly shipped the steroids to Folsom, Calif., where co-defendant Robert James Walters repackaged the drugs and shipped them to Gidelson's house.
Roger shipped steroids to a rented mailbox Gidelson maintained at a UPS store, the indictment said.
Authorities said Gidelson and his wife, Kirsten, 36, who pleaded not guilty yesterday, stored and packaged the steroids and HGH at their home and later met with their 10 drug customers, including McIntyre and Sambuca, at their home and at area fitness clubs to distribute the steroids and HGH.
Gidelson also allegedly distributed steroids to customers throughout the United States who he met through online weightlifting chat rooms and websites.
Authorities said Gidelson and his wife, Walters and co-defendant Jay Giuliano, 41, routinely spoke on cellphones to discuss distribution activities and arrange meeting locations to distribute the steroids and HGH to customers. Giuliano pleaded not guilty yesterday.
The indictment charged that the defendants and their customers "consistently" spoke in code - often referring to the steroids as "stuff" - in order to thwart law enforcement.
For example, authorities said Gidelson sent a text message on March 4 to co-defendant Michael Barclay, 51, that read: "All new books r in brother."
Gidelson, a 14-year veteran, was assigned to the Special Victims Unit before his disability. McIntyre, another 14-year veteran, most recently worked in the 26th District. Sambuca joined the force in 2008 and worked in the 22nd District.
Gidelson is being detained pending a bail hearing on Monday. Sambuca, who pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and distribution charges, was released on $50,000 unsecured bond. McIntyre, who was not arraigned because he wants to hire his own attorney, was also released on $50,000 bond.
In an indictment unsealed yesterday, Gidelson, 34, and 14 others - including Philadelphia police officers Joseph McIntyre, 36, and George Sambuca, 25 - are accused of conspiring to distribute anabolic steroids and HGH since September 2009.
The three cops - sporting tattoos and bulging biceps - were arrested early yesterday and taken to federal magistrate court in the afternoon.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey called it "another dark day" for the department. The arrests bring to 26 the number of city cops who have been charged with crimes since 2009.
Ramsey said the three have been suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss. Gidelson and Sambuca were recently out on disability. Ramsey said he would seek to recover their pay if they committed the alleged offenses while on disability.
Authorities said that Gidelson ran the distribution network out of his home on Waldemire Drive in the Far Northeast and that he obtained monthly shipments of the steroids and HGH from two suppliers identified only as "Karl" and "Roger" in Europe and China.
Karl allegedly shipped the steroids to Folsom, Calif., where co-defendant Robert James Walters repackaged the drugs and shipped them to Gidelson's house.
Roger shipped steroids to a rented mailbox Gidelson maintained at a UPS store, the indictment said.
Authorities said Gidelson and his wife, Kirsten, 36, who pleaded not guilty yesterday, stored and packaged the steroids and HGH at their home and later met with their 10 drug customers, including McIntyre and Sambuca, at their home and at area fitness clubs to distribute the steroids and HGH.
Gidelson also allegedly distributed steroids to customers throughout the United States who he met through online weightlifting chat rooms and websites.
Authorities said Gidelson and his wife, Walters and co-defendant Jay Giuliano, 41, routinely spoke on cellphones to discuss distribution activities and arrange meeting locations to distribute the steroids and HGH to customers. Giuliano pleaded not guilty yesterday.
The indictment charged that the defendants and their customers "consistently" spoke in code - often referring to the steroids as "stuff" - in order to thwart law enforcement.
For example, authorities said Gidelson sent a text message on March 4 to co-defendant Michael Barclay, 51, that read: "All new books r in brother."
Gidelson, a 14-year veteran, was assigned to the Special Victims Unit before his disability. McIntyre, another 14-year veteran, most recently worked in the 26th District. Sambuca joined the force in 2008 and worked in the 22nd District.
Gidelson is being detained pending a bail hearing on Monday. Sambuca, who pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and distribution charges, was released on $50,000 unsecured bond. McIntyre, who was not arraigned because he wants to hire his own attorney, was also released on $50,000 bond.
New research claims Testosterone therapy may be safe for men with prostate cancer.
Doctors have long held that men with prostate cancer should not be given testosterone because the hormone might fuel tumor growth. But a small study adds to evidence that the fear may be overblown, at least in patients without evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease.
Researchers studied 13 men with scores of 6 or 7 on the 10-point Gleason scale, indicating mildly to moderately aggressive prostate cancer. They all initially chose watchful waiting rather than treatment for their cancers. All the men had low testosterone.
The men received testosterone therapy for an average of two and a half years, and had periodic prostate biopsies. None of their cancers progressed or spread to other organs. One subject whose score had increased to 7 from 6 had his prostate removed, but the final pathological exam found no aggressive disease.
The authors acknowledge that the study, published in the April issue The Journal of Urology, was small and retrospective. Still, it is the first to use biopsies to monitor the effects of testosterone in men with untreated, localized prostate cancer.
The lead author, Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, an associate clinical professor of surgery at Harvard, said that the findings of this and other recent studies suggest that the risks of testosterone therapy may have been exaggerated.
Researchers studied 13 men with scores of 6 or 7 on the 10-point Gleason scale, indicating mildly to moderately aggressive prostate cancer. They all initially chose watchful waiting rather than treatment for their cancers. All the men had low testosterone.
The men received testosterone therapy for an average of two and a half years, and had periodic prostate biopsies. None of their cancers progressed or spread to other organs. One subject whose score had increased to 7 from 6 had his prostate removed, but the final pathological exam found no aggressive disease.
The authors acknowledge that the study, published in the April issue The Journal of Urology, was small and retrospective. Still, it is the first to use biopsies to monitor the effects of testosterone in men with untreated, localized prostate cancer.
The lead author, Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, an associate clinical professor of surgery at Harvard, said that the findings of this and other recent studies suggest that the risks of testosterone therapy may have been exaggerated.
Alleged Danbury area steroids gang ring leader released from custody.
A Bethel man who authorities said spearheaded a large-scale drug ring selling steroids and marijuana in the area has been released from federal custody.
According to court documents, Mark Mansa, 46, who was arrested on conspiracy charges in late February, was released on $750,000 bond during a hearing this week in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport.
The bond was secured, according to the document, by properties owned by his mother and his girlfriend. Mansa was released on home confinement and into his mother's custody at her home.
Conditions of Mansa's release include electronic monitoring and counseling as deemed appropriate by the probation department, document show. He is also barred from leaving the state and was required to surrender his passport.
The hearing this week was Mansa's third attempt to be released from federal custody while the case against him is pending.
According to court documents, Mark Mansa, 46, who was arrested on conspiracy charges in late February, was released on $750,000 bond during a hearing this week in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport.
The bond was secured, according to the document, by properties owned by his mother and his girlfriend. Mansa was released on home confinement and into his mother's custody at her home.
Conditions of Mansa's release include electronic monitoring and counseling as deemed appropriate by the probation department, document show. He is also barred from leaving the state and was required to surrender his passport.
The hearing this week was Mansa's third attempt to be released from federal custody while the case against him is pending.
Canadian bodybuilder and Project Newton target out on bail.
One of the key figures in a major Hamilton methamphetamine and anabolic steroid bust has been released on $100,000 bail.
Reiner Ruska, 34, was released Friday by Justice of the Peace Barbara Waugh but placed on strict conditions. The powerfully built well-known bodybuilder, who owns and operates Herc’s Nutrition store on Upper James as well as Fitness Nutrition in Grimsby, faces 18 charges in connection with the police investigation.
Ruska was ordered to reside at the Hildegard Drive home of his mother Jeselina, a registered nurse, and cannot leave the home unless in the presence of his mother or her friend Joann Swanson.
Ruska was ordered not to possess drugs or alcohol, have no contact with the other co-accused except for his brother, not to possess a cell phone or pager, and to surrender his passport to Hamilton police.
He was ordered to return to court June 8.
Ruska, a champion bodybuilder, was the main target of Project Newton, an 18-month multi-police-agency investigation that concluded this week with raids on homes and businesses in nine different municipalities and the arrest of 21 people.
Police found 26 kilograms of methamphetamine, known as crystal meth, worth $3 million on the streets, along with $1 million worth of anabolic steroids. They also seized $140,000 in cash, a number of luxury cars and the house where Ruska was living on Craigroyston Road in east Hamilton. The home belongs to his fiancée Carla Rao, who is among the 21 people charged with drug related offences in connection to the raids.
Police said Project Newton broke up a loose-knit group of people in the bodybuilding community who had been peddling steroids, crystal meth and other drugs.
A Hamilton police officer was also charged as a result of the investigation. Constable Andrew Pauls was charged with breach of trust on Thursday for allegedly leaking information to Ruska obtained from confidential police computer files. In an unrelated investigation, Pauls is charged with stealing powerful painkillers from a police evidence locker.
Ruska, who worn a dark long-sleeved shirt and sported short-cropped dark hair, was represented by Hamilton criminal lawyer Paola Konge. Bail was opposed by federal prosecutor Bradley Reitz.
A publication ban was placed on the evidence heard in the proceedings.
Reitz said outside of court that all but three of the 21 charged in Project Newton have received bail. Two others, Justin Bernard and Trevor Armstrong, are slated to appear Monday. The Crown plans to oppose bail for Bernard. A third, Martin Sukan, of Burlington will appear April 27.
The majority of the accused are schedule to make their next court appearance June 8.
Reitz said the crown also opposed bail for accused Hung Chuang Ing of Mississauga. He was released on $100,000 bail Thursday.
At Ruska’s Fitness Nutrition store in Grimsby, staff said they were shocked over the allegations against their boss.
“This is having a impact on our business,” said manager Adam Kelly. “People are staring at the store like it’s a tourist attraction.”
Kelly said the case paints the whole bodybuilding community in a bad light. “This is a legitimate business but now I’m wondering if this place is going to shut down and am I out of a job.”
Reiner Ruska, 34, was released Friday by Justice of the Peace Barbara Waugh but placed on strict conditions. The powerfully built well-known bodybuilder, who owns and operates Herc’s Nutrition store on Upper James as well as Fitness Nutrition in Grimsby, faces 18 charges in connection with the police investigation.
Ruska was ordered to reside at the Hildegard Drive home of his mother Jeselina, a registered nurse, and cannot leave the home unless in the presence of his mother or her friend Joann Swanson.
Ruska was ordered not to possess drugs or alcohol, have no contact with the other co-accused except for his brother, not to possess a cell phone or pager, and to surrender his passport to Hamilton police.
He was ordered to return to court June 8.
Ruska, a champion bodybuilder, was the main target of Project Newton, an 18-month multi-police-agency investigation that concluded this week with raids on homes and businesses in nine different municipalities and the arrest of 21 people.
Police found 26 kilograms of methamphetamine, known as crystal meth, worth $3 million on the streets, along with $1 million worth of anabolic steroids. They also seized $140,000 in cash, a number of luxury cars and the house where Ruska was living on Craigroyston Road in east Hamilton. The home belongs to his fiancée Carla Rao, who is among the 21 people charged with drug related offences in connection to the raids.
Police said Project Newton broke up a loose-knit group of people in the bodybuilding community who had been peddling steroids, crystal meth and other drugs.
A Hamilton police officer was also charged as a result of the investigation. Constable Andrew Pauls was charged with breach of trust on Thursday for allegedly leaking information to Ruska obtained from confidential police computer files. In an unrelated investigation, Pauls is charged with stealing powerful painkillers from a police evidence locker.
Ruska, who worn a dark long-sleeved shirt and sported short-cropped dark hair, was represented by Hamilton criminal lawyer Paola Konge. Bail was opposed by federal prosecutor Bradley Reitz.
A publication ban was placed on the evidence heard in the proceedings.
Reitz said outside of court that all but three of the 21 charged in Project Newton have received bail. Two others, Justin Bernard and Trevor Armstrong, are slated to appear Monday. The Crown plans to oppose bail for Bernard. A third, Martin Sukan, of Burlington will appear April 27.
The majority of the accused are schedule to make their next court appearance June 8.
Reitz said the crown also opposed bail for accused Hung Chuang Ing of Mississauga. He was released on $100,000 bail Thursday.
At Ruska’s Fitness Nutrition store in Grimsby, staff said they were shocked over the allegations against their boss.
“This is having a impact on our business,” said manager Adam Kelly. “People are staring at the store like it’s a tourist attraction.”
Kelly said the case paints the whole bodybuilding community in a bad light. “This is a legitimate business but now I’m wondering if this place is going to shut down and am I out of a job.”
West Shore health club owner to be sentenced after his Operation Roid Runner arrest.
When Eric Garonzik goes before a Dauphin County judge to be sentenced in a steroids possession case Monday, he’ll be eyeing not at an end, but a new beginning, his lawyer said.
The ex-cop, bodybuilder and former West Shore health club owner expects to be sentenced to a stint in county prison, followed by probation, defense attorney Bryan S. Walk said.
Then, Walk said, Garonzik plans to try to rebuild his career in the physical fitness field.
"He has been in that field all of his life," Walk said Friday. "He’s going to stay involved somewhere in the fitness industry. It’s what he knows."
Garonzik, 40, of Lower Allen Twp., is scheduled to appear before Judge John F. Cherry because late last month he pleaded guilty to multiple charges of dealing illegally in steroids.
It is not his first conviction relating to performance-enhancing drugs.
Garonzik, a former part-time police officer in Tower City, Schuylkill County, served a prison term in Lehigh County in 2003 after pleading guilty to steroid possession and conspiracy.
The latest steroid-related charges stem from his November 2009 arrest in a bust the state attorney general’s office dubbed "Operation Roid Runner."
Ten people, four of them from the midstate and the rest from Lehigh County, were charged after a two-year investigation. Among those arrested was Garonzik’s ex-wife, Stacy, 40, of Shiremanstown, another former body-builder.
Authorities claimed the Garonziks, who ran the now-closed Kinetics gym in Lemoyne, illegally sold solid and liquid steroids obtained from China, Panama and Mexico.
Stacy Garonzik also is accused of injecting clients with steroids. Her case is still pending in Dauphin County Court.
Walk said Eric Garonzik was prepared to fight the allegations against him and to challenge the credibility of prosecution witnesses, Walk said, but also had to weigh the risk of facing a state prison had he been convicted.
He said Eric Garonzik decided a plea agreement struck with the attorney general’s office was the better option.
Walk declined to elaborate on the terms of that agreement prior to sentencing. He said it is expected that Eric Garonzik, who has been free on bail, will be allowed to serve his time in the prison work-release program, followed by several years of probation.
"Eric decided to plead because he wanted to get [the criminal case] over with," Walk said. "He’s trying to get his life back in order."
While Eric Garonzik does admit to using steroids years ago for body-building, he is clean now and wasn’t using the substances when he and his ex-wife were arrested 17 months ago, Walk said.
"They didn’t catch Eric or Stacy with even one ounce of steroids," he said. "Anything Eric did with steroids is a thing of the past."
In addition to his 2003 steroid conviction, Eric Garonzik served jail terms in Cumberland County in 2004 and 2006 for a disorderly conduct case and an assault incident, respectively.
Court records show two criminal cases unrelated to the steroid charges are still pending against Eric Garonzik in Cumberland and Dauphin counties.
The Cumberland case involves simple assault and harassment charges filed last month by West Shore Regional Police. The other case deals with a traffic violation and a fleeing police charge filed in December by Harrisburg police.
The other three local men charged in Operation Roid Runner already have pleaded guilty and been sentenced by Dauphin County judges, according to court records.
Joel France, 43, of Harrisburg, was sentenced to 36 months probation in May and Christopher Levan, 37, of New Cumberland received a 24-month probation term in August.
In January, Robert Greynolds, 30, of Middletown, was sentenced to 24 months of intermediate punishment which started with one month in the county prison’s work-release center, followed by 6 months of house arrest.
The ex-cop, bodybuilder and former West Shore health club owner expects to be sentenced to a stint in county prison, followed by probation, defense attorney Bryan S. Walk said.
Then, Walk said, Garonzik plans to try to rebuild his career in the physical fitness field.
"He has been in that field all of his life," Walk said Friday. "He’s going to stay involved somewhere in the fitness industry. It’s what he knows."
Garonzik, 40, of Lower Allen Twp., is scheduled to appear before Judge John F. Cherry because late last month he pleaded guilty to multiple charges of dealing illegally in steroids.
It is not his first conviction relating to performance-enhancing drugs.
Garonzik, a former part-time police officer in Tower City, Schuylkill County, served a prison term in Lehigh County in 2003 after pleading guilty to steroid possession and conspiracy.
The latest steroid-related charges stem from his November 2009 arrest in a bust the state attorney general’s office dubbed "Operation Roid Runner."
Ten people, four of them from the midstate and the rest from Lehigh County, were charged after a two-year investigation. Among those arrested was Garonzik’s ex-wife, Stacy, 40, of Shiremanstown, another former body-builder.
Authorities claimed the Garonziks, who ran the now-closed Kinetics gym in Lemoyne, illegally sold solid and liquid steroids obtained from China, Panama and Mexico.
Stacy Garonzik also is accused of injecting clients with steroids. Her case is still pending in Dauphin County Court.
Walk said Eric Garonzik was prepared to fight the allegations against him and to challenge the credibility of prosecution witnesses, Walk said, but also had to weigh the risk of facing a state prison had he been convicted.
He said Eric Garonzik decided a plea agreement struck with the attorney general’s office was the better option.
Walk declined to elaborate on the terms of that agreement prior to sentencing. He said it is expected that Eric Garonzik, who has been free on bail, will be allowed to serve his time in the prison work-release program, followed by several years of probation.
"Eric decided to plead because he wanted to get [the criminal case] over with," Walk said. "He’s trying to get his life back in order."
While Eric Garonzik does admit to using steroids years ago for body-building, he is clean now and wasn’t using the substances when he and his ex-wife were arrested 17 months ago, Walk said.
"They didn’t catch Eric or Stacy with even one ounce of steroids," he said. "Anything Eric did with steroids is a thing of the past."
In addition to his 2003 steroid conviction, Eric Garonzik served jail terms in Cumberland County in 2004 and 2006 for a disorderly conduct case and an assault incident, respectively.
Court records show two criminal cases unrelated to the steroid charges are still pending against Eric Garonzik in Cumberland and Dauphin counties.
The Cumberland case involves simple assault and harassment charges filed last month by West Shore Regional Police. The other case deals with a traffic violation and a fleeing police charge filed in December by Harrisburg police.
The other three local men charged in Operation Roid Runner already have pleaded guilty and been sentenced by Dauphin County judges, according to court records.
Joel France, 43, of Harrisburg, was sentenced to 36 months probation in May and Christopher Levan, 37, of New Cumberland received a 24-month probation term in August.
In January, Robert Greynolds, 30, of Middletown, was sentenced to 24 months of intermediate punishment which started with one month in the county prison’s work-release center, followed by 6 months of house arrest.
Gyms in Abu Dhabi raided for steroids.
The Municipality of Abu Dhabi recently confiscated a large quantity of steroids and other banned drugs found during random inspections made at health clubs and fitness centres in the capital, a statement sent by the municipality announced yesterday.
The seized drugs, which included hormone drugs and unlicensed steroids, have been sent to the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) to assess the level of risk they pose to public health and safety, the statement said.
Steroids are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular and liver disease. This risk is compounded because these drugs are often injected with the help of unsterilised syringes, which can subsequently cause HIV, hepatitis C and bacterial infections in the user.
Since the organisations from which the banned items were seized were only licensed as fitness centres, the municipal statement said that the centres were also at fault of practising unlicensed activities within their premises.
Khalifa Al Rumaithi, director of public health at the municipality, urged all residents and especially youngsters to abstain from using steroids and other drugs without an accompanying medical prescription.
"The municipality will continue to raise awareness about the risk of using such items, as well as take legal action against any violators. We therefore urge the public to report any fitness centres or suppliers of steroids that they come across," Al Rumaithi said.
North Naples woman re-arrested on steroid charges.
A North Naples woman was arrested and charged with two counts of steroid possession on Tuesday, roughly three months after deputies raided the home she shared with her fitness trainer husband.
Veronica Daniela Troemner, 29, of 5440 Teak Wood Drive, was arrested by Collier deputies in the 3000 block of U.S. 41 E. She was charged with two counts of possession of steroids, a felony. Following Troemner’s January arrest, the steroid charges were pending tests by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
In January, Troemner was arrested along with her husband, Nicholas Munson Troemner, 28, a trainer at Lifestyle Family Fitness Center. Deputies reported seizing $20,000 worth of suspected steroids from their home, as well as marijuana and firearms.
At the time, Nicholas Troemner was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and failure to register as a convicted felon, among other charges. After tests were completed on the suspected steroids earlier this month, Nicholas Troemner was re-arrested and charged with possession of anabolic steroids with intent to sell and with eight counts of possession of anabolic steroids.
Veronica Troemner initially faced charges of possession of marijuana over 20 grams and possession of narcotic paraphernalia. A search of the couple’s residence turned up more than 200 vials of suspected anabolic steroids. The report of Veronica Troemner’s arrest on Tuesday noted that two of those vials were found in a bedroom dresser, under feminine undergarments — accounting for the two counts of possession against her.
Veronica Daniela Troemner, 29, of 5440 Teak Wood Drive, was arrested by Collier deputies in the 3000 block of U.S. 41 E. She was charged with two counts of possession of steroids, a felony. Following Troemner’s January arrest, the steroid charges were pending tests by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
In January, Troemner was arrested along with her husband, Nicholas Munson Troemner, 28, a trainer at Lifestyle Family Fitness Center. Deputies reported seizing $20,000 worth of suspected steroids from their home, as well as marijuana and firearms.
At the time, Nicholas Troemner was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and failure to register as a convicted felon, among other charges. After tests were completed on the suspected steroids earlier this month, Nicholas Troemner was re-arrested and charged with possession of anabolic steroids with intent to sell and with eight counts of possession of anabolic steroids.
Veronica Troemner initially faced charges of possession of marijuana over 20 grams and possession of narcotic paraphernalia. A search of the couple’s residence turned up more than 200 vials of suspected anabolic steroids. The report of Veronica Troemner’s arrest on Tuesday noted that two of those vials were found in a bedroom dresser, under feminine undergarments — accounting for the two counts of possession against her.
Hulk Hogan mentions steroids in his new book "My life outside the ring".
I loved little details, like this description of living with Beefcake, and working together in a Tampa bar. "After working out and running the gym all day, Brutus and I had a pretty standard routine. We'd open up the bar and get everything settled, and then we'd come back and watch David Letterman's Late Night show. Man, we laughed our asses off. While we watched, we'd drink these power shakes. I'd take the most fattening protein there was, called Metabol, and dump it in a blender with half a cube of vanilla Haagen-Dazs ice cream, a banana, and two huge wads of peanut butter. Probably the most fattening shit you can eat. We'd drink two blenders of that crap, watch Letterman, then go back to the bar and stay until closing at 4:00 a.m."
And in this autobiography, he comes clean about steroid use, and it's obvious that a surprising amount of introspection went into the text.
"It's also weird to think about the fact that I was doing all of this -- and the steroids -- while telling all of my young fans week after week, 'Train, say your prayers, and take your vitamins.' That line was like my own Bob Barker catchphrase. I threw that sentiment out into the world day after day. Not that there's anything wrong with that message. It's a great message. It was just a little bit hypocritical that my activities behind the scenes didn't match the role-model persona I was putting out there," Hogan writes. "I'm glad I did it, though. Putting that kind of positive message out there to millions of kids is one of the least self-centered things I did in all those years. I put it right up there with visiting kids for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other charity work I did. Throwing that kind of positive vibe out into the universe can only bring positive things in return."
And in this autobiography, he comes clean about steroid use, and it's obvious that a surprising amount of introspection went into the text.
"It's also weird to think about the fact that I was doing all of this -- and the steroids -- while telling all of my young fans week after week, 'Train, say your prayers, and take your vitamins.' That line was like my own Bob Barker catchphrase. I threw that sentiment out into the world day after day. Not that there's anything wrong with that message. It's a great message. It was just a little bit hypocritical that my activities behind the scenes didn't match the role-model persona I was putting out there," Hogan writes. "I'm glad I did it, though. Putting that kind of positive message out there to millions of kids is one of the least self-centered things I did in all those years. I put it right up there with visiting kids for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other charity work I did. Throwing that kind of positive vibe out into the universe can only bring positive things in return."
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