Efeitos de diferentes dietas experimentais sobre o sistema cardiovascular de ratos wistar submetidos à estimulação androgênica prolongada

Abstract

Introducion: Recent research shows that the abuse of steroids is associated with myocardial infarction, thrombosis, erectile dysfunction, vascular stenosis and changes in vascular and ventricular morphology. In contrast, it has been shown that functional foods such as flaxseed, avocado oil and green tea, has a great value in prevent and attenuate cardiovascular diseases. Their compounds may improve the lipid profile, decrease inflammation, act on cell growth and decreasing the malefic effects of oxidative stress. Considering the knowledge about the actions of testosterone on the cardiovascular and male reproductive systems, and the beneficial potential of nutraceutical foods, we hypothesized that the administration of green tea and flaxseed or avocado oil, to individuals under long-term androgenic stimulation, attenuates cardiovascular damage. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the interference of experimental diets, with flax or avocado oil and green tea, on the cardiovascular effects caused by supraphysiological doses of testosterone. Methods: To analyse the effects on the cardiovascular system was performed haematological, biochemical and sorological tests, besides morphological and morphometric tests in heart, aorta and penile vasculature, using 42 male 42-day-old Wistar rats. Implants containing testosterone propionate were applied surgically and replaced every four weeks. These animals were made to intake control feed or flax-based feed or avocado oil-based feed and the green tea or water for hydratation. After the 20 weeks, all animals were anesthetized and their blood samples collected to access the biochemical and hematological profiles and the serologic levels of inflammatory cytokines. After, the animals received a lethal dose of sodium thiopental, and their penis, aorta and heart were dissected, fixed in formalin and processed for paraffin. For the morphometrical, stereological and morphological analysis, histological stainings were performed. Results: Individuals of green tea plus flaxseed induced group had increased serum testosterone levels, close to induced group. All green tea groups, presented a reduction in serum total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL, without changes in HDL fraction. Induced group showed increased hematocrit, erythrocytosis and leukocytosis (80% lymphocytes). Serum albumin, total proteins and hepatic transaminases were increased in induced group. In this study, the green tea consumption improved all these parameters. Plasmatic levels of inflammatory cytokines were increased in induced group. Tea consumption, associated or not with flaxseed and avocado oil diets, improved these results. Green tea groups also shown better morphometrical and morphological parameters than induced group. Conclusion: Based on the data observed, it is possible to reach the conclusion that: supraphysiological doses of testosterone are associated with increased cardiovascular diseases risk factors; flax-based diet seems increase androgen levels, despite it can improve biochemical and morphometrical profiles; avocado oil has a potential benefic effect, reducing lipids, however it was less effective in reducing VLDL and in improving structural changes. Green tea consumption promotes potential benefits and reduces cardiovascular damage and inflammation