Effects Of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Research Articles

Chronic high-dose testosterone disrupts social cognition and enhances social dominance in male long-Evans rats

While increased aggression is the most consistent behavioral effect of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse, its cause remains unclear. AAS may promote aggression by disrupting social behaviors which maintain dominance hierarchies. To model AAS abuse, we treated male rats with chronic high-dose testosterone and tested social recognition, social learning, and competitive and aggressive dominance. Rats received daily injections s.c. of testosterone (7.5 mg/kg) or vehicle (n = 8/group). We tested social recognition by measuring investigation of a novel or familiar stimulus animal, social learning with the social transmission of food preference (STFP) test, aggressive dominance with the tube test, and competitive dominance with a food competition task. For social recognition, testosterone-treated rats did not prefer the novel stimulus rat (72.8 ± 9.3 s) over the familiar rat (68.8 ± 8.0 s, N.S.) rat. In the STFP test, testosterone-treated rats did not show a significant preference for the demonstrated flavor (59.9 ± 9.4 %, N.S.) compared with controls (70.1 ± 5.4 %, p < 0.05). In the tube test, testosterone did not increase the number of rounds won. However, when the testosterone-treated rat won, they were more likely to be lighter than their vehicle-treated opponent, χ2(1,N = 63) = 6.56, p < 0.05, Φ2 = 0.32. In the food competition task, testosterone-treated subjects won more often (48 rounds) than their vehicle-treated partners (15 rounds; p < 0.05). These results suggest that AAS disrupt recognizing and learning from the social hierarchy and increase the likelihood of challenging it. Collectively, these behavioral changes may contribute to AAS-induced aggression.

The effect of anabolic androgenic steroids on heart rate recovery index and electrocardiographic parameters in male bodybuilders

BackgroundThe control of the cardiovascular system depends on the autonomic nerve system. Chronic anabolic andorogenic steroids (AAS) use causes sympathovagal imbalance and increases sympathetic nerve activity. ObjectiveThe reduction in heart rate from the peak exercise rate following the end of the exercise stress test is known as the heart rate recovery index (HRRI). Several methods have been utilized to assess myocardial repolarization, such as QT interval (QT), corrected QT interval (QTc), and T-wave peak-to-end interval (Tp-e interval). Based on a growing number of data a higher Tp-e/QT ratio is linked to malignant ventricular arrhythmias, and an increased Tp-e interval may correlate with the transmural dispersion of repolarization. Our hypothesis is that the use of chronic AAS was decrease HRRI during maximal exercise and increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. MethodsThis study included 44 male bodybuilders, with an average age of 29.7 ± 8.14 years, divided into AAS abuse [AAS users (n = 21) and AAS nonuser (n = 23)]. ResultsThe first (p = 0.001) and second minute (p = 0.001) HRRI of the subjects with AAS users were significantly lower than those of the control group. Additionally, HRRI after the third (p = 0.004) and fifth minutes (p = 0.007) of the recovery period were significantly lower in AAS group compared with the control group. Who used AAS had significantly higher QT, QTc, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc values than non-users (all p = 0.001). ConclusionsChronic AAS use has been shown to cause sympathetic dominance, which may be a pro arrhythmic state.

Assessing the Need for Anti-Doping Education: A Study among Athletes

The present study aims to assess the level of awareness and knowledge among athletes regarding anti-doping education. Population of the study was 102 Nepalese athletes who participated in different South Asian Games held until 2019. The participants of this study were the athletes selected from sports disciplines that were entertained in the 13th South Asian Federation Games held in Kathmandu/Pokhara/ Janakpur and earlier. This study employed non-probability sampling method to select the athletes who were interviewed on their knowledge and education on doping. This study used a mixed-methods research design which employed quantitative data analysis techniques to identify patterns and trends in athletes' responses and qualitative to explore athletes' experiences, attitudes, and perceptions to gain qualitative insights into the need for anti-doping education. Moreover, this study employed interview as a tool of data collection and descriptive method used to analyse data. It used statistical graphic techniques to present information about data such as pie charts, bar-diagrams and simple percentage to analyze the data. It is revealed that one third of the athletes are found to ignore the effect of coffee and taking drug and the cough syrup could cause them into trouble of doping. Also, higher number of athletes did have not knowledge on side effects of anabolic androgenic steroids. Surprisingly, one fourth of athletes used to take diuretics for the reduction of the body weight before competition. The findings suggest that the level of awareness and knowledge regarding anti-doping is limited in Nepalese athletes. Based on the results of the study, the athletes should be provided anti-doping education properly in order to prevent trouble of doping in the athletes.

Historical Development of Anti-Doping Agency

Doping is a serious problem in all levels of athletics, but especially at the amateur level. The detection of doping has received a lot of attention in the scientific literature, but the negative consequences of doping agents on athletes' health have received much less attention. The beneficial effects of androgenic anabolic steroids on muscular growth and strength are well-documented. Although HGH can boost muscle size, the majority of that gain is water weight rather than actual muscle fibres. Muscle strength, power, and aerobic capacity are not significantly altered by growth hormone in recreational athletes, but anaerobic exercise capacity is increased. On the other hand, beta-adrenergic agonists given intravenously may improve sprinting ability, and beta-adrenergic antagonists decrease muscle tremor. It was discovered in 1968 that Swedish athlete Hens-gunnar Liljenwall had been using alcohol as a form of performance-enhancing doping. Alcohol use, for instance, is prohibited in some activities and sports but not in others, such as when compared to motor racing, where such a prohibition does not exist. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is responsible for monitoring doping in all different kinds of competitive sports. Steroids, anabolic agents, stimulants, and gene doping are just a few examples of the kinds of things that might get you in trouble with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

An observational human study investigating the effect of anabolic androgenic steroid use on the transcriptome of skeletal muscle and whole blood using RNA-Seq

BackgroundThe effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are largely illustrated through Androgen Receptor induced gene transcription, yet RNA-Seq has yet to be conducted on human whole blood and skeletal muscle. Investigating the transcriptional signature of AAS in blood may aid AAS detection and in muscle further understanding of AAS induced hypertrophy.MethodsMales aged 20–42 were recruited and sampled once: sedentary controls (C), resistance trained lifters (RT) and resistance trained current AAS users (RT-AS) who ceased exposure ≤ 2 or ≥ 10 weeks prior to sampling. RT-AS were sampled twice as Returning Participants (RP) if AAS usage ceased for ≥ 18 weeks. RNA was extracted from whole blood and trapezius muscle samples. RNA libraries were sequenced twice, for validation purposes, on the DNBSEQ-G400RS with either standard or CoolMPS PE100 reagents following MGI protocols. Genes were considered differentially expressed with FDR < 0.05 and a 1.2- fold change.ResultsCross-comparison of both standard reagent whole blood (N = 55: C = 7, RT = 20, RT-AS ≤ 2 = 14, RT-AS ≥ 10 = 10, RP = 4; N = 46: C = 6, RT = 17, RT-AS ≤ 2 = 12, RT-AS ≥ 10 = 8, RP = 3) sequencing datasets, showed that no genes or gene sets/pathways were differentially expressed between time points for RP or between group comparisons of RT-AS ≤ 2 vs. C, RT, or RT-AS ≥ 10. Cross-comparison of both muscle (N = 51, C = 5, RT = 17, RT-AS ≤ 2 = 15, RT-AS ≥ 10 = 11, RP = 3) sequencing (one standard & one CoolMPS reagent) datasets, showed one gene, CHRDL1, which has atrophying potential, was upregulated in RP visit two. In both muscle sequencing datasets, nine differentially expressed genes, overlapped with RT-AS ≤ 2 vs. RT and RT-AS ≤ 2 vs. C, but were not differentially expressed with RT vs. C, possibly suggesting they are from acute doping alone. No genes seemed to be differentially expressed in muscle after the long-term cessation of AAS, whereas a previous study found long term proteomic changes.ConclusionA whole blood transcriptional signature of AAS doping was not identified. However, RNA-Seq of muscle has identified numerous differentially expressed genes with known impacts on hypertrophic processes that may further our understanding on AAS induced hypertrophy. Differences in training regimens in participant groupings may have influenced results. Future studies should focus on longitudinal sampling pre, during and post-AAS exposure to better control for confounding variables.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids: Considerations for forensic psychiatry, sports psychiatry, and the law

Anabolic-androgenic steroids: Considerations for forensic psychiatry, sports psychiatry, and the law

The Potential Toxic Effect of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on the Endocrinal System of Male Athletes

The Potential Toxic Effect of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on the Endocrinal System of Male Athletes

The Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids on Gene Expression in Skeletal Muscle: A Systematic Review

The Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids on Gene Expression in Skeletal Muscle: A Systematic Review

Effect of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids on Semen Parameters and Serum Sex Hormonal Levels in Egyptian Male Bodybuilders

Abstract Background First identified in 1935, testosterone is the principal hormone controlling the development of androgenic-masculinizing effects in the male body, along with its anabolic properties that increase lean muscle mass. Objectives We aim at studying the influence of anabolic androgenic steroids on the semen parameters and serum sex hormonal levels in Egyptian male bodybuilders. Patients and Methods The type of study was cross sectional study. Study setting was conducted in Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals. The study included 20 male body builders using AAS as the study group and 20 body builders who exercise only and not using AAS. 20 subjects who exercise only without androgenic anabolic steroids use. Results In the present study, there were statistical significant differences between ASS group and control group as regard semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm agglutination and rounded cells. Bodybuilders in ASS group had significantly lower semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count; and higher liquefaction, sperm agglutination, and rounded cells. Conclusion AAS has a negative impact on semen quality and sex hormone levels among male bodybuilders. In the present study, AAS users exhibited significantly lower plasma testosterone levels and increase FSH and decrease LH hormone higher frequencies of abnormal semen parameters than healthy control participants. These results should provoke concern, particularly because the use of anabolic steroids by exercising men for muscle building is based on self-designed personal schemes or is suggested by a partner, by field magazines, or by trainers at the gyms. Further, large-scale, studies are still needed to confirm our findings.

The effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids on DNA damage in bodybuilders’ blood lymphocytes

Background Nowadays bodybuilders use anabolic steroids frequently. Abuse of these substances can cause significant side effects; therefore, we aim to investigate the effect of anabolic steroids on DNA damage in bodybuilders’ blood lymphocytes. Methods and materials This case-control study was performed on 36 male bodybuilders in Gonabad. The case group included bodybuilders with a history of taking anabolic-androgenic steroids (n = 18), and the control group composed of bodybuilders who did not use anabolic-androgenic steroids (n = 18). Intravenous blood samples were obtained and then the lymphocytes, cells and electrophoresis of blood were extracted. Afterward, the coloured slides and DNA damage were measured using a fluorescent microscope and CometScore software. The DNA damage was compared using t-tests . Results Results showed that there was no significant difference between age, marital status, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the case and control group. However, parameters related to the DNA damage including tail length, percent tail DNA, and tail moment were significantly higher in the case group. Conclusion The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids increases DNA damage in the bodybuilders’ blood lymphocytes.

Histological Effect of Androgenic Anabolic Steroids on Liver

Abstract: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) they are the synthetic type of the natural male sex hormone(testosterone), they are widespread used amongst athletes to enhance performance. Abuse of AAS is commonamongst players and it is usually accompanied by a many medically based complications. It was reportedthat hepatic problems include cholestasis, elevation of liver enzymes e.g. aminotransferases, as well as,benign hepatic adenomas, jaundice and to less extent of hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with theiruse.A total of (12) adult New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) male, aged one year was selected. 2control animals and 10 were treated with injections intramuscularly of the AAS, nandrolone decanoate(15 mg/kg) three times a week for 12 weeks. At the end of experiment the animals were sacrificed and theliver was dissected out and fixed using 10% buffered formalin-saline to prepare blocks for staining withhaematoxylin and eosin for histological examination using the light microscope.The liver of treated animals reveals that there are a mild to severe vascular congestion. There is swelling ofhepatocytes, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Perivascular fibrosis, cellular necrosis was observed in otherslides with sinusoidal congestions and extrabiliary bile pigments deposits.The benefit of AAS comes with unwanted side effects. The total volume of the hepatocytes and sinusoidswere increased in the studied animals. The total number of hepatocytes nuclei in experimental group alsoincreased. The damage of the liver cells or at least increased permeability of the hepatocellular membranewhich is noticed in the present work could explain the increment of plasma levels of liver enzymeswhich was studied by other researchers, as they notice an elevation liver enzymes activity such as alanineaminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)..Patients and physicians must kept in mind that the sequelae of AAS abuse are life threatening. So peopleshould be aware about the complications of AAS use and a periodic examination of liver function and checkout should be done to those treated groups.

High-dose testosterone supplementation disturbs liver pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and function in adolescent male Wistar rats undergoing moderate-intensity endurance training.

In some countries, anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse is rampant among adolescent boys and young men, including some of those seeking physical fitness and/or pleasing appearance through various exercise types. This tactic carries the risk of severe harmful health effects, including liver injury. Most anabolic-androgenic steroid stacking protocols employed are based on the use of the ‘prototypic’ anabolic-androgenic steroid testosterone and/or its esters. There is a vast body of data on the effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids’ abuse combined with physical exercise training on the liver antioxidant barrier in adult subjects, whereas those concerning adolescents are scant. This study aimed to assess, in adolescent male Wistar rats undergoing a 6-week moderate-intensity endurance training (treadmill running), the influence of concurrent weekly supplementation with intramuscular testosterone enanthate (TE, 8 or 80 mg/kg body weight/week) on selected indices of liver status and oxidative stress. The rats were sacrificed, and their livers and blood samples were harvested two days after the last training session. High-dose TE treatment significantly reduced body and liver weight gains. Neither low-dose nor high-dose TE treatment affected liver α-tocopherol or γ-tocopherol content, whereas low-dose TE treatment significantly lowered hepatic reduced glutathione content. TE treatment significantly elevated liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances content and blood activities of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyltransferase, but not of aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase. Liver catalase activity was lowered by >50% in both TE-treated groups, while superoxide dismutase activity was significantly but slightly affected (−15%) only by the high-dose TE treatment. Glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were not significantly altered. TE treatment significantly increased liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances content and lowered blood HDL-cholesterol, but did not significantly affect LDL-cholesterol or triglycerides level. In conclusion, high-dose TE treatment significantly disturbed liver antioxidant barrier and prooxidative-antioxidative balance and hence counteracted favorable effects of concurrent moderate-intensity endurance training in adolescent male rats.

Aortopathic effect of androgenic anabolic steroids.

Anabolic androgens have been reported to be associated with cardiovascular complications. One study revealed that increase in vascular stiffness in bodybuilders is associated with anabolic androgens and improvement in vascular function may occur following anabolic androgens discontinuation. The aim of this study was to investigate any possible relation between aortic elastic properties and anabolic androgens. Study population was divided into 3 groups: Group-1 [n = 35] consisted of bodybuilders who denied any current or previous use of anabolic androgens. Group-2 [n = 18] was bodybuilders with regular using of anabolic androgens for at least 2year prior to the start of our study. Group-3 was 13 healthy age-matched sedentary men as a control group. Cardiac echocardiography was performed in the bodybuilders and controls and indexes of aortic function were calculated. Aortic stiffness was approximately twofold higher in anabolic androgens user bodybuilders compared with drug-free bodybuilders [P < 0.001]. The present study demonstrates that chronic anabolic androgens use clearly produces significant decrease in the elastic properties of aorta.

Anabolic androgenic steroids exert a selective remodeling of the plasma lipidome that mirrors the decrease of the de novo lipogenesis in the liver

IntroductionThe abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) is a source of public concern because of their adverse effects. Supratherapeutic doses of AASs are known to be hepatotoxic and regulate the lipoproteins in plasma by modifying the metabolism of lipids in the liver, which is associated with metabolic diseases. However, the effect of AASs on the profile of lipids in plasma is unknown.ObjectivesTo describe the changes in the plasma lipidome exerted by AASs and to discuss these changes in the light of previous research about AASs and de novo lipogenesis in the liver.MethodsWe treated male Wistar rats with supratherapeutic doses of nandrolone decanoate and testosterone undecanoate. Subsequently, we isolated the blood plasma and performed lipidomics analysis by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry.ResultsLipid profiling revealed a decrease of sphingolipids and glycerolipids with palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, and oleic acids. In addition, lipid profiling revealed an increase in free fatty acids and glycerophospholipids with odd-numbered chain fatty acids and/or arachidonic acid.ConclusionThe lipid profile presented herein reports the imprint of AASs on the plasma lipidome, which mirrors the downregulation of de novo lipogenesis in the liver. In a broader perspective, this profile will help to understand the influence of androgens on the lipid metabolism in future studies of diseases with dysregulated lipogenesis (e.g. type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma).

Increments in virulence of Candida albicans induced by androgenic anabolic steroids

• Effects of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) on microbial virulence are unknown. • Candida albicans formed biofilms in presence of AAS. • Fungal biofilm virulence attributes were measured. • AAS increased biomasses and proteolytic activities of Candida albicans .

SUN-575 Anabolic Steroids Induced Hyperthyroidism

Anabolic steroid injections widely used by athletes during strength training period, all studies were done in this field showed transient effect of androgenic anabolic steroids on thyroid which were mainly causing hypothyroidism, However hyperthyroidism cases were never reported up to our knowledge. We present a 25-year-old Emarati male previously healthy, who is referred to endocrine service for hyperthyroidism management. He presented with thyrotoxicosis manifestations. Medical history revealed that he was using anabolic steroids, testosterone, and gonadotropin injection which were prescribed in private gym by trainer. Anabolic steroids were taken twice for few months over 2years prior to his current presentation with hyperthyroidism. Autoimmune profile was negative for thyroid disorder. Radioiodine uptake scan was normal initially then after a year showed diffuse uptake. No evidence of clear cause of his hyperthyroidism. He remained in thyrotoxic state for more than a year post stopping the anabolic steroids. He was treated with radioactive iodine ablation (RAI) according to his preference. Develop post-RAI thyroiditis treated with beta blockers and analgesia. Symptoms completely resolved after 6 weeks and thyroid function returned to normal. The patient has remained asymptomatic on continued follow up care. This case points to the effect of anabolic steroids on thyroid function. Hence all published studies showed that it could cause hypothyroidism not hyperthyroidism. few Literatures are showing that anabolic steroid’s prominent effect on human thyroid function is reduction of TBG with consequent reduction of Total T3 and T4. In rats, anabolic steroids also act in the peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones and seem to exert an important proliferative effect on thyroid cells. By this effect we believe that, anabolic steroid might cause hyperthyroidism in our patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case report addressing anabolic steroids causing permanent hyperthyroidism. Our patient proved that the effect of anabolic steroid was not transient as he remained in thyrotoxic state for more than a year after stopping steroids and uptake scan showed diffuse high uptake which goes with thyroid cells proliferation hypothesis.

Heart Reaction to Nandrolone Decanoate plus Two Different Intensities of Endurance Exercise: Electrocardiography and Stereological Approach.

BackgroundRegarding the negative effects of androgenic anabolic steroids (AASs) abuse, the long-term effect of nandrolone decanoate with/without two intensities of endurance exercise training was investigated on heart tissue and electrocardiogram (ECG) in rats.MethodsThe experiment was conducted on 63 ýýmale Wistar rats, which were ý4 months old. The rats were divide into groups of control (CTL), arachis oilasnandrolone solvent (Ar), nandrolone (Nan) (received a dose of 5 mg/kg twice/week for 8 weeks), mild swimming exercise training (mEx), severe exercise (sEx), sEx + Nan, mEx + Nan, mEx + Ar, and sEx + Ar. During the 8 weeks of swimming exercise, the animals carried dumbbells equivalent to 2% of their body weight, which was gradually increased and reached 5% and 8% in the 6th week for mild and severe exercises, respectively. Finally, ECGs recording and samplings were done.FindingsBoth types of exercise, without nandrolone, significantly reduced the heart rate and increased the RR interval of ECG. Nandrolone alone and with mild (P < 0.050) and intense exercise (P < 0.010 vs. CTL) increased the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) index. Left ventricular volume was significantly higher in the Nan group (P < 0.050) compared to the CTL group and all exercise groups (P < 0.010) compared to the Nan, CTL, and Ar groups. Myocytes volume increased in the presence of both of mild and high-intensity exercise plus nandrolone (P < 0.050 vs. CTL and Ar groups). Hydroxyproline value of the heart was significantly higher in the nandrolone group compared to all other groups (P < 0.001). Exercise prevented the effect of nandrolone on hydroxyproline.ConclusionBoth levels of swimming exercise prevent the effect of nandrolone on the production of hydroxyproline and fibrotic cardiac remodeling.

New approach based on immunochemical techniques for monitoring of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in human urine

Antiestrogenic compounds such as tamoxifen, toremifen and chlomifen are used illegally by athletes to minimize physical impacts such as gynecomastia resulting from the secondary effects of anabolic androgenic steroids, used to increase athletic efficiency unlawfully. The use of these compounds is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and controls are made through analytical methodologies such as HPLC–MS/MS, which do not fulfil the sample throughput requirements. Moreover, compounds such as tamoxifen are also used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (ER + ).Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of tamoxifen may also be clinically useful for guiding treatment decisions. An accurate determination of these drugs requires a solid phase extraction of patient serum followed by HPLC–MS/MS. In the context of an unmet need of high-throughput screening (HTS) and quantitative methods for antiestrogenic substances we have approached the development of antibodies and an immunochemical assay for the determination of these antiestrogenic compounds. The strategy applied has taken into consideration that these drugs are metabolized and excreted in urine as the corresponding 4-hydroxylated compounds. A microplate-based ELISA procedure has been developed for the analysis of these metabolites in urine with a LOD of 0.15, 0.16 and 0.63 μg/L for 4OH-tamoxifen, 4OH-toremifen and 4OH-clomifen, respectively, much lower than the MRPL established by WADA (20 μg/L).

Anabolic androgenic steroids and carcinogenicity focusing on Leydig cell: a literature review.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are some of the most common drugs used among athletes, frequently in combination with resistance training, to improve physical performance or for aesthetic purpose. A great number of scientific reports showed the detrimental effects of anabolic androgenic steroids on different organs and tissues. In this literature review, we analyzed the AAS-mediated carcinogenicity, focusing on Leydig cell tumor.AAS-induced carcinogenicity can affect DNA transcription through two pathways. It can act directly via the androgen receptor, by means of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) produced by the action of 5-a-reductase. It can also work through the estrogen receptor, by means of estradiol produced by CYP19 aromatase. In addition, nandrolone and stanazolol can activate the PI3K/AKT and PLC/PKC pathways via IGF-1. This would result in cell proliferation in Leydig cell cancer, or magnify cyclin D1 concentration inducing breast cell proliferation.AAS abuse is becoming a serious public health concern in view of the severe health consequences secondary to AAS abuse. The negative role of AAS in supraphysiological dosage impairs the expression of enzymes involved in testosterone biosynthesis. Abnormal synthesis of testosterone plays has a negative effect on the hormonal changes/regulation, and might be involved in certain carcinogenic mechanisms. At the light of this review, it could become very interesting to perform an information campaign more strengthened in gyms and schools in order to prevent male fertility impairment and other tissues damage.

Immediate and Late Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on Testicular Morphology of Rats

Background and objectiveThe anabolic androgen steroids are indiscriminately used and in high doses by amateurs and professional athletes. Although its effects on different organs are well known, few is reported regarding the testicular morphological effects (both immediate and late) of these steroids. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supraphysiologic doses of nandrolone decanoate on the testicular morphology of rats; and investigate if these effects would be transitory or permanent.MethodsTwenty‐eight adult male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups. For eight weeks, control groups received placebo (oleaginous vehicle) injections while treated groups received nandrolone decanoate (10mg/Kg, intramuscularly, once a week). Groups control‐immediate (CI) and treated‐immediate (TI) were killed one week after the last injection. Groups control‐late (CL) and treated‐late (TL) were killed after 12 weeks from the last injection. Body weight, testicular weight and volume were measured. The testicle was processed for histomorphometrical analysis, and epithelium height and tubular area were obtained. Data was compared by Student's t test considering p&lt;0.05 as significant.ResultsNo difference was observed regarding body weight. Also, testicular weight and volume was similar among groups TI and CI. However, group TL showed a reduction of 44% and 48% in testicular weight and volume, respectively, in comparison to CL. The tubular area was reduced in both TI (by 22%) and TL (by 46%), in comparison to their control groups. Further, epithelium height was reduced by 9% in group TI.ConclusionThe use of supraphysiologic doses of nandrolone decanoate promotes testicular morphological alterations in rats. These alterations are not reversible after discontinuing the treatment and may cause permanent subfertility.Support or Funding InformationFAPERJ, CNPq, CAPESThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.