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Stanozolol and nandrolone decanoate hormones are mainly used in dogs and horses to strengthen muscle growth, increase of body weight, treatment of anemia and stimulation of appetite; nevertheless, some side effects have been reported, including testicular atrophy, and decrease of spermatozoid count in dogs. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the histopathological changes of testicular and epididymal tissues in dogs treated with stanozolol and nandrolone decanoate. The present survey was performed on sixtheen male dogs. The studied animals were divided into two equal groups of eight. Stanozolol was administered to dogs in group A with dosage of 50 mg per dog intramuscularly for 6 continuous weeks. Group B was similar to group A, but instead of stanozolol, nandrolone decanoate was injected with dosage of 1 mg/kg. To evaluate the possible side effects on the testicles, one of them was surgically removed before the investigation and the second testicle was removed on days 28 (four dogs in each group) and 42 (the remaining four of each group). Before the testes were placed in 10% formalin buffer, sperm quality in the epididymis was evaluated for indicators such as motility, morphology and number in times zero, 28 and 42 days. The results showed that destructive effects were obtained such as hyperplasia of interstitial Leydig cells, vacuolation, the presence of multinucleated cells and different stages of spermatogonia in testicular tissue; also, the destruction of duct covering cells and the detachment of cilia in the epididymal epithelium was observed. These changes were significantly greater in the stanozolol group than nandrolone decanoate. The quantitative changes were more pronounced in the stanozolol group and the qualitative changes in the nanderlone decanoate group. Although both drugs had side effects on testicular and epididymal tissues; the side effects of stanozolol were greater than nandrolone decanoate; therefore, it is recommended minimum dose of nandrolone decanate for therapeutic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 10 mg/kg/week of nandrolone decanoate (DECA – Deca Durabolin®) on body composition, hormonal levels, spermatic parameters, redox status, and morphometric parameters of testicle and epididymis; furthermore, the fertility capacity of Wistar rats was measured thought in vitro fertilization (IVF). The animals (n = 16) were divided into two groups: control group (CTRL, n = 8), which received only vehicle composed by peanut oil and 10% of the benzoic alcohol and nandrolone decanoate group (DECA, n = 8), which received intramuscular injections of DECA for 8 weeks, both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The results demonstrate significative decrease in visceral fat, testosterone levels, and thiol content on epididymis, reduction on normal sperm parameters, and deleterious effect on testicles and epididymis tissue morphology showing reduction of germ height and luminal diameter on the DECA group. Thus, it can be concluded that high doses of nandrolone decanoate impairs male reproductive parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a commonly used androgen-based steroid that causes adverse effects on illicit self-administered users to boost their physical endurance. Although, it has an anabolic effect on the skeletal muscles, plausible evidence supports that the gonadal toxicity of ND can cause damage to reproductive functions. Aim: The present study investigated the possible protective effects of Withania somnifera (WS) root extract (200 and 400 mg/kg bw) on ND-induced (10 mg/kg bw) male gonadal toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: The present seminal research was not experimented in any of the earlier studies. ND was induced in rats by intramuscular injection bi-weekly for 30 days. The aqueous extract of WS root powder was delivered orally once daily for 30 days to the ND-treated group. Hematoxylin-and-eosin-marked sections of the testes were studied. Results: The testosterone levels significantly decreased while there was an increase in the malondialdehyde levels among the ND-induced group against the control group. The ND induced rats treated with varying doses of WS showed a significant reversal of the gonadal toxicity by improvement in the testosterone and antioxidant parameters. The sperm count and sperm motility rate were increased significantly after WS therapy. Furthermore, the testis morphology of the WS-treated group indicated preserved germinal cells, active spermatogenesis, and absence of atrophy, vacuolation, and necrosis. Conclusion: WS treatment in ND-induced male rats alleviated the toxic effects of the ND on the gonads, probably due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the appropriate therapy for the problem of exposure to muscular wounds is an essential issue in people and in animals, especially racing animals such as horses, in whom muscular function is part of life. This study investigates the hypothesis that local application of the steroid nandrolone decanoate to the masseter muscle accelerates the healing as combined with pathological repair. The rabbits were split into two equal groups at random. The first group (ten rabbits), known as the control group, had surgery and received distilled water injections. The second group (ten rabbits) had surgery and received intramuscular injections of nandrolone decanoate 10 mg/kg once daily from the first day after surgery to day of sacrifice. Five rabbits from groups A and B were sacrificed on the third and seventh days. All animals were euthanized, and then masseter muscle tissue was removed for histological analysis. Three days following the surgical wound, a microscopic inspection of the control group's muscular wounds revealed severe myositis with inflammatory exudate cells, hemorrhages, and necrotic myofibrils. Acute myositis wound site with inflammatory exudate cells, atrophy and increase in connective tissue was present after seven days. Three days following the surgical wound, a microscopic examination of the treated group's muscular wounds revealed mild myositis with inflammatory cells, vitreous degeneration, and muscle fiber atrophy. Following seven days, mild myositis with inflammatory cell infiltration, muscle fiber atrophy, and hyaline degeneration manifested at the site of wound. On the 3rd day of treatment period, the levels of serum TGF-1β and IGF-1 in the groups of study indicated a highly significant difference, however on the seventh day; there was no difference between the groups. Local Nandrolone decanoate helps hasten the healing of muscle wounds.

Background and Objectives: Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is the most widely used among the anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), synthetic substances derived from testosterone, to improve muscular and health gains associated with exercises. The AAS leads to physical performance enhancement and presents anti-aging properties, but its abuse is associated with several adverse effects. Supraphysiological doses of AAS with or without physical exercise can cause morphological and functional alterations in neuromuscular interactions. This study aims to investigate the effects of ND supraphysiological doses in neuromuscular interactions, focusing on the soleus muscle and its neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in rats, associated or not with physical exercise. Materials and Methods: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sedentary and exercised groups, with or without ND at the dose of 10 mg/kg/week. The animals were treated for eight weeks, with intramuscular injections, and the soleus muscle was collected for morphological analyses. Results: The supraphysiological doses of ND in the sedentary group caused muscle degeneration, evidenced by splitting fibers, clusters of small fibers, irregular myofibrils, altered sarcomeres, an increase in collagen deposition and in the number of type I muscle fibers (slow-twitch) and central nuclei, as well as a decrease in fibers with peripheral nuclei. On the other hand, in the ND exercise group, there was an increase in the NMJs diameter with scattering of its acetylcholine receptors, although no major morphological changes were found in the skeletal muscle. Thus, the alterations caused by ND in sedentary rats were partially reversed by physical exercise. Conclusions: The supraphysiological ND exposure in the sedentary rats promoted an increase in muscle oxidative pattern and adverse morphological alterations in skeletal muscle, resulting from damage or post-injury regeneration. In the ND-exercised rats, no major morphological changes were found. Thus, the physical exercise partially reversed the alterations caused by ND in sedentary rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Anabolic steroids (AS) are commonly abused by body builders and athletes aiming to increase their strength and muscle mass but unfortunately, the long-term use of AS may lead to serious side effects. Nandrolone Decanoate is one of the Class II anabolic androgenic steroids which quickly spread globally and used clinically and illicitly. Our research was directed to assess the toxic effects of anabolic steroids on cardiac and skeletal muscles in male albino rats and to evaluate the potential ameliorative effects of fenugreek seeds extract and silymarin. Methods Our research was done on 120 male albino rats that were allocated into 6 groups; group I: Served as a control group, group II: Received the anabolic steroid Nandrolone Decanoate, group III: Received silymarin orally, group IV: Received fenugreek seeds extract orally, group (V): Received the anabolic steroid Nandrolone Decanoate and silymarin and group (VI): Received the anabolic steroid Nandrolone Decanoate and fenugreek seeds extract. By the end of the study, rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and autopsy samples for histopathological examination. Results The anabolic steroids toxic effects on rats showed a significant decrease in serum High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level and increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels. There was a significant elevation in cardiac troponin I level. As regards to histopathological examination of the cardiac and skeletal muscles, the study showed marked degenerative changes and necrosis. Both silymarin and fenugreek seeds extract provided a protective effect on the biochemical and histopathological changes. The antioxidant effects of silymarin and fenugreek seeds extract were evaluated on the heart, skeletal muscles and showed that, the tissue levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) decreased in AS treated rats compared to the control group. On the other hand, the tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were elevated. Conclusions Anabolic steroids have a toxic effect on the cardiac and skeletal muscles of albino rats with improvement by treatment with fenugreek seeds extract and silymarin.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapy with nandrolone decanoate and alendronate compared with alendronate monotherapy in patients with osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: Osteoporotic patients with T scores less than or equal to -2.5 (World Health Organization) either at lumbar vertebrae or hip, fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Patients in group A were administered injection of Deca Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate) 50-mg intramuscular every 3 weeks for 12 weeks followed by every 4 weeks for the next 36 weeks along with alendronate 70 mg per oral (p.o) every week for 48 weeks. Patients in group B received only alendronate 70 mg (p.o) for 48 weeks. Follow-up was done at 3, 6, and 12 months for clinical evaluation and answering the questionnaire. Results: A total of 230 patients with the mean age of 60 years were enrolled in the study. At the end of 1 year, 53 patients were lost to follow‑up, and 177 patients were included in the study analysis. Enrolled patients were randomized to group A (n = 89) and group B (n = 88). Patients in group A had significantly higher improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine, frailty score, quality-of-life (QOL) score compared with patients in group B. Patients in both groups had improvement in BMD of hip, lean mass, body fat, Oswestry disability index, and visual analog score but it was not statistically significant on the intergroup comparison. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the addition of nandrolone decanoate to alendronate therapy increases lumbar spine BMD. Improvement in bone quality also translates into an improvement in patient-related outcome measures such as QOL and frailty scores.

Sexually differentiating traits in males, the emergence of primary and secondary sexual traits and numerous systemic effects are controlled by the hormone testosterone, therefore testosterone and its various esters, including enanthate, are produced and supplied for medicinal, livestock and even sports purposes. Nandrolone has many similarities to testosterone in terms of its chemical structure, and nandrolone decanoate, a long acting ester, is more effective than nandrolone. On the other hand, the adverse effects of androgen abuse, such as suppression of spermatogenesis and testicular atrophy, can be seen in the long term. The similarities of these two drugs and their uses and the adverse effects of their abuse was the main reason to investigate and compare the effect of testosterone enanthate and nandrolone decanoate administration on testicular tissue and spermatogenesis coefficients in rats. For this purpose, 21 adult male rats were randomly allocated into 3 groups of control (without drug injection), treatment with nandrolone decanoate (10 mg/kg per week) and treatment with testosterone enanthate (5 mg/100 g per week). After 8 weeks, tissue samples prepared from the testicles of rats were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and subjected to histopathological study. The results showed that both drugs had a significant adverse effect on the diameter and height of the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules and the thickness of the interstitial tissue of the testis. Also, the coefficients of spermatogenesis, including tubular differentiation coefficient, spermiogenesis coefficient and regeneration coefficient, were negatively affected by both drugs, although, only the effect of testosterone enanthate was significant (p

Background: Anabolic steroids (AS) are commonly abused by body builders and athletes aiming to increase their strength and muscle mass but unfortunately, the long-term use of AS may lead to serious side effects. Nandrolone Decanoate is one of the Class II anabolic androgenic steroids which quickly spread globally and used clinically and illicitly. Our research was directed to assess the toxic effects of anabolic steroids on cardiac and skeletal muscles in male albino rats and to evaluate the potential ameliorative effects of fenugreek seeds extract and silymarin. Methods: Our research was done on 120 male albino rats that were allocated into 6 groups; group I: Served as a control group, group II: Received the anabolic steroid Nandrolone Decanoate, group III: Received silymarin orally, group IV: Received fenugreek seeds extract orally, group (V): Received the anabolic steroid Nandrolone Decanoate and silymarin and group (VI): Received the anabolic steroid Nandrolone Decanoate and fenugreek seeds extract. By the end of the study, rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and autopsy samples for histopathological examination. Results: The anabolic steroids toxic effects on rats showed a significant decrease in serum High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level and increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels. There was a significant elevation in cardiac troponin I level. As regards to histopathological examination of the cardiac and skeletal muscles, the study showed marked degenerative changes and necrosis. Both silymarin and fenugreek seeds extract provided a protective effect on the biochemical and histopathological changes. The antioxidant effects of silymarin and fenugreek seeds extract were evaluated on the heart, skeletal muscles and showed that, the tissue levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) decreased in AS treated rats compared to the control group. On the other hand, the tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were elevated. Conclusions: Anabolic steroids have a toxic effect on the cardiac and skeletal muscles of albino rats with improvement by treatment with fenugreek seeds extract and silymarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is an anabolic androgenic steroid that is widely abused by youth and adolescents and affects the natural maturation and reproductive activity process. Objectives: In this study, the effects of Intra-cerebroventricular microinjection of ND on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in male rats were investigated during adolescence. Methods: This experimental study was performed on male Wistar rats (25–27 days' age) divided into four groups: control and ND groups that received the vehicle and different doses of ND (100, 200, and 300 µg/rat) for six days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken from the heart, and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and corticosterone were measured. Furthermore, the right testis of each animal was removed, and histological changes were assessed by light microscopy. Results: Microinjection of ND increased serum levels of LH, testosterone, and corticosterone dose-dependently, while LH and testosterone increased in 100 µg ND group, corticosterone increased in 300 µg ND group. Additionally, ND microinjection decreased the thickness and diameter of the seminiferous tubules in the 300 µg ND group. Furthermore, there was no significant change in the testis/body weight ratio. Conclusion: ND affects the central HPG pathway dose-dependently, leading to changes in the rate of production/secretion of LH, testosterone, and corticosterone. These changes result in structural abnormalities in the testis seminiferous tubes and epithelial layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nandrolone impaired kidney function in male rats. • Nandrolone increased inflammation and fibrosis in part by miRNA-146a /IRAK1/TRAF6. • Moderate exercise training improved renal dysfunction in male rats. • Exercise alleviated inflammation and fibrosis in part by miRNA-146a /IRAK1/TRAF6. Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse is linked to some abnormalities in several tissues including the kidney. However, the precise molecular mediators involved in AAS-induced kidney disorder remain elusive. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of Nandrolone decanoate on kidney injury alone or in combination with moderate exercise and its related mechanisms. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were subdivided randomly into four groups. control (Con), Nandrolone (10 mg/kg) (N), Exercise (Exe), Nandrolone + Exercise (N+Exe). After 6 weeks, nandrolone treatment led to a significant increase in functional parameters such as serum cystatin c, urea, creatinine, albuminuria and Albumin/ creatinine ratio indicating kidney dysfunction. Moreover, nandrolone treatment increased vacuolization, focal inflammation, hemorragia, cast formation fibrosis in the renal tissue of rats. miRNA-146a increased in kidney tissue after nandrolone exposure by using RT-PCR which may be considered ideal theranomiRNA candidates for diagnosis and treatment. Western blotting indicated that IRAK1, TRAF6, TNF-α, NF-κB, iNOS and TGF-β protein expressions were considerably elevated in the kidneys of nandrolone treated rats. Moderate exercise could alleviate the renal dysfunction, histological abnormalities and aforementioned proteins. Our findings suggested that nandrolone consumption can cause damage to kidney tissue probably through miRNA-146a targeting IRAK1 and TRAF6 via activation of the NF-κB and TGF-β pathway. These results provide future lines of research in the identification of theranoMiRNAs related to nandrolone treatment, which can be ameliorated by moderate exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is the most widely used among the anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), synthetic substances derived from testosterone, to improve muscular and health gains associated with exercises. The AAS leads to physical performance enhancement and presents anti-aging properties, but its abuse is associated with several adverse effects. Supraphysiological doses of AAS with or without physical exercise can cause morphological and functional alterations in neuromuscular interactions. This study aims to investigate the effects of ND supraphysiological doses in neuromuscular interactions, focusing on the soleus muscle and its neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in rats, associated or not with physical exercise. Materials and Methods: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sedentary and exercised groups, with or without ND at the dose of 10 mg/kg/week. The animals were treated for eight weeks, with intramuscular injections, and the soleus muscle was collected for morphological analyses. Results: The supraphysiological doses of ND in the sedentary group caused muscle degeneration, evidenced by splitting fibers, clusters of small fibers, irregular myofibrils, altered sarcomeres, an increase in collagen deposition and in the number of type I muscle fibers (slow-twitch) and central nuclei, as well as a decrease in fibers with peripheral nuclei. On the other hand, in the ND exercise group, there was an increase in the NMJs diameter with scattering of its acetylcholine receptors, although no major morphological changes were found in the skeletal muscle. Thus, the alterations caused by ND in sedentary rats were partially reversed by physical exercise. Conclusions: The supraphysiological ND exposure in the sedentary rats promoted an increase in muscle oxidative pattern and adverse morphological alterations in skeletal muscle, resulting from damage or post-injury regeneration. In the ND-exercised rats, no major morphological changes were found. Thus, the physical exercise partially reversed the alterations caused by ND in sedentary rats.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) impairment of reproduction has been reported. We investigated dose- and time-dependent effects of Nandrolone decanoate (ND) on reproductive system in comparison with Testosterone enanthate (TE). Male Wistar rats were administrated with 1, 3, and 9 mg/kg/weeks ND or 1 and 3 mg/kg/weeks TE for 8 weeks, and testicular phenotype and reproductive hormones were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks post-treatments. AASs × treatment period interaction was significant for gonadosomatic index (GSI), testosterone (T), 17β-estradiol (E 2 ), and luteinizing hormone (LH). At 4 weeks post-treatment, GSI was decreased in rats treated with 3 mg/kg/weeks ND and T was decreased in all ND-treated groups, while no significant changes in LH levels were observed. At 8 weeks post-treatment, GSI was decreased in rats treated with 1 and 3 mg/kg/weeks ND and with 3 mg/kg/weeks TE, T was decreased in all groups, and E 2 and LH were increased and decreased, respectively, in rats treated with 9 mg/kg/weeks ND and with 3 mg/kg/weeks TE. The testes showed histopathological defects in both ND- and TE-treated rats suggesting a delay in seminiferous cycle. This study shows AASs-induced hypogonadism at low-dose that coincided with inhibition of T biosynthesis and disruption of T feedback on pituitary., (© 2024 The Author(s). Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.)

Anabolic steroids are frequently used to increase the growth rate of meat-producing animals. Exposure to an anabolic-androgenic steroid, nandrolone decanoate (ND), is associated with expressional reduction of testicular steroidogenic enzymes. However, the effect of withdrawal of ND exposure on the expression of these testicular molecules has not been thoroughly explored. The current research investigated expression changes of testicular steroidogenic enzymes in rats at several recovery periods (2, 6, and 12 weeks) after the stop of ND treatment with different doses (2 and 10 mg/kg body weight) for 12 weeks. Body and testis weights were recorded, and transcript levels of molecules were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The immunohistochemistry was used to examine the changes of immuno-intensities of molecules. At 6 and 12 weeks of the recovery period, the 10 mg/kg ND-treated rats were lighter than other experimental groups. The interstitial compartment vanished by ND treatment filled up as the recovery period became longer. The expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein was returned to the control level at 12 weeks of the recovery period. Expression levels of cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage and 17a-hydroxylase were increased in 2 mg/kg ND-treated group at 6 weeks of the recovery period, and transcript levels of these molecules in 2 and 10 mg/kg ND-treated groups at 12 weeks of the recovery period were significantly lower than the control. Expression levels of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type I and 17β-HSD type 3 in 2 mg/kg ND-treated group were comparable with those of control at 12 weeks of the recovery period, but not in 10 mg/kg ND-treated group. Expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase (Cyp19) was reverted to the control level at 2 weeks of the recovery period. Except for Cyp19, there was a visible increase of immuno-staining intensity of other testicular steroidogenic enzymes in the Leydig cells as the recovery period progressed. This research has demonstrated that the cease of ND administration could restore the expression of testicular steroidogenic enzymes close to the normal level. Nevertheless, a relatively long recovery period, compared to the ND-exposure period would be required to retrieve normal expression levels of testicular steroidogenic enzymes.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to show the effects of swimming and nandrolone administration on cardiodynamic and morphometric parameters of the isolated rat heart. (2) The study included 72 Wistar rats, divided into three groups, scheduled to be sacrificed after the second, third, and fourth week. Each group was divided into four subgroups: control (T-N-), nandrolone (T-N+), swimming training (T+N-), and swimming training plus nandrolone (T+N+) group. The rats from T+N- and T+N+ swam 1 h/day, 5 days/week while ones from T-N+ and T+N+ received weekly nandrolone decanoate (20 mg/kg). The isolated hearts were perfused according to the Langendorff technique and measured parameters: dp/dt max/min, SLVP, DLVP, heart rate, and coronary flow. Hearts were fixed and stained with H/E and Masson trichrome dyes. (3) dp/dt max and dp/dt min were increased in the T-N+ group at higher perfusion pressure compared to the T-N- group. SLVP and DLVP were increased in all groups after the 4th week. Collagen content was increased in T-N+ by 403% and in T+N+ by 357% groups, while it was decreased in T+N- compared to the control after 4th week. (4) Conclusions: Nandrolone alone or combined with swimming had a deleterious effect on myocardial function and perfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decreased anabolic androgen levels are followed by impaired brain energy support and sensing with loss of neural connectivity during physiological aging, providing a neurobiological basis for hormone supplementation. Here, we investigated whether nandrolone decanoate (ND) administration mediates hypothalamic AMPK activation and glucose metabolism, thus affecting metabolic connectivity in brain areas of adult and aged mice. Metabolic interconnected brain areas of rodents can be detected by positron emission tomography using 18FDG-mPET. Albino CF1 mice at 3 and 18 months of age were separated into 4 groups that received daily subcutaneous injections of either ND (15 mg/kg) or vehicle for 15 days. At the in vivo baseline and on the 14th day, brain 18FDG-microPET scans were performed. Hypothalamic pAMPKT172/AMPK protein levels were assessed, and basal mitochondrial respiratory states were evaluated in synaptosomes. A metabolic connectivity network between brain areas was estimated based on 18FDG uptake. We found that ND increased the pAMPKT172/AMPK ratio in both adult and aged mice but increased 18FDG uptake and mitochondrial basal respiration only in adult mice. Furthermore, ND triggered rearrangement in the metabolic connectivity of adult mice and aged mice compared to age-matched controls. Altogether, our findings suggest that ND promotes hypothalamic AMPK activation, and distinct glucose metabolism and metabolic connectivity rearrangements in the brains of adult and aged mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the effects of nandrolone decanoateon renal tubules and its protection by punicagranatum (pomegranate) in mice. Study Design: Lab based experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: One year in Anatomy department, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, in association with National Institution of Health, Islamabad. Methodology: Forty healthy BALB/c mice of both sexes with weight range of 2 5-30gms were equally disseminated into four groups, A as control while B, C and D as trial groups. Three trial groups were inoculated Nandrolone Decanoate 1mg per 100gm of body weight, through intramuscular injections in the hind limb, once weekly for eight weeks. Pomegranate nector was administered in animals of trial group C (3ml per kg of body weight) en route oral gavage tube daily, whereas animals in trial group D was administered pomegranate peel extract (200mg per kg body weight) via oral gavage tube daily for eight weeks. Evaluation of the outcomes of trial groups B, C & D was done amongst them and with control group A. Results: In nandrolone decanoate injected experimental group B, tubular necrosis were appreciated in comparison with control group A (p˂ 0.001), and showed statistical improvement when evaluation was done with pomegranate nectar and pomegranate peel extract treated trial groups C (0.001) and D (p=0.001), correspondingly. Conclusion: Punicagranatum in two forms, as nectar and peel extract, has almost identical curative effects on steroid administered renal tubular mutilation.

BACKGROUND: Stanozolol and Nandrolone decanoate are the most commonly used hormones in canine medi-cine. They are mainly administered to strengthen the muscle, gain weight, treatment of anemia and stimulate the appetite. One of the effects of hormones is to enhance the erythropoietin production and eventually an increase in the number of RBCs. OBJECTIVES: Prolonged usage of hormones may be relevant to the liver and renal disorders; therefore, the pre-sent survey was aimed to evaluate the effects of stanozolol and nandrolone decanoate on liver and kidney indices, erythropoietin and testosterone serum concentrations and hematocrit changes in healthy dogs. METHODS: Sixteen dogs were randomly categorized in two groups of A (stanozolol) and B (nandrolone decano-ate). Each group was divided into two subgroups (A1, A2 and B1, B2). The second testicle was removed on day 28 in the first subgroups (A1 and B1), and day 42 in the second subgroups (A2 and B2). The first testicle was removed at time zero. Stanozolol (50 mg per dog) was administered to all dogs of group A as IM once a week for six weeks. Group B was similar to group A with the difference that nandrolone decanoate was injected (1 mg/kg) instead of stanozolol. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 3, 14, 28 and 42. RESULTS: Erythropoietin and testosterone concentrations were virtually increased in both groups A (p 0.05). The liver enzymes of ALP, ALT and AST were increased more significantly in group A than group B (p

• Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a widely abused anabolic androgenic steroid. • Caffeine is a non-selective antagonist of adenosine receptors. • The combination of ND and caffeine induces fear memory in female rats. • Caffeine produces antinociceptive responses in both males and females. Caffeine and anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) are commonly used to improve muscle mass and athletic performance. Nandrolone Decanoate (ND) is one of the most abused AAS worldwide, leading to behavioral changes in both humans and rodents. Caffeine, the most widely consumed psychostimulant globally, is present in various thermogenic and gym supplements. Low and moderate doses of caffeine antagonize adenosine receptors and have been linked to improved memory and pain relief. We have previously demonstrated that consuming caffeine prevents the risk-taking behavior triggered by nandrolone. In this study, we aimed to investigate the long-term effects of ND and caffeine, either alone or in combination, on passive avoidance memory and nociception. We used the step-down and hot-plate tasks in male and female Lister Hooded rats. Our results confirmed the antinociceptive effect of caffeine and indicated that chronic administration of the ND-caffeine association promotes the evocation of aversive memory in female rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the cardiac pathological remodeling following to anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) consumption, we examined the effect of chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate with high-intensity endurance exercise on the left ventricular hypertrophy index, levels of hydroxyproline, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), adiponectin (APN) and its receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) expression in rats' hearts. The male Wistar rats randomly divided to six groups included the control (CTL), exercise (Ex), nandrolone (Nan), vehicle (Arach), trained vehicle (Ex + Arach), and trained nandrolone (Ex + Nan) groups that were treated for eight weeks. Nandrolone consumption significantly enhanced the hypertrophy index (p<0.05) and exercise intensified this effect. It also increased the level of cardiac hydroxyproline (p<0.001), however exercise completely masked this effect. The values of TNF-α protein and AdipoR1 protein significantly increased in trained nandrolone-treated (Ex + Nan) group in comparison with CTL group (p<0.05), however, did not show significant alteration in Nan or Ex groups. High-intensity endurance exercise significantly enhanced the AdipoR2 protein (p<0.05), but, co-administration of nandrolone with exercise prevented this effect. The mRNA expression of AdipoR1 significantly reduced in the animals that received nandrolone for eight weeks and exercise recovered this effect (p<0.001). Despite an additive effect of high-intensity endurance exercise plus nandrolone on TNF-α level, their effects on hydroxyproline and APN receptors expression is incompatible in heart of rat. It is suggests a part of beneficial regulatory role of endurance exercise against nandrolone induced heart remodeling may apply through modulation of APN system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Nandrolone decanoate is known as one of the most destructive environmental factors in the reproductive system in men and women. In this study, we assessed the protective effect of gonadotropins (hMG) on histological changes of rat ovarian structure. Materials and Methods: 50 female rats were divided into 5 groups, including control, nandrolone decanoate (ND), hMG, ND + hMG, and sham group (0.1 ml of olive oil and 0.1 ml sodium chloride 0.09%). After 4 weeks, qualitative histological studies were performed, and the total volume of ovarian vessels was estimated by stereological methods. Results: Nandrolone decanoate increased the mean volume of vessels (66%) and the use of hMG + ND led to an increased mean volume of vessels (83%) compared to the use of 0.1 ml of olive oil and 0.1 ml sodium chloride 0.09% (sham group) (P

Objective: To observe the effects of nandrolone decanoateon renal tubules and its protection by punicagranatum (pomegranate) in mice. Study Design: Lab based experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: One year in Anatomy department, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, in association with National Institution of Health, Islamabad. Methodology: Forty healthy BALB/c mice of both sexes with weight range of 2 5-30gms were equally disseminated into four groups, A as control while B, C and D as trial groups. Three trial groups were inoculated Nandrolone Decanoate 1mg per100 gm of body weight, through intramuscular injections in the hind limb, once weekly for eight weeks. Pomegranate nector was administered in animals of trial group C (3ml per kg of body weight) en route oral gavage tube daily, whereas animals in trial group D was administered pomegranate peel extract (200mg per kg body weight) via oral gavage tube daily for eight weeks. Evaluation of the outcomes of trial groups B, C & D was done amongst them and with control group A. Results: In nandrolone decanoate injected experimental group B, tubular necrosis were appreciated in comparison with control group A (pË, 0.001), and showed statistical improvement when evaluation was done with pomegranate nectar and pomegranate peel extract treated trial groups C (0.001) and D (p=0.001), correspondingly. Conclusion: Punicagranatum in two forms, as nectar and peel extract, has almost identical curative effects on steroid administered renal tubular mutilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Stanozolol and Nandrolone decanoate are the most commonly used hormones in canine medicine. They are mainly administered to strengthen the muscle, gain weight, treatment of anemia and stimulate the appetite. One of the effects of hormones is to enhance the erythropoietin production and eventually an increase in the number of RBCs. OBJECTIVES: Prolonged usage of hormones may be relevant to the liver and renal disorders; therefore, the present survey was aimed to evaluate the effects of stanozolol and nandrolone decanoate on liver and kidney indices, erythropoietin and testosterone serum concentrations and hematocrit changes in healthy dogs. METHODS: Sixteen dogs were randomly categorized in two groups of A (stanozolol) and B (nandrolone decanoate). Each group was divided into two subgroups (A1, A2 and B1, B2). The second testicle was removed on day 28 in the first subgroups (A1 and B1), and day 42 in the second subgroups (A2 and B2). The first testicle was removed at time zero. Stanozolol (50 mg per dog) was administered to all dogs of group A as IM once a week for six weeks. Group B was similar to group A with the difference that nandrolone decanoate was injected (1 mg/kg) instead of stanozolol. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 3, 14, 28 and 42. RESULTS: Erythropoietin and testosterone concentrations were virtually increased in both groups A (P<0.05) and B (P<0.05). The effect of stanozolol on erythropoietin (subgroup A1) (11.35±1.31 ng/mL) was significantly higher than nandrolone decanoate (subgroup B1) (8.02±0.55 ng/mL) (P<0.05); nevertheless, the changes in testosterone levels, was not significant between groups A and B (P>0.05). The liver enzymes of ALP, ALT and AST were increased more significantly in group A than group B (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Erythropoietin and testosterone levels were virtually increased in both groups A and B; however, stanozolol had more significant effect than nandrolone decanoate in increment of erythropoietin; nevertheless, it had more side effects on liver indices. It is suggested that nandrolone decanoate to be administered for the therapeutic goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The misuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids by athletes and non-athletes causes harmful effects on the central nervous system. In Ayurvedic medicine, Withania somnifera (WS) as an herbal drug has been reported for several functions including adaptogenic, anticonvulsant, cytoprotective and antioxidant. The present study investigated the neuroprotective functions of WS (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) in nandrolone decanoate (ND)-induced (16 mg/kg body weight) brain injury in male Wistar rats. ND was injected intramuscularly twice weekly for 4 weeks. The water emulsion of WS root powder was administered orally once daily for 30 days to ND-treated rats. At the end of the experiment, anxiety-like behaviour was assessed in rats using the elevated plus maze. Haematoxylin-and-eosin-stained coronal sections of the parietal cortex and hippocampus of ND rats showed severe alterations in brain histology compared with control rats. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the striatum and prodynorphin gene expression in the hippocampus was significantly elevated in the ND group compared with the control group. Treating ND induced rats with various doses of WS significantly reversed the brain damage, anxiety behaviour, increased striatal AChE activity and reduced prodynorphin gene expression in the hippocampus. In conclusion, WS extract can be used as a neuroprotective agent to reduce the effects of anabolic steroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Therapeutic doses of nandrolone decanoate disrupt the estrous cycle of adult rats. • Histopathological damages in the uterine tissue by nandrolone are dose-independent. • Uterine sex steroid receptors are affected by nandrolone in a time-dependent manner. • Sex hormone levels in androgenized rats are similar to polycystic ovary syndrome. • The recovery of nandrolone-induced uterine side effects is dose and time-dependent. Different doses of nandrolone decanoate (ND) were used to investigate the expression of uterine sex steroid receptors (AR, ER-α, and ER-β) and the levels of serum sex hormones after treatment and recovery periods in adult rats. ND doses of 1.87, 3.75, 7.5, or 15 mg/kg b.w. or mineral oil (control group) were injected subcutaneously for 15 days, and the experimental groups were divided into three periods of evaluation: (a) ND treatment for 15 days, (b) ND treatment followed by 30-day-recovery and (c) ND treatment followed by 60-day-recovery. Estrous cycle was monitored daily. At the end of each experimental period, rats were euthanized for the collection of serum samples and uterine tissues. All animals showed persistent diestrus and only the highest ND dose was capable of inducing persistent diestrus until 60-day-recovery. Immunoexpression of uterine sex steroid receptors varied in a time-dependent manner. While AR expression was increase after treatment period, ER-α and ER-β expressions decreased after 60- and 30-day-recovery, respectively. ND also increased the serum levels of testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone, especially at the highest doses of 7.5 and 15 mg ND/kg until 30 days of recovery. The levels of progesterone were significantly reduced in all ND-treated animals. No significant difference was observed in the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, whereas the levels of luteinizing hormone varied according to specific dose and period. We conclude that uterine sex steroid receptors and sex hormones are affected by ND administration and these alterations can be only restored following lower doses and long recovery periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to show the effects of swimming and nandrolone administration on cardiodynamic and morphometric parameters of the isolated rat heart. (2) The study included 72 Wistar rats, divided into three groups, scheduled to be sacrificed after the second, third, and fourth week. Each group was divided into four subgroups: control (T-N-), nandrolone (T-N+), swimming training (T+N-), and swimming training plus nandrolone (T+N+) group. The rats from T+N- and T+N+ swam 1 h/day, 5 days/week while ones from T-N+ and T+N+ received weekly nandrolone decanoate (20 mg/kg). The isolated hearts were perfused according to the Langendorff technique and measured parameters: dp/dt max/min, SLVP, DLVP, heart rate, and coronary flow. Hearts were fixed and stained with H/E and Masson trichrome dyes. (3) dp/dt max and dp/dt min were increased in the T-N+ group at higher perfusion pressure compared to the T-N- group. SLVP and DLVP were increased in all groups after the 4th week. Collagen content was increased in T-N+ by 403% and in T+N+ by 357% groups, while it was decreased in T+N- compared to the control after 4th week. (4) Conclusions: Nandrolone alone or combined with swimming had a deleterious effect on myocardial function and perfusion.

Nandrolone decanoate (Nd) is a highly abused androgenic-anabolic steroid among body builders. Even though it has weak androgenic effects, its prolonged use may have harmful impact on male reproductive system which needs to be evaluated. This study aimed to reinvestigate its possible oxidative stress induced alteration on male rat reproductive system. Twenty-eight male rats were divided into two groups. Nd treated group (n = 18) injected intramuscular with 10 mg/kg body weight once a week for four weeks. While, the control group (n = 10) was injected with physiologic saline by the same route for four weeks. Body weight was recorded for all rats and after animal dissection weight of testes, prostate and seminal vesicles were also recorded. The results showed that the average testicular weight was decreased in treated group compared to the control. The average weights of the prostate and seminal vesicles were increased compared to the control. Morphometric study revealed that in Nd treated group, there was a decrease in the width of seminiferous tubules and the height of spermatogenic cell layer compared to the control. Testicular degeneration was expressed by presence of spermatid giant cells, vacuolation, and degenerated spermatozoa. Tunnel technique showed scattered positive reaction among the spermatogenic cell layers and interstitial cells. Severe alterations of the prostate were expressed by benign prostate hyperplasia and retained secretions. Lipid peroxidation products (malonaldehyde concentration as ng/g of testicular tissue) were increased in treated group compared to the control and suggested the occurrence of oxidative damage. Nd induced severe alterations in the male genital organs were resulted from oxidative stress. It is concluded that the male genital organs are highly sensitive to the anabolic steroids and there is a high extent of reproductive risk associated with the use of AASs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in supratherapeutic doses is associated with severe adverse effects, including physical, mental, and behavioral alterations. When used for recreational purposes several AAS are often combined, and in scientific studies of the physiological impact of AAS either a single compound or a cocktail of several steroids is often used. Because of this, steroid-specific effects have been difficult to define and are not fully elucidated. The present study used male Wistar rats to evaluate potential somatic and behavioral effects of three different AAS; the decanoate esters of nandrolone, testosterone, and trenbolone. The rats were exposed to 15 mg/kg of nandrolone decanoate, testosterone decanoate, or trenbolone decanoate every third day for 24 days. Body weight gain and organ weights (thymus, liver, kidney, testis, and heart) were measured together with the corticosterone plasma levels. Behavioral effects were studied in the novel object recognition-test (NOR-test) and the multivariate concentric square field-test (MCSF-test). The results conclude that nandrolone decanoate, but neither testosterone decanoate nor trenbolone decanoate, caused impaired recognition memory in the NOR-test, indicating an altered cognitive function. The behavioral profile and stress hormone level of the rats were not affected by the AAS treatments. Furthermore, the study revealed diverse AAS-induced somatic effects i.e., reduced body weight development and changes in organ weights. Of the three AAS included in the study, nandrolone decanoate was identified to cause the most prominent impact on the male rat, as it affected body weight development, the weights of multiple organs, and caused an impaired memory function., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors display no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Regarding 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. Methods: The experiment was conducted on 63 male Wistar rats, which were 4 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. Findings: Both 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. Conclusion: Both levels of swimming exercise prevent the effect of nandrolone on the production of hydroxyproline and fibrotic cardiac remodeling.

Objective Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is an anabolic-androgenic steroid frequently used for clinical treatment. However, the inappropriate use of ND results in the reduction of serum testosterone level and sperm production. The suppressive effect of ND on testosterone production has not been investigated in detail. The present study was designed to examine the effect of ND on the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the rat testis. Methods Male Sprague Dawley rats at 50 days of age were subcutaneously administrated with either 2 or 10 mg of ND/kg body weight/week for 2 or 12 weeks. The changes of transcript and protein levels of steroidogenic enzymes in the testis were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analyses, respectively. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis was employed to determine the changes of immunostaining intensity of these enzymes. The steroidogenic enzymes investigated were steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme, 17α-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P450 aromatase. Results The treatment of ND resulted in depletion of Leydig cells and sloughing of germ cells in the testis. The ND treatment caused significant expressional decreases of steroidogenic enzymes at transcript and protein levels, and the destructive effects of ND on the testis were more apparent with a higher dose and a longer period of the treatment. Evident reduction of immunostaining intensity present in Leydig cells was clearly detected by the ND treatment. Conclusion The exposure to ND in young male results not only in histological changes of the testis but also in aberrant gene expression of testicular steroidogenic enzymes, consequently leading into the reduction of testosterone production in the testis and thus likely disruption of spermatogenesis.

Background: The follicular growth and development may be affected by abused drugs. Nandrolone decanoate (ND) as an anabolic androgenic steroid can damage the morphological and functional features of the ovary and may lead to reproductive failure. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of synchronized and non-synchronized administration of Human Menopausal Gonadotropins (hMG) with ND on ovarian tissue and level of sex hormones in the adult female rat. Materials and Methods: Forty adult female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into eight groups. The five experimental groups received 3 and/or 10 mg/kg of ND synchronized and non-synchronized with 10 IU of hMG and hMG alone. The two shams and control groups received solvents of ND and hMG. The animals' serum levels of Follicle-stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone, progesterone and estrogen and the weight, volume and dimensions of the ovaries were measured. The ovaries were prepared for apoptosis assessment and morphological study. Results: The ovarian volume and sex hormones in the experimental groups were decreased, but ovarian weight and dimensions didn’t change. The rate of apoptosis was increased in the experimental groups as follows; a low and high dose of ND synchronized with hMG 48.80±18.70 and 65.20±14.20 respectively vs. Sham 1, 33.20±17.80, a low and high dose of ND non-synchronized with hMD 55.80±17.20 and 75.20±14.30 respectively vs. Sham 2, 31.60±32.40 groups, p˂0.01. Follicular and stromal cells were damaged in the experimental groups except for the hMG group. Conclusion: Administration of ND decreased the serum level of Luteinizing hormone, Follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone and estrogen and damaged ovarian tissue irreversibly and irreparably and hMG cannot prevent the destruction of the follicles in the adult female rats. This can be a serious warning to women who abuse ND.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 plays an important role in the remodeling of left ventricles (LVs) and right ventricles (RVs). We investigated the differences of MMP-2 expression between LV and RV in response to nandrolone decanoate (ND), swimming training (ST), and combined ND and ST (NS) in mice, based on their structural, functional, and biochemical characteristics. Methods: Totally 28 male C57B1 mice (6 weeks old; 20–23 g) were divided into four groups, including the control (n = 7), ND (n = 6), ST (n = 8), and NS (n = 7) groups. After respective treatments for 8 weeks, echocardiographic examination was used to assess the cardiac structure and function. Van Gieson stain was used to examine the fibrosis of LV and RV in response to different treatments, and Western blotting analysis was performed to explore different MMP-2 expressions between LV and RV in response to ND and/or ST. Analysis of variance was used for comparing the four groups. Results: At 8 weeks, right ventricular dimension/body weight in the ND group was larger than the other three groups (F = 7.12, P < 0.05) according to the echocardiographic examination. Fibrosis induced by ND administration was increased more in RV (2.59%) than that in LV (2.21%). MMP-2 expression of the ND group in RV was significantly greater than the control and NS groups in RV and the corresponding ND group in LV. Conclusion: The experimental data support the hypothesis that ND administration induces greater MMP-2 expression increase in RV compared to LV, leading to consequent RV dilation.