Nandrolone decanoate induces cardiac and renal remodeling in female rats, without modification in physiological parameters: The role of ANP system.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are misused, including women, but little is known about the cardiovascular effects of these drugs on females. Aim Evaluated the effects of nandrolone decanoate (ND), physical exercise and estrogen deficiency on female rats. Main methods Female Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups: S and OVX: (SHAM: sham surgery; OVX: ovariectomy, vehicle), SE and OVXE (resistance exercise 5 times a week, vehicle), SD and OVXD (treated with ND, 20 mg/kg/week for 4 weeks); SDE and OVXDE. Treatments were initiated 21 days after surgery. The Bezold–Jarisch reflex was assessed by Phenylbiguanide administration. The right atrium, kidney, and serum were collected for molecular analyses by RT-PCR of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), A-type natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-A) and NPR-C. ELISA assay to estradiol and testosterone concentrations. The gastrocnemius muscle, heart and kidney weights/tibia length were measured. Morphometric analysis of heart was made (H/E) and collagen content of heart and kidney were evaluated using Pirossirius Red. Key findings ND treatment increased ANP expression on atrium and decreased NPR-A expression in kidney. Physical exercise and ovariectomy did not alter this parameter. NPR-C level was reduced in the SDE and OVXDE. Renal and cardiac hypertrophy was observed after ND treatment, with collagen deposition. Plasma estrogen concentrations were reduced and serum testosterone concentrations were increased after ND treatment. Significance ANP has an important role in modulating the cardiovascular effects of ND in females. This modulating may have occurred by the increasing ANP expression, reducing NPR-A and NPR-C expression levels, and changing sex hormone levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]