Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are often misused by adolescents and athletes. Their effects vary according to chemical structure and metabolism, route of administration, and AAS regimen. In this study, adult C57Bl/6 male mice were systemically exposed to testosterone propionate (TP), nandrolone or 17α-methyltestosterone (17α-meT), type I, type II and type III AAS, respectively, in order to determine the hedonic or aversive properties of each drug. For this purpose, the conditioned place preference (CPP) test was employed at three different AAS doses (0.075, 0.75 and 7.5 mg/kg). Other behavioral domains monitored were light-dark transitions (side changes) and general activity. TP shifted place preference at all doses tested, and nandrolone shifted place preference at 0.75 and 7.5mg/kg, but not at 0.075 mg/kg, the lower dose tested. Conversely, mice receiving 17α-meT did not show alteration in the preference score. The lower dose of nandrolone did modify exploratory based-anxiety showing a decrease in light-dark transitions if compared to vehicle-treated animals, while mice treated with TP or 17α-meT were not affected. Our data suggest that when studying hedonic and rewarding properties of synthetic androgens, distinction has to be made based on type of AAS and metabolism.

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Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are present in coronary artery disease (CAD) and are linked to the activation of the transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). To attenuate these complications, transcription factors like nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPARβ/δ) can be activated to inhibit NF-κB. However, the available data on expression of NF-κB, Nrf2 and PPARβ/δ in CAD patients are limited.Objective: To evaluate the expression of the transcription factors NF-κB and Nrf2 and PPAR / in CAD patients.Methods: Thirty-five patients (17 men, mean age 62.4 ± 7.55 years) with CAD and twelve patients (5 men, mean age 63.50 ± 11.46 years) without CAD were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and processed for mRNA expression of Nrf2, NF-κB, NADPH: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and PPARβ/δ mRNAs using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: There was no difference in the mRNA expressions of Nrf2 (1.35 ± 0.57), NF-κB (1.08 ± 0.50) or in the antioxidant enzyme NQO1 (1.05 ± 0.88) in the CAD group compared to the group without CAD (1.16 ± 0.76, 0.95 ± 0.33, 0.81 ± 0.55, respectively). However, PPARβ/δ was highest expressed in the CAD group (1.17 ± 0.86 vs. 0.56 ± 0.34, p = 0.008). Conclusion:The main finding of this study was the PPARβ/δ being more expressed in the PBMC of patients with CAD compared to the control group, whereas no differences were observed in Nrf2 or NF-κB mRNA expressions.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death globally and most CVD can be prevented by addressing their risk factors, such as an unhealthy diet. Many authors have studied the benefits of nut consumption on CVD. Nuts contain high amounts of vegetable protein, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and many other bioactive compounds, like phytosterols and phenolic compounds, which are able to reduce cholesterol levels and promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing cardiovascular risks. This review aims to describe studies involving the consumption of nuts, including Brazil nuts and CVD risk factors with positive results in the improvement of lipid profile, glucose metabolism, vascular function, and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Nutritional interventions can reduce complications associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) such as inflammation and oxidative stress. This small, preliminary study aimed to evaluate a Brazil nut‐enriched diet's effects on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in CAD patients. Twenty‐five CAD patients (13 male, 63.3 ± 6.7 years, BMI of 29.3 ± 5.6 kg/m2) were randomised to receive one unit of Brazil nut (5 g) per day for 3 months and were compared to 17 CAD patients (8 male, 63.3 ± 8 years, BMI of 28.6 ± 4.8 kg/m2) who served as control. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, processed and analysed for expression of the transcription factors nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is involved with antioxidant synthesis, and the antioxidant enzyme NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Plasma thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) and clinical parameters were also measured before and after supplementation. No significant differences were found in any of the analysed parameters. Supplementing the diet with one Brazil nut a day for 3 months did not mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress in CAD patients. A longer period of supplementation may be required for positive effects to be seen.