Nandrolone decanoate inhibits gluconeogenesis and decreases fasting glucose in Wistar male rats

Abstract

The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids to improve physical performance or appearance has increased notably. The doses used are 10-to 100-fold higher than the therapeutic dose (TD), and this abuse can cause several side effects. Glucose metabolism is significantly affected by anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse, but studies about glycemic regulation during fasting are scarce. There are some evidences showing that testosterone can antagonize glucocorticoids action, which are crucial to glucose production during fasting. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of supraphysiological doses (SDs) of nandrolone decanoate (DECA) on rat glucose metabolism during fasting. Male Wistar rats were treated with i.m. injections of vehicle, a low TD (0.016 mg/100 g b.w.-TD group) or a high SD (1 mg/100 g b.w.-SD group) of DECA, once a week for 8 weeks. After 12 h fasting, we evaluated glucose and pyruvate tolerance tests, liver glycogen content, serum levels of gluconeogenic substrates, insulin and corticosterone, glucose uptake and hexokinase (HK) activity in skeletal muscle, and the adrenal catecholamine content. SD group had increased serum insulin levels and a blunted response to insulin regarding glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Fasting serum glucose decreased significantly in SD group, as well as the pyruvate tolerance test and liver glycogen content. Moreover, serum levels of glycerol were increased in SD group. Our data indicate that SDs of DECA exert effects on different regulatory points of glucose metabolism, resulting in defective gluconeogenesis and decreased skeletal muscle glucose uptake in response to insulin.

Insulin sensitivity in relation to fat distribution and plasma adipocytokines among abusers of anabolic androgenic steroids

“…Interestingly, in an experimental study on male rats, therapy with supraphysiologic androgen doses lead to increased insulin resistance. 8 Consistently, a previous study showed reduced glucose tolerance among male powerlifters who were current AAS abusers and even development of T2D, during AAS abuse, has been reported. 9,10 Thus, increased as well as decreased plasma concentrations of androgens may impair insulin sensitivity in men.…”

Cystathionine-γ lyase-derived hydrogen sulfide mediates the cardiovascular protective effects of moxonidine in diabetic rats

“…A Blood Glucose Monitoring System (ReliOn ® , Prime) was used to measure BGL before and 4 times at 30 min intervals after oral administration of 10% glucose solution (1 g/10 ml/ kg) as reported (Frankenfeld et al, 2014). …”

The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Nandrolone Decanoate Disrupts Redox Homeostasis in Liver, Heart and Kidney of Male Wistar Rats

“…Steroid and vehicle were administered by a single intramuscular injection in the hind limb once a week for 8 wk. We have previously reported that this treatment was effective, decreasing testicular weight and increasing serum testosterone levels in male Wistar rats [12], [13]. One week after the last injection, the rats were killed by decapitation, and trunk blood was immediately collected.…”