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

Abstract

The abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) may cause side effects in several tissues. Oxidative stress is linked to the pathophysiology of most of these alterations, being involved in fibrosis, cellular proliferation, tumorigenesis, amongst others. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of supraphysiological doses of nandrolone decanoate (DECA) on the redox balance of liver, heart and kidney. Wistar male rats were treated with intramuscular injections of vehicle or DECA (1 mg.100 g−1 body weight) once a week for 8 weeks. The activity and mRNA levels of NADPH Oxidase (NOX), and the activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the reduced thiol and carbonyl residue proteins, were measured in liver, heart and kidney. DECA treatment increased NOX activity in heart and liver, but NOX2 mRNA levels were only increased in heart. Liver catalase and SOD activities were decreased in the DECA-treated group, but only catalase activity was decreased in the kidney. No differences were detected in GPx activity. Thiol residues were decreased in the liver and kidney of treated animals in comparison to the control group, while carbonyl residues were increased in the kidney after the treatment. Taken together, our results show that chronically administered DECA is able to disrupt the cellular redox balance, leading to an oxidative stress state.

Effects of Resistance Training Accompanied by Sustanon Abuse on Hepatotoxicity in Rats with and without Training Experience

“…This significant increase in hepatic antioxidants activity in the Su -treated groups is in harmony with Pey et al who observed that abuse of AAS for 8 weeks, either with or without concurrent exercise training, causes an increase the activities of the antioxidant enzymes in hepatic tissue as compared with control group [7]. On the contrary, Frankenfeld et al reported that the abuse of AAS decreases the liver antioxidants activity [20].…”

Neurophysiological Repercussions of Anabolic Steroid Abuse: A Road into Neurodegenerative Disorders

“…Experimental studies have demonstrated that chronic administration of AS can up-regulate the activity of NOX in several cell types, resulting in increased ROS production, whereas antioxidant activity seems to be substantially decreased in this condition [63,94]. In the CNS, chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate in rats has been shown to decrease glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) activity in the hippocampus and pre-frontal cortex [79].…”

Novel Kidney Injury Biomarkers Among Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Users - Evidence of Subclinical Kidney Disease

“…These renal abnormalities could be a consequence of oxidative stress caused by AAS use, which involves fibrosis, cellular proliferation, cytokine release and other substances that in turn allow the increase of some biomarkers, including MCP-1 and KIM-1, making it possible to detect early kidney damage (23).…”