Impact of chronic administration of anabolic androgenic steroids and taurine on blood pressure in rats

Supraphysiological administration of anabolic androgenic steroids has been linked to increased blood pressure. The widely distributed amino acid taurine seems to be an effective depressor agent in drug-induced hypertension. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of chronic high dose administration of nandrolone decanoate (DECA) and taurine on blood pressure in rats and to verify the potentially involved mechanisms. The study was conducted in 4 groups of 8 adult male Wistar rats, aged 14 weeks, treated for 12 weeks with: DECA (A group); vehicle (C group); taurine (T group), or with both drugs (AT group). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured at the beginning of the study (SBP1), 2 (SBP2) and 3 months (SBP3) later. Plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and plasma end products of nitric oxide metabolism (NOx) were also determined. SBP3 and SBP2 were significantly increased compared to SBP1 only in the A group (P<0.002 for both). SBP2, SBP3 and ACE activity showed a statistically significant increase in the A vs C (P<0.005), andvs AT groups (P<0.05), while NOx was significantly decreased in the A and AT groups vs controls (P=0.01). ACE activity was strongly correlated with SBP3 in the A group (r=0.71, P=0.04). These findings suggest that oral supplementation of taurine may prevent the increase in SBP induced by DECA, an effect potentially mediated by angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Testis morphophysiology of rats treated with nandrolone decanoate and submitted to physical training / Morfofisiologia testicular de ratos tratados com decanoato de nandrolona e submetidos ao treinamento físico

The mammalian testis is a complex organ with endocrine and exocrine functions. It consists of seminiferous tubules where the production of the male gametes called spermatogenesis occurs. This process is influenced by a number of factors including the use of physical performance-enhancing drugs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate on the morphofunctional structure of testes in sedentary rats and rats subjected to moderate aerobic exercise training. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four experimental groups: sedentary control, sedentary treated, trained control and trained treated.The training lasted eight weeks and consisted of running on a programmable ergometer treadmill, tailored to train eight rats simultaneously. Treated animals received intramuscular injections of nandrolone decanoate (0.5 mg kg-1 body weight) during the last four weeks of physical training, while the control groups received intramuscular injections of vehicle (vegetable oil).The male reproductive system morphology showed that treatment with nandrolone decanoate, in both sedentary and trained rats, promoted morphological and functional changes that result in reduced efficiency of spermatogenesis.

O testículo de mamíferos é um órgão complexo com funções endócrinas e exócrinas. É composto por túbulos seminíferos, local onde ocorre a espermatogênese, processo de produção dos gametas masculinos. Este processo é influenciado por uma série de drogas potencializadoras do desempenho físico, que são utilizadas para melhorar a performance. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do anabolizante esteróide decanoato de nandrolona sobre a estrutura morfofuncional de testículos de ratos sedentários e submetidos ao treinamento físico aeróbico moderado. Foram utilizados vinte e quatro ratos machos divididos em quatro grupos experimentais: sedentário controle, sedentário tratado, treinado controle e treinado tratado. O treinamento teve duração de oito semanas e consistiu de corrida em esteira ergométrica programável, adaptada para treinar oito ratos simultaneamente. Os grupos tratados receberam injeção intramuscular de decanoato de nandrolona (0,5 mg kg -1) durante as quatro últimas semanas de treinamento físico, enquanto os grupos controles receberam injeção intramuscular do veículo (óleo vegetal). Os resultados mostraram que o tratamento com o decanoato de nandrolona, tanto em ratos sedentários como submetidos ao exercício físico, promove alterações morfofuncionais que resultam na redução da eficiência da espermatogênese.

Use of the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate associated to strength training in Wistar rats / Uso do esteróide anabólico decanoato de nandrolona associado ao treinamento de força em ratos Wistar

Anabolic steroids have been constantly used among athletes and physically active individuals. Adverse effects of such use are reported in the literature. However, little is known about the effects of anabolic steroid use associated with strength training. Thus, this research aimed to identify possible morphophysiological alterations in Wistar rats treated with the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate and submitted to strength training. Twenty Wistar rats were divided in four groups: sedentary control (SC), sedentary hormone (SH), trained control (TC) and trained hormone (TH). After the experimental protocol period, animals were killed and body weight, adiposity, renal and hepatic injury markers, plasmatic lipid profile, glycemia, and insulinemia were determined. The experimental conditions strength training and nandrolone decanoate (isolated or associated) were positively correlated to a reduction on visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The association of strength training with nandrolone decanoate was the most effective condition to increase muscle mass. Heart and kidneys weights, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration were also negatively modified. The data demonstrated effects of anabolic steroids in body composition, with better results when associated with strength training, but collateral effects were observed.

Os esteróides anabólicos são usados indiscriminadamente entre atletas e praticantes de atividades físicas sendo que os efeitos adversos desse uso constam na literatura. Contudo, pouco se sabe dos efeitos do uso de esteróides anabólicos associados ao treinamento de força. Assim, este estudo objetivou identificar possíveis alterações morfofisiológicas em ratos Wistar tratados com decanoato de nandrolona e submetidos ao treinamento de força. Para atingir tal propósito, vinte ratos Wistar foram divididos em quatro grupos: sedentário controle (SC), sedentário hormônio (SH), treinado controle (TC) e treinado hormônio (TH). Após o período experimental, foram analisados o peso corporal, a adiposidade, marcadores de lesões hepáticas e renais, o perfil lipídico, a glicemia e a insulinemia. Foram observados efeitos do treinamento de força e do uso de decanoato de nandrolona (isolados ou associados) nos tecidos adiposos viscerais e subcutâneo. A associação de treinamento de força e uso de decanoato de nandrolona foi mais efetiva para aumentar a massa muscular. Os pesos dos rins e coração, e concentrações de aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) foram negativamente modificados. Os dados demonstram efeitos do esteróide anabólico sobre a composição corporal, com melhores resultados obtidos com a associação ao treinamento de força, contudo efeitos colaterais foram observados.

Effects of nandrolone decanoate and resistance exercise on skeletal muscle in adult male rats / Efectos del decanoato de nandrolona y el ejercicio de resistencia en el músculo esquelético de ratas machos adultos

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of resistance exercise associated or not with nandrolone decanoate (ND) on skeletal muscles and body mass of adult male rats. Training protocol consisted of 15 jump sessions, for 6 weeks. ND (5mg/kg) was administered twice a week. The exercise was effective in inducing respective enlargements in fiber areas of extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles. ND associate with exercise was also able to induce increases in fiber areas these muscles. In untrained group that received nandrolone decanoate an improved in muscular parameters could be observed. In conclusion, the resistance exercise was able to promote an enlargement in fiber areas of both muscles studied without ND treatment, indicating that after a period of time of adaptation to exercise, the muscular effects caused by ND could be achieved in the same way by exercise, without ND and without risks for health.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los efectos del ejercicio de resistencia con o sin decanoato de nandrolona (DN) en el músculo esquelético y la masa corporal de ratas macho adultas. El protocolo de entrenamiento consistió en 15 sesiones durante 6 semanas de saltos. DN 5mg/kg se administró dos veces durante la semana. El ejercicio fue efectivo para inducir un aumento en el área de las fibras de los músculos extensor largo de los dedos y sóleo. El DN asociado con el ejercicio fue capaz de inducir un aumento en el área de las fibras de los músculos. En el grupo de DN sin entrenamiento, se observó un aumento en los parámetros musculares evaluados. El ejercicio de resistencia sin DN fue capaz de promover un aumento en el área de las fibras de los músculos, lo que indica que después de un período de adaptación al ejercicio, el efecto en los músculos causada por la DN se logró por el ejercicio, sin una gestión DN y los consiguientes peligros para la salud.

Effect of the nandrolone decanoate on the efficiency of spermatogenesis of sedentary rats and rats subjected to physical training / Efeito do decanoato de nandrolona sobre a eficiência da espermatogênese de ratos sedentários e ratos submetidos a treinamento físico

Spermatogenesis is a complex, highly organized and coordinated process that results in the production of male gametes. This process is influenced by a number of drugs that enhance physical performance, which have been used mainly by young people, athletes or not, seeking to gain athletic performance or only a prominent social position. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate on the efficiency of spermatogenesis in sedentary rats and rats subjected to physical training. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four experimental groups: sedentary control, sedentary treated, trained control and trained treated. Treated animals received intramuscular injection of nandrolone decanoate (0.5 mg kg-1 body weight) during the last four weeks of physical training. The training program consisted of running on a programmable ergometer treadmill, tailored to train eight rats simultaneously, for nine weeks. We evaluated the morphological and morphoquantitative profiles of the male reproductive system. The results showed that the treatment causes a reduction in the efficiency of spermatogenesis; however, when associated with physical training, this compensates for the anabolic action, keeping the process of spermatogenesis within normality.

A espermatogênese é um processo complexo, altamente organizado e coordenado, que resulta na produção dos gametas masculinos. Este processo é influenciado por uma série de drogas potencializadoras do desempenho físico, as quais têm sido utilizadas principalmente, por jovens, atletas ou não, que buscam adquirir maior desempenho esportivo ou mesmo apenas uma posição de destaque na sociedade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do anabolizante esteroide decanoato de nandrolona na eficiência da espermatogênese de ratos sedentários e submetidos ao treinamento físico. Foram utilizados 24 ratos machos divididos em quatro grupos experimentais: sedentário-controle, sedentário tratado, treinado-controle e treinado tratado. Os animais tratados receberam injeção intramuscular de decanoato de nandrolona (0,5 mg kg-1) durante as quatro últimas semanas de treinamento físico. O programa de treinamento consistiu de corrida em esteira ergométrica programável, adaptada para treinar oito ratos simultaneamente, durante nove semanas. Foi avaliado o perfil morfológico e morfoquantitativo do sistema reprodutor masculino. Os resultados demonstraram que o tratamento causa redução da eficiência da espermatogênese, no entanto, o treinamento físico quando associado compensa a ação do anabolizante, mantendo o processo de espermatogênese normal.

Effects of Adjuvant Androgen on Anemia and Nutritional Parameters in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients Using Low-dose Recombinant Human Erythropoietin

BACKGROUND: Recombiant human erythropoietin (epoetin) has greatly contributed to improvement of the anemia of chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis. However, the reduced erythropoietic effect to epoetin and its high cost have induced lots of supplementary treatments. Therefore, we performed a prospective study to evaluate the effects of adjuvant low-dose androgen therapy in patients using a lower-dose of epoetin than the commonly recommended dose on anemia and the nutritional parameters. METHODS: 17 patients of hemoglobin (Hgb) less than 9 g/dL even after being treated with 1,000 U epoetin subcutaneously (s.c.) 3 times per week on a stable status for more than 6 months, who were on hemodialysis at our institution were examined. They were injected with the same dose of epoetin s.c. and nandrolone decanoate 100 mg intramuscularly (i.m) weekly for another 6 months. Blood test was performed every month before therapy for 6 months and after therapy for 6 months and the mean values were reviewed for comparison. RESULTS: Hgb (7.75+/-0.9 vs 8.99+/-1.39 g/dL, p < 0.01) and hematocrit (Hct) (23.68+/-2.85 vs 26.66+/-3.91%, p < 0.01) were apparently changed before and after adjuvant therapy. Hgb and Hct, weekly dose of epoetin were not statistically different in 9 male patients before and after adjuvant therapy. The weekly dose of epoetin was not statistically different in 8 female patients, but Hgb and Hct (8.02+/-0.6 vs 9.72+/-1.31 g/dL, 24.54+/-1.7 vs 28.74+/-3.06%, p < 0.01) were statistically different before and after adjuvant therapy. In comparison between male and female groups, weekly doses of epoetin and nandrolone decanoate were significantly greater in the female group than the male group (epoetin; 50.66+/-6.23 vs 61.18+/-8.76 U/kg/week, nandrolone decanoate; 1.69+/-0.2 vs 2.04+/-0.29 mg/kg/week, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data show that the adjuvant androgen therapy is effective for the anemia of hemodialysis patients who did not recover from anemia even after being continuously treated with low-dose epoetin.

Effects of adjuvant androgen on anemia and nutritional parameters in chronic hemodialysis patients using low-dose recombinant human erythropoietin / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) has become attractive option of anemia therapy in chronic hemodialysis patients, but the use of rHuEPO is primarily limited by its high cost. So, the current cost-containment policy renders valuable any strategies that enhances the erythropoietic response to rHuEPO, thus resulting in lower rHuEPO dosing. Before the widespread availability of rHuEPO, androgen was the mainstay of nontransfusional therapy for the anemia of end-stage renal failure. However, previous studies that used androgen to enhance the response to rHuEPO showed variable results. METHODS: We carried out a prospective study to examine the effect of adjuvant androgen on anemia and nutritional parameters in chronic hemodialysis patients using low-dose rHuEPO. Studies were performed in seventeen hemodialysis patients previously treated with low-dose rHuEPO (1,000 U rHuEPO subcutaneously three times a week), mean hemoglobin < 9.0 g/dL for 6 months (group A: before adjuvant androgen therapy). Same patients received the same dose of rHuEPO plus nandrolone decanoate 100 mg intramuscularly weekly for 6 months (group B: after adjuvant androgen therapy). RESULTS: Transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, intact serum parathyroid hormone, plasma aluminium, ALT, ESR, albumin, PCRn and Kt/V were not significantly changed before and after adjuvant androgen therapy. The increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit in the group B was statistically greater than in the group A, respectively (8.99+/-1.39 g/dL vs 7.75+/-0.90 g/dL; p=0.001, 26.66+/-3.91% vs 23.68+/-2.85%; p= 0.003, respectively). With the exception of mild discomfort at the injected site, there were no significant side effects from nandrolone decanoate. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant androgen in patients treated with low-dose rHuEPO is effective treatment for the anemia of poor responsive patients to low-dose rHuEPO and lower the economical cost compared with the higher dose rHuEPO treatment alone.

Effects of Low-dose Androgen in Combination with Subcutaneous Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) on Anemia and Nutritional Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients / 대한신장학회잡지

Recombinant human erythropoietin(r-HuEPO) is the mainstay of anemia therapy in patient with end stage renal disease(ESRD), but the use of r-HuEPO is primarily limited by its high cost. So, it encourages any strategies that potentially enhance the erythropoietic response. However, studies designed to assess whether androgens would enhance the response to r-HuEPO were inconclusive. While androgens may be less expensive and may improve several nutritional parameters, their potential adverse effects discourage usage. We carried out a prospective study to examine the effect of low-dose androgen in combination with subcutaneous r-HuEPO on anemia and nutritional paramenters in hemodialysis patients. Twenty-four hemodialysis patients with hematocrit <24% or hemoglobin <8.0g/dL were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A(n=12) received 2000U r-HuEPO subcutaneously twice a week for six months. Group B(n=12) received the same dose of r-HuEPO plus nandrolone decanoate 100mg intramuscularly biweekly. Anthropometry, albumin, cholesterol, prealbumin, and transferrin were measured as nutritional parameters. The groups showed no differences in baseline levels of the followings : Hemoglobin, hematocrit; transferrin saturation; serum ferritin; intact serum parathyroid hormon, Kt/V; vitamin B12, folate; nutritional parameters. At the completion of the study, both groups showed significant increase in hematocrit compared with baseline levels(group A 20.7+/-2.2% to 26.0+/-3.8%; group B : 21.5+/-3.5% to 30.1+/-2.8%). The mean hematocrit in group B was significantly higher than in group A after 4 month study period(p<0.05). Ten of 12 patients in group B achieved a target hematocrit of 30%, as compared with four of 12 patients in group A. Both groups didn't show significant changes in any nutritional parameters. No significant side effects of androgen were noted during this short-term study. We conclude that low-dose androgen in combination with subcutaneous r-HuEPO is effetive treatment on anemia in hemodialysis patients, but does not improve nutritional status.