Effects of nandrolone decanoate on femur morphology. Experimental study

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the immediate and late effects of nandrolone on femur morphology of rats. Methods Twenty-eight animals with 20 weeks of age were divided into four groups: C28, control animals that were euthanized eight weeks after the experiment started; C40, control animals euthanized 20 weeks after the experiment started; T28, treated animals receiving nandrolone during eight weeks and euthanized immediately after the treatment period; and T40, animals treated during eight weeks and euthanized 12 weeks after the end of the treatment. Treated animals received nandrolone decanoate during eight weeks and control groups received peanut oil by intramuscular injection. After euthanasia, femurs were removed, dissected, weighted and measured by digital pachymeter. Results The T40 group presented an increase on distal epiphysis diameter when compared to C40 group. There was no difference between treated and control groups in relation to body and femur absolute weight, relative weight and length of femur. There was also no difference in relation to diameter of proximal epiphysis and diameter of diaphysis among the groups. Conclusions Nandrolone decanoate does not produce significant effect on femur, exception on its distal extremity at late period. The effects of such drug may depend on the time after administration.

Stanozolol promotes osteogenic gene expression and apposition of bone mineral in vitro

Abstract Stanozolol (ST) is a synthetic androgen with high anabolic potential. Although it is known that androgens play a positive role in bone metabolism, ST action on bone cells has not been sufficiently tested to support its clinical use for bone augmentation procedures. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of ST on osteogenic activity and gene expression in SaOS-2 cells. Material and Methods: SaOS-2 deposition of mineralizing matrix in response to increasing doses of ST (0-1000 nM) was evaluated through Alizarin Red S and Calcein Green staining techniques at 6, 12 and 24 days. Gene expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), vitamin D receptor (VDR), osteopontin (SPP1) and osteonectin (ON) was analyzed by RT-PCR. Results: ST significantly influenced SaOS-2 osteogenic activity: stainings showed the presence of rounded calcified nodules, which increased both in number and in size over time and depending on ST dose. RT-PCR highlighted ST modulation of genes related to osteogenic differentiation. Conclusions: This study provided encouraging results, showing ST promoted the osteogenic commitment of SaOS-2 cells. Further studies are required to validate these data in primary osteoblasts and to investigate ST molecular pathway of action.

Behavioral cross-sensitization between testosterone and fenproporex in adolescent and adult rats

The abuse of psychoactive drugs is considered a global health problem. During the last years, a relevant number of studies have investigated the relationship between anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other psychoactive drugs. AAS, such as testosterone, can cause a dependence syndrome that shares many features with the classical dependence to psychoactive substances. Pre-clinical evidence shows that there are interactions between testosterone and psychoactive drugs, such as cocaine. However, few studies have been performed to investigate the effect of repeated testosterone treatment on behavioral effects of amphetamine derivatives, such as fenproporex. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of repeated testosterone administration on fenproporex-induced locomotor activity in adolescent and adult rats. Adolescent male Wistar rats were injected with testosterone (10 mg/kg sc for 10 days). After 3 days, animals received an acute injection of fenproporex (3.0 mg/kg ip) and the locomotor activity was recorded during 40 min. Thirty days later, the same animals received the same treatment with testosterone followed by a fenproporex challenge injection as described above. Our results demonstrated that repeated testosterone induced behavioral sensitization to fenproporex in adolescent but not in adult rats. These findings suggest that repeated AAS treatment might increase the dependence vulnerability to amphetamine and its derivatives in adolescent rats.

Star anise extracts modulation of reproductive parameters, fertility potential and DNA fragmentation induced by growth promoter Equigan in rat testes

ABSTRACT Equigan is an anabolic steroid that has been developed for veterinary use and derived from endogenous sex hormone testosterone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissue as well as in puberty and spermatogenesis. The current study is aimed to investigate the possible prophylactic effect of star anise extracts (SAE) on the toxicity of rat testes, sexual hormones alternations, sperm count, sperm abnormalities and testicular DNA damage by Equigan. Forty adult male rats were equally divided into four groups (1st Control group, 2nd SAE group, 3rd Equigan and 4th Equigan+SAE group). Food and fluid intakes, relative body weight, potassium, chloride, phosphorous, non-progressive and immotile sperms were significantly increased in Equigan group as compared to control group. In contrast; relative testes weight, sodium, magnesium, total calcium, testosterone, FSH, LH, PRL, sperm count, progressive motility, and viability showed a significant decrease in Equigan group as compared to control groups. The relative weight of epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostates and serum calcium ions didn't change significantly in different studied groups. Co-administration of SAE with Equigan improved the sexual toxicity, electrolyte alternations, sperm count, abnormalities and DNA damage induced by Equigan.

Nandrolone decanoate appears to increase bone callus formation in young adult rats after a complete femoral fracture

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the influence of nandrolone decanoate on fracture healing and bone quality in normal rats. Methods: Male rats were assigned to four groups (n=28/group): Control group consisting of animals without any intervention, Nandrolone decanoate (DN) group consisting of animals that received intramuscular injection of nandrolone decanoate, Fracture group consisting of animals with a fracture at the mid-diaphysis of the femur, and Fracture and nandrolone decanoate group consisting of animals with a femur fracture and treatment with nandrolone decanoate. Fractures were created at the mid-diaphysis of the right femur by a blunt trauma and internally fixed using an intramedullary steel wire. The DN was injected intramuscularly twice per week (10 mg/kg of body mass). The femurs were measured and evaluated by densitometry and mechanical resistance after animal euthanasia. The newly formed bone and collagen type I levels were quantified in the callus. Results: The treated animals had longer femurs after 28 days. The quality of the intact bone was not significantly different between groups. The bone callus did show a larger mass in the treated rats. Conclusion: The administration of nandrolone decanoate did not affect the quality of the intact bone, but might have enhanced the bone callus formation.

Interaction of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids and Induced Tooth Movement in Rats

Abstract This study evaluated the interaction between tooth movement and two anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), Deposteron® and Nebido®. One hundred Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: control (C) n=30, Nebido experimental (N) n=35 and Deposteron experimental (D) n=35. The control group was subdivided into 6 subgroups: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 14. The experimental groups were subdivided into 7 subgroups: 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 14, which corresponded to the day of animal's euthanasia after applying orthodontic force. Orthodontic devices were used to induce tooth movement using 50 cN of reciprocal force between the maxillary right first molar and the maxillary incisors. After euthanasia, the tissues were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). Osteoclasts, Howship's lacunae and blood vessels were quantified. Groups N and D showed acceleration in the reorganization of the periodontal ligament compared to group C. The peak of the histological events occurred in group C on day 5 and in groups N and D on day 3 after installation of the orthodontic device. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of osteoclasts (p<0.05) between groups N3 and C3, and between groups N3 and D3. Supra-physiological doses of the AAS Nebido® and Deposteron® altered the number of osteoclasts, Howship's lacunae and blood vessels, accelerating the reorganization of the periodontal ligament, resulting in accelerated biological effects from the induced tooth movement in rats.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a interação do movimento dentário entre dois esteróides anabólicos androgênicos (EAA), Deposteron® and Nebido®. Cem ratos Wistar foram divididos em 3 grupos: controle (C) n=30, Nebido experimental (N) n=35 e Deposteron experimental (D) n=35. O grupo controle foi subdivido em 6 subgrupos: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 e 14. Os grupos experimentais foram subdivididos em 7 subgrupos: 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 e 14, correspondendo ao dia da eutanásia do animal após aplicada a força ortodôntica. Um dispositivo ortodôntico foi utilizado para induzir a movimentação dentária com força recíproca de 50 cN entre o primeiro molar superior direito e os incisivos superiores. Após a eutanásia, o tecido foi processado e corado com hematoxilina e eosina (HE) e fosfatase ácida tartarato-resistente (TRAP). Osteoclastos, lacunas de Howship e vasos sanguíneos foram quantificados. Os grupos N e D demonstraram aceleração na reorganização do ligamento periodontal comparado ao grupo C. O pico dos eventos histológicos ocorreu no grupo C no dia 5 e nos grupos N e D no dia 3, após a instalação do dispositivo ortodôntico. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante no número de osteoclastos (p<0,05) entre os grupos N3 e C3 e entre os grupos N3 e D3. Doses supra-fisiológicas de EAA Nebido® and Deposteron® alteraram o número de osteoclastos, lacunas de Howship e vasos sanguíneos, acelerando a reorganização do ligamento periodontal, resultando na aceleração dos efeitos biológicos na movimentação dentária em ratos.

Effects of nandrolone decanoate on spermatogenesis in Wistar rats with and without physical training / Efectos del decanoato de nandrolona sobre la espermatogénesis en ratas Wistar con y sin entrenamiento físico

Androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) are artificial testosterone analogues, used as medicine in chronic diseases, because they increase protein synthesis generating muscle hypertrophy. Its effect has caught the attention of athletes and gym users, thus their consumption has become epidemic, due to easy marketing, the immediate results and the false impression that it doesn't carry health risks. Such risks may globally harm the body. This study aims to investigate the influence on spermatogenesis of using nandrolone decanoate with or without physical training. Twenty-four rats, divided into four groups were used: sedentary group (SG), sedentary on steroids group (SSG), trained group (TG) and trained on steroids group (TSG). The animals were trained on voluntary exercise wheel twice a week during 12 weeks, and were subsequently euthanized by decapitation. Groups TSG and SSG received intramuscular injections of 5 mg / kg of the AAS. It was found that there was a greater cellularity in TSG, suggesting interference between androgen therapy and physical training on the mount of cells in the seminiferous epithelium. Comparing the TSG group with the SG, it is noticed that the physical training associated with the use of steroid tends to affect cell division without compromise, however, the number of spermatogonia, did not significantly vary compared to the control group. Finally, it seems that there was no significant statistical difference among the groups in terms of spermatogenesis yield, so that can not be said that the use of nandrolone decanoate, with or without the physical training, interfere with fertility.

Los esteroides anabólicos androgénicos (EAA) son análogos de testosterona artificiales, utilizados como medicina en las enfermedades crónicas, ya que aumentan la síntesis de proteínas generando hipertrofia muscular. Su efecto ha llamado la atención de atletas y usuarios de gimnasios, por lo que su consumo se ha convertido en epidemia, debido a la comercialización fácil, los resultados inmediatos y la falsa impresión de que no conllevan riesgos para la salud. Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar la influencia de utilizar decanoato de nandrolona con o sin entrenamiento físico sobre la espermatogénesis. Se utilizaron 24 ratas, divididas en cuatro grupos: entrenado (GE), entrenado en esteroides (GEE), sedentario en esteroides (GSE) y sedentario (GS). Los grupos GEE y GSE recibieron inyecciones intramusculares de 5 mg/kg de la EAA. Los animales fueron entrenados con ejercicio voluntario en la rueda de correr dos veces por semana durante 12 semanas. Luego, los animales fueron sacrificados por decapitación. Se encontró que hubo una mayor celularidad en GEE, lo que sugiere la interferencia entre la terapia con andrógenos y entrenamiento físico en la cantidad de células en el epitelio seminífero. Comparando el grupo GEE con el GS, se observa que el entrenamiento físico asociado con el uso de esteroides tiende a afectar a la división celular sin comprometerla, sin embargo, el número de espermatogonias, no varió significativamente en comparación con el grupo control. Finalmente, no hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos en términos de rendimiento de la espermatogénesis, por lo que no se puede decir que el uso del decanoato de nandrolona, con o sin el entrenamiento físico, interfiere con la fertilidad.

Echocardiographic findings in power athletes abusing anabolic androgenic steroids

Anabolic androgenic steroids [AAS] abuse for improving physical appearance and performance in body builders is common and has been considered responsible for serious cardiovascular effects. Due to disagreement about cardiovascular side effects of these drugs in published articles, this case control study was designed to evaluate the echocardiographic findings in body builder athletes who are current and chronic abusers of these drugs. Body builder athletes with continuous practice for the preceding two years and were training at least twice weekly were selected and divided into AAS abuser and non user and compared with age and BMI matched non athletic healthy volunteers [15 cases in each group]. There was no significant difference in left ventricular size or function either systolic or diastolic in comparison to cases and control groups. The only difference was in diastolic size of septum and free wall but observed differences were only significant [P = 0.05] between first [athletic with AAS abuser] and third group [non athletic and nonuser]. The difference between the above-mentioned indexes were not significant between two groups of athletes. Observed differences in diastolic size of septum and free wall is in favor of that long term abuse of anabolic steroid results in accentuation of physiologic hypertrophy due to long term sport most probably due to higher rate pressure product. Furthermore long term abuse and supra pharmacologic doses do not have significant effect in size and left ventricular function

A ten-year assessment of anabolic steroid misuse among competitive athletes in Puerto Rico / Valoración por diez años del abuso de esteroides anabólicos entre los atletas de competencia de Puerto Rico

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) misuse in the Caribbean region in spite of increased popularity among athletes and adolescents. The present study examines the usage of AAS among competitive athletes in Puerto Rico. METHODS: Doping test results of competitive athletes obtained by random sampling out of competition during the 2000-2009 period were analysed. Doping tests were executed by the Centre for Sports, Health and Exercise Sciences (Albergue Olímpico, Salinas, Puerto Rico). A total of 550 athletes were monitored during 2000-2009. Information was collected with regard to competitive sport, gender and AAS compounds whenever a positive test result was encountered. RESULTS: From the total sample of monitored cases during the past decade, 5.4% showed adverse analytical findings. Anabolic androgenic steroids misuse was detected among male (62%) and female (38%) athletes. Weightlifting showed the greatest percentage of positive AAS doping test results (70% of total cases) and stanozolol was the most commonly misused exogenous androgen (60% of abused AAS whether alone or as part of a cocktail). Testosterone was the most common endogenous misused steroid (10% of misused compounds). CONCLUSION: In Puerto Rico, AAS misuse was detected across competitive sports for both genders. Although AAS misuse among Puerto Rican athletes shares some features that are consistent with the international sports community, it is imperative to address AAS misuse in the Caribbean region.

OBJETIVO: Poco se sabe acerca del abuso de los esteroides anabólicos androgénicos (EAA) en la región del Caribe, a pesar de su creciente popularidad entre atletas y adolescentes. El estudio presente examina el uso de EAA entre los atletas de competencia en Puerto Rico. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron los resultados de la prueba de dopaje practicada a atletas de competencia mediante un muestreo aleatorio realizado a partir de competencias celebradas durante el 2000-2009. Las pruebas de dopaje fueron realizadas por el Centro de Deportes, Salud y Ciencias del Ejercicio (Albergue Olímpico, Salinas, Puerto Rico). Se monitorearon un total de 550 atletas durante 2000-2009. Se recogió información en relación con los deportes de competencia, género, y compuestos de EAA, siempre que la prueba arrojara resultados positivos. RESULTADOS: De la muestra total de casos supervisados durante la década pasada, 5.4% mostraron resultados analíticos adversos. Se detectó un uso inapropiado de esteroides anabólicos androgénicos entre los atletas varones (62%) y hembras (38%). El levantamiento de pesas mostró el porcentaje más alto de resultados de dopaje positivos a EAA (70% del total de casos) y el estanozolol fue el andrógeno exógeno más comúnmente mal empleado (60% de los EAA usados inapropiadamente, bien solos o como parte de un cóctel). La testosterona fue el esteroide endógeno más comúnmente abusado (10% de los compuestos mal empleados). CONCLUSIÓN: En Puerto Rico, se detectó uso inapropiado de EAA en los deportes de competencia de ambos géneros. Aunque el abuso de EAA entre los atletas portorriqueños comparte algunas de las características correspondientes a la comunidad internacional de deportes, es absolutamente necesario profundizar en el problema del abuso de los EAA en el área del Caribe.

O papel do esteroide anabolizante sobre a hipertrofia e força muscular em treinamentos de resistência aeróbia e de força / The role of anabolic steroids on hypertrophy and muscular

INTRODUÇÃO: Os efeitos dos esteroides anabolizantes (EA) sobre a massa muscular e força são controversos e dependentes do treinamento realizado e das fibras musculares recrutadas. Com isso, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da associação de EA ao treinamento de força ou aeróbio sobre a hipertrofia e força muscular. MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar (42) foram divididos em seis grupos: sedentário (SC, n = 7), sedentário anabolizante (SA, n = 7), treinado natação controle (TNC, n = 7), treinado natação anabolizante (TNA, n = 7), treinado força controle (TFC, n = 7) e treinado força anabolizante (TFA, n = 7). O EA foi administrado duas vezes por semana (10mg/kg/semana). Os protocolos de treinamento foram realizados durante 10 semanas, cinco sessões semanais. Foram avaliadas a hipertrofia dos músculos sóleo, plantar e gastrocnêmio (massa muscular corrigida pelo comprimento da tíbia), a proteína total muscular (Bradford) e a força muscular em patas traseiras (testes de resistência à inclinação). RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significantes na hipertrofia do músculo sóleo. Os grupos TFC e TFA apresentaram, respectivamente, hipertrofia de 18 por cento e 31 por cento no músculo plantar comparado ao grupo SC. A hipertrofia foi 13 por cento maior no grupo TFA em relação ao grupo TFC. Resultados semelhantes foram encontrados no músculo gastrocnêmio. Os grupos TFC e TFA apresentaram significantes aumentos na quantidade total de proteína nos músculos plantares, sendo essa mais pronunciada no grupo TFA e positivamente correlaciona a hipertrofia muscular. Observamos aumento de força nas patas traseiras nos grupos TCF e TAF. CONCLUSÃO: A administração de EA ou sua associação ao treinamento aeróbio não aumenta a massa muscular e força. Porém, à associação ao treinamento de força leva a maior hipertrofia muscular em fibras glicolíticas. Portanto, o tipo de treinamento físico, recrutamento muscular e características das fibras musculares...

INTRODUCTION: The effects of the anabolic steroids (AS) on muscle mass and strength are controversial and dependent on the training protocol performed and the muscle fibers recruited. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the AS effects combined with strength training or aerobic exercise training on muscle hypertrophy and strength. METHODS: Wistar rats (42) were divided into six groups: sedentary control (SC, n = 7), steroid sedentary (SS, n = 7), swimming training control (STC, n = 7), swimming training steroid (STS, n = 7), strength training control (SRC, n = 7) and strength training steroid (SRS, n = 7). AS was administered twice a week (10mg/kg/week). The training protocols were performed for 10 weeks, 5 sessions per week. Soleus, gastrocnemius and plantar hypertrophy (muscle mass corrected for tibia length), total muscle protein (Bradford) and muscle strength in hind limb (resistance to twist) were assessed. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in soleus muscle hypertrophy. SRC and SRS groups showed hypertrophy of 18 percent and 31 percent in plantar muscles compared to the SC group. Hypertrophy was 13 percent higher in SRS than SRC group. Similar results were found in gastrocnemius muscle. SRC and SRS groups showed significant increases in the protein total amount in the plantar muscles, it was more pronounced in SRS group and positively correlated to muscle hypertrophy. The strength was increase in SRC and SRS groups. CONCLUSION: AS administration or its association to aerobic training does not increase muscle mass and strength. However, its association to strength training leads to muscle hypertrophy in glycolytic fibers. Therefore, the physical training protocol, muscle recruitment and muscle fibers characteristics, appear to have significant impact on anabolic responses induced by AS.

Vascular adaptive responses to physical exercise and to stress are affected differently by nandrolone administration

Androgenic anabolic steroid, physical exercise and stress induce cardiovascular adaptations including increased endothelial function. The present study investigated the effects of these conditions alone and in combination on the vascular responses of male Wistar rats. Exercise was started at 8 weeks of life (60-min swimming sessions 5 days per week for 8 weeks, while carrying a 5 percent body-weight load). One group received nandrolone (5 mg/kg, twice per week for 8 weeks, im). Acute immobilization stress (2 h) was induced immediately before the experimental protocol. Curves for noradrenaline were obtained for thoracic aorta, with and without endothelium from sedentary and trained rats, submitted or not to stress, treated or not with nandrolone. None of the procedures altered the vascular reactivity to noradrenaline in denuded aorta. In intact aorta, stress and exercise produced vascular adaptive responses characterized by endothelium-dependent hyporeactivity to noradrenaline. These conditions in combination did not potentiate the vascular adaptive response. Exercise-induced vascular adaptive response was abolished by nandrolone. In contrast, the aortal reactivity to noradrenaline of sedentary rats and the vascular adaptive response to stress of sedentary and trained rats were not affected by nandrolone. Maximum response for 7-10 rats/group (g): sedentary 3.8 ± 0.2 vs trained 3.0 ± 0.2*; sedentary/stress 2.7 ± 0.2 vs trained/stress 3.1 ± 0.1*; sedentary/nandrolone 3.6 ± 0.1 vs trained/nandrolone 3.8 ± 0.1; sedentary/stress/nandrolone 3.2 ± 0.1 vs trained/stress/nandrolone 2.5 ± 0.1*; *P < 0.05 compared to its respective control. Stress and physical exercise determine similar vascular adaptive response involving distinct mechanisms as indicated by the observation that only the physical exercise-induced adaptive response was abolished by nandrolone.

Perfil eletrocardiográfico e conteúdo glicogênico muscular de ratos tratados com nandrolona / Electrocardiographic profile and muscle glycogen content of rats treated with nandrolone / Perfil electrocardiográfico y contenido glicogénico muscular de ratones tratados con nandrolona

FUNDAMENTO: Considerou-se o uso indiscriminado de esteroides tanto por atletas de elite quanto por praticantes de atividades físicas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do decanoato de nandrolona sobre o perfil eletrocardiográfico, conteúdo glicogênico e de proteínas totais dos músculos cardíacos e esqueléticos, bem como as concentrações plasmática de albumina. MÉTODOS: Os animais do grupo tratado receberam a droga na concentração 5 mg/kg pela via subcutânea, duas vezes por semana, durante três semanas. Uma vez por semana, os ratos foram anestesiados com Pentobarbital sódico (50 mg/kg, ip) e submetidos à avaliação por meio do eletrocardiograma (ECG). Após o período experimental, amostras dos músculos cardíaco (ventrículo esquerdo - VE), sóleo (S), gastrocnêmio branco (GB), gastrocnêmio vermelho (GV), peitoral (P), intercostal (IC) e diafragma (D) foram prontamente coletadas e analisadas. Os dados (média ± epm) foram avaliados de acordo com ANOVA, segundo teste de Tukey (p>0,05). RESULTADOS: Os ratos do grupo tratado apresentaram alterações nos seguintes parâmetros cardíacos: intervalo QRS, intervalo QTc e frequência cardíaca, caracterizados por um aumento desses, tendo o ápice no intervalo da semana de pré-tratamento para a primeira semana. As reservas de glicogênio no VE apresentaram aumento de 127 por cento. Em relação à quantidade de proteínas totais, a diferença significativa foi constatada no S, GV e D. Quanto ao perfil bioquímico e ao hematócrito, foi observado um aumento na porcentagem de eritrócitos. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo mostra que importantes alterações cardíacas são deflagradas precocemente, sugerindo uma hierarquia na sequência de modificações que comprometem a homeostasia do organismo.

BACKGROUND: We considered both the indiscriminate use of steroids by top athletes and by physically active individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of nandrolone decanoate on the electrocardiographic profile, glycogen content and total-protein profile of skeletal and cardiac muscles, as well as the plasma albumin concentrations. METHODS: The drug was administered subcutaneously, at a concentration of 5 mg/kg, twice a week for three weeks, to animals in the treated group. Once a week, the rats were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg, ip) and they underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG). After the trial period, samples of the cardiac muscle (left ventricle - LV), soleus muscle (S), white gastrocnemius muscle (WG), red gastrocnemius muscle (RG), pectoral muscle (P), intercostal muscle (IC) and diaphragm muscle (D) were promptly collected and analyzed. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and then a Tukey test (p>0.05) were carried out to assess the data (mean ± sem). RESULTS: There were changes in the following parameters of rats in the treated group: QRS interval, QTc interval and heart rate, characterized by an increase in these parameters, with the peak being reached in the period between the pre-treatment week and the first week. There was an increase of 127 percent in glycogen reserves in the LV. In relation to the total-protein amount, the significant difference was found in S, RG and D. As for the hematocrit and biochemical profile, it was possible to notice an increase in the percentage of erythrocytes. CONCLUSION: The study shows that major cardiac changes are triggered at an early stage, which indicates a hierarchy in the sequence of changes that compromise the homeostasis of the body.

FUNDAMENTO: Se consideró el uso indiscriminado de esteroides tanto por atletas de elite como por practicantes de actividades físicas. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los efectos del decanoato de nandrolona sobre el perfil electrocardiográfico, contenido glicogénico y de proteínas totales de los músculos cardíacos y esqueléticos, así como las concentraciones plasmática de albúmina. MÉTODOS: Los animales del grupo tratado recibieron la droga en la concentración 5mg/kg por vía subcutánea, dos veces por semana, durante tres semanas. Una vez por semana, los ratones fueron anestesiados con Pentobarbital sódico (50mg/Kg, ip) y sometidos a evaluación por medio de electrocardiograma (ECG). Después del período experimental, muestras de los músculos cardíaco (ventrículo izquierdo - VI), sóleo (S), gastrocnemio blanco (GB), gastrocnemio rojo (GV), pectoral (P), intercostal (IC) y diafragma (D) fueron colectadas y analizadas. Los datos (media±epm) fueron evaluados de acuerdo con ANOVA, segundo test de Tukey (p>0,05). RESULTADOS: Los ratones del grupo tratado presentaron alteraciones en los siguientes parámetros cardíacos: intervalo QRS, intervalo QTc y frecuencia cardíaca, caracterizados por un aumento de estos, teniendo el ápice en el intervalo de la semana de pretratamiento a la primera semana. Las reservas de glicógeno en el VI presentaron aumento de 127 por ciento. En relación a la cantidad de proteínas totales, una diferencia significativa fue constatada en el S, GV y D. En cuanto al perfil bioquímico y al hematocrito, fue observado un aumento en el porcentaje de eritrocitos. CONCLUSIÓN: El estudio muestra que importantes alteraciones cardíacas son provocadas precozmente, sugiriendo una jerarquía en la secuencia de modificaciones que comprometen la homeostasia del organismo.

Avaliação descritiva sobre o uso de esteroides anabolizantes e seu efeito sobre as variáveis bioquímicas e neuroendócrinas em indivíduos que praticam exercício resistido / Descriptive assessment on the use of anabolic steroids and their effect on the biochemical and neuroendocrine variables in practitioners of resisted exercise

O uso dos esteroides anabolizantes vem se tornando um problema de saúde pública ao longo dos últimos anos. No bojo do uso abusivo, muitos efeitos deletérios são observados, na sua totalidade por disfunções dos vários sistemas fisiológicos. Sendo assim, o objetivo do estudo foi o de avaliar o eixo hipófise-gonadal, a função hormonal, as transaminases hepáticas e o perfil de hemograma de 61 voluntários distribuídos em três grupos: 20 usuários de esteroides anabolizantes praticantes de exercício físico resistido, 21 praticantes de exercício resistido sem uso de esteroides anabolizantes e 20 sedentários. Foi observada elevação do nível de creatina quinase nos dois grupos de indivíduos que se exercitavam de maneira resistida, em relação ao grupo de sedentários (p < 0,001). Redução das gonadotrofinas LH e FSH do grupo de usuários de esteroides anabolizantes e elevação do nível de estradiol, em comparação ao grupo sedentário e treinado que não usa esteroides anabolizantes (p < 0,001). Ainda, foi observada redução da fração HDL do colesterol, em relação aos dois grupos estudados (p < 0,001). Desta maneira, o uso dos esteroides anabolizantes causa alterações bioquímicas que podem levar a instalação de efeitos colaterais.

The use of anabolic asteroids has become a public health problem over the last years. Concerning their abusive use, many deleterious effects caused in their totality by dysfunction of the various physiological systems can be observed. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the hypophyseal-gonadal axis, hormone function, hepatic transaminases and hemogram profile of 61 volunteers distributed in three groups: 20 anabolic steroid users, practitioners of resisted physical exercise; 21 practitioners of resisted physical exercise with no use of anabolic steroids and 20 sedentary subjects. Increase of the creatine kinase level was observed in the two exercised groups in comparison to the sedentary group (p < 0.001). Reduction of the LH and FSH gonadotrpins of the steroid users group and increase in the estradiol level were observed in comparison to the sedentary and with no steroid use groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, reduction of the HDL cholesterol fraction was observed in comparison to the two studied groups (p < 0.001). Thus, the use of anabolic steroids causes biochemical alterations which can lead to the installation of collateral effects.

Efeitos dos esteroides anabólicos androgênicos sobre o útero e parâmetros reprodutivos de ratas adultas / Effects of androgenic anabolic steroids on the uterus and reproductive parameters of adult female rats

OBJETIVO: avaliar os efeitos da administração de dois esteroides sintéticos sobre a morfologia do útero e parâmetros reprodutivos de ratas adultas. MÉTODOS: quarenta ratas foram aleatoriamente distribuídas nos grupos experimentais: controle (C; solução fisiológica); tratados com decanoato de nandrolona (DN; 7,5 mg/kg de peso corpóreo); composto de ésteres de testosterona (T; 7,5 mg/kg de peso corpóreo); e, simultaneamente, com DN e T (7,5 mg/kg de peso corpóreo de cada esteroide), em uma única dose/semana, intraperitoneal, durante oito semanas. Cinco fêmeas de cada grupo foram sacrificadas e os cornos uterinos foram coletados, pesados e preparados para avaliação histológica e morfométrica. As ratas restantes foram acasaladas com machos normais para avaliação dos parâmetros reprodutivos, constituindo os grupos tratados durante o período pré-gestacional. Outro grupo de 20 ratas recebeu os tratamentos durante o período gestacional (7º-14º dias). Foi aplicada a análise de variância não paramétrica de Kruskal-Wallis, complementada com o teste de Dunn ou de Student-Newman-Kleus para análise dos dados (5 por cento de significância). RESULTADOS: houve aumento significativo no peso corpóreo das fêmeas androgenizadas (DN: 305±50; T: 280±35; DN+T: 275±30 versus C: 255±22 g) (p<0,05). O peso uterino não foi afetado pelos tratamentos esteroidais (DN: 0,6±0,2; T: 0,4±0,04; DN+T: 0,7±0,1 versus C: 0,4±0,09 g). Todas as fêmeas androgenizadas apresentaram aciclicidade estral e endométrio caracterizado pelo revestimento luminal papilífero, estroma edematoso com áreas hemorrágicas e atividade secretora. Houve alterações nos parâmetros morfométricos de espessura do epitélio luminal, miométrio e perimétrio, em função do grupo androgenizado. Nenhuma rata exibiu prenhez quando tratada com os esteroides no período pré-gestacional, e o tratamento durante a organogênese afetou negativamente os parâmetros reprodutivos. CONCLUSÕES: os agentes esteroidais alteram ...

PURPOSE: to evaluate the effects of the administration of two synthetic steroids in the uterus morphology and in the reproductive parameters of adult female rats. METHODS: divided into four experimental groups: control (C; physiological solution); treated with nandrolone decanoate (DN; 7.5 mg/kg of body weight); with a testosterone esters compound (T; 7.5 mg/kg); and simultaneously with DN and T (7.5 mg/kg of each steroid), in a single intraperitoneal weekly dose, for eight weeks. Five females of each group were sacrificed and the uterine horns were collected, weighted and prepared for histological and morphometrical evaluation. The remaining rats were mated with normal male rats for reproductive parameters evaluation, composing the groups treated during the pre-gestational period. Another group of 20 female rats were treated during the gestational period (7th-14th days). For data analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric variance analysis was used, followed by the test of Dunn or of Student-Newman-Keus (5 percent significance level). RESULTS: there was a significant body weight increase in the androgenized females (ND: 305±50; T: 280±35; ND+T: 275±30 versus C: 255±22 g; p<0.05). Uterine weight was not affected by the steroidal treatment (ND: 0.6±0.2; T: 0.4±0.04; ND+T: 0.7±0.1 versus C: 0.4±0.09 g). All the androgenized females presented estral acyclicity and endometrium characterized by papilliferous luminal lining, oedematous stroma with hemorrhagic areas and secretory activity. There were changes in the morphometrical thickness parameters of the luminal epithelium, myometrium and perimetrium in the androgenized groups. None of the female rats got pregnant when treated with steroids in the pre-gestational period and the treatment during organogenesis affected negatively the reproductive parameters. CONCLUSIONS: steroidal agents alter the uterine structure and impair fertility and gestational outcome in female rats.

Anabolic steroid- and exercise-induced cardiac stress protein (HSP72) in the rat

The present study investigated the effects of exercise and anabolic-androgenic steroids on cardiac HSP72 expression. Male Wistar rats were divided into experimental groups: nandrolone exercise (NE, N = 6), control exercise (CE, N = 6), nandrolone sedentary (NS, N = 6), and control sedentary (CS, N = 6). Animals in the NE and NS groups received a weekly intramuscular injection (6.5 mg/kg of body weight) of nandrolone decanoate, while those in the CS and CE groups received mineral oil as vehicle. Animals in the NE and CE groups were submitted to a progressive running program on a treadmill, for 8 weeks. Fragments of the left ventricle were collected at sacrifice and the relative immunoblot contents of HSP72 were determined. Heart weight to body weight ratio was higher in exercised than in sedentary animals (P < 0.05, 4.65 ± 0.38 vs 4.20 ± 0.47 mg/g, respectively), independently of nandrolone, and in nandrolone-treated than untreated animals (P < 0.05, 4.68 ± 0.47 vs 4.18 ± 0.32 mg/g, respectively), independently of exercise. Cardiac HSP72 accumulation was higher in exercised than in sedentary animals (P < 0.05, 677.16 ± 129.14 vs 246.24 ± 46.30 relative unit, respectively), independently of nandrolone, but not different between nandrolone-treated and untreated animals (P > 0.05, 560.88 ± 127.53 vs 362.52 ± 95.97 relative unit, respectively) independently of exercise. Exercise-induced HSP72 expression was not affected by nandrolone. These levels of HSP72 expression in response to nandrolone administration suggest either a low intracellular stress or a possible less protection to the myocardium.

Relação entre a administração de esteróide anabólico androgênico, treinamento físico aeróbio e supercompensação do glicogênio / Relation between anabolic androgenic steroid administration, aerobic physical training and glycogen supercompensation

A supercompensação do glicogênio é uma das adaptações induzidas pelo treinamento físico. Visando potencializar este fenômeno, muitos atletas utilizam doses suprafisiológicas de esteróides anabólicos androgênicos (EAA). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar em ratos os efeitos da nandrolona e do exercício aeróbio sobre o peso corporal, triglicerídeos, glicose e reservas de glicogênio. Ratos Wistar machos foram aleatoriamente divididos em quatro grupos: sedentário + veículo (SV), treinado + veículo (TV), sedentário + EAA (SEAA) e treinado + EAA (TEAA, n = 7-14/grupo). Receberam injeção i.m. de nandrolona ou veículo durante nove semanas e durante o mesmo período os animais treinados foram submetidos a exercício aeróbio. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA bifatorial e Tukey (p < 0,05). Os grupos SEAA, TV e TEAA apresentaram menor peso corporal do que o grupo SV (SEAA: 339 ± 10 = TV: 342 ± 14 = TEAA: 332 ± 6 < SV: 398 ± 9g). O treinamento físico reduziu significativamente a concentração plasmática de triglicerídeos [(TV: 46 ± 4 = TEAA: 44 ± 3) < (SV: 104 ± 1 = SEAA: 101 ± 6mg/dL)] e de glicogênio hepático [(TV: 3,38 ± 0,57 = TEAA: 2,62 ± 0,34) < (SV: 4,95 ± 0,11 = SEAA: 4,43 ± 0,23mg/100mg)] e aumentou a concentração cardíaca de glicogênio [(TV: 0,38 ± 0,04 = TEAA: 0,42 ± 0,03) > (SV: 0,2 ± 0,02 = SEAA: 0,21 ± 0,02mg/100mg)]. A glicemia e as reservas de glicogênio do sóleo permaneceram inalteradas. O uso de doses suprafisiológicas de nandrolona não potencializou nenhum dos efeitos obtidos em resposta ao treinamento aeróbio.

Endothelial function in male body builders taking androgenic steroids

Adverse cardiovascular events have been reported in body builders taking anabolic steroids. Adverse effects of AAS on endothelial function can initiate atherosclerosis. This study evaluates endothelial function in body builders using AAS, compared with non-steroids using athletes as controls. We recruited 30 nonsmoking male body builders taking AAS, 14 in build up phase, 8 in work out phase, and 8 in post steroid phase, and 30 nonsmoking male athletes who denied ever using steroids. Serum lipids and fasting plasma glucose were measured to exclude dyslipidemia and diabetes. Brachial artery diameter was measured by ultrasound at rest, after cuff inflation, and after sublingual glyceriltrinitrate [GTN] to determine flow mediated dilation [FMD], nitro mediated dilation [NMD] and ratio of FMD to NMD [index of endothelial function]. Use of AAS was associated with higher body mass index [BMI] and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C]. Mean ratio of flow mediated dilatation after cuff deflation to post GTN dilatation of brachial artery [index of endothelial function] in body builders taking AAS was significantly lower than control group [0.96[0.05] versus 1[0.08]; p=0.03]. After adjusting BMI, age and weight, no significant difference was seen in index of endothelial function between two groups [p=0.21]. Our study indicates that taking AAS in body builders doesn't have direct effect on endothelial function. Future study with bigger sample size and measurement of AAS metabolites is recommended

Agentes anabolicos oseos: Utilidad terapeutica / Bone anabolic agents

En este articulo se revisa la utilidad terapéutica del fluoruro de sodio y de la paratohormona, agentes anabólicos, en el tratamiento de la osteoporosis. Se discuten generalidades, mecanis10 de acción, efecto sobre la densidad mineral ósea indicaciones para su uso