1
|
Adenosine receptors participate in anabolic-androgenic steroid-induced changes on risk assessment/anxiety-like behaviors in male and female rats. Physiol Behav 2023; 261:114071. [PMID: 36584765 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.114071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and caffeine can induce several behavioral alterations in humans and rodents. Administration of nandrolone decanoate is known to affect defensive responses to aversive stimuli, generally decreasing inhibitory control and increasing aggressivity but whether caffeine intake influences behavioral changes induced by AAS is unknown. The present study aimed to investigate behavioral effects of caffeine (a non-selective antagonist of adenosine receptors) alone or combined with nandrolone decanoate (one of the most commonly AAS abused) in female and male Lister Hooded rats. Our results indicated that chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate (10 mg/kg, i.m., once a week for 8 weeks) decreased risk assessment/anxiety-like behaviors (in the elevated plus maze test), regardless of sex. These effects were prevented by combined caffeine intake (0.1 g/L, p.o., ad libitum). Overall, the present study heralds a key role for caffeine intake in the modulation of nandrolone decanoate-induced behavioral changes in rats, suggesting adenosine receptors as candidate targets to manage impact of AAS on brain function and behavior.
Collapse
|
2
|
El-Shamarka ME, Eliwa HA, Ahmed MAE. Inhibition of boldenone-induced aggression in rats by curcumin: Targeting TLR4/MyD88/TRAF-6/NF-κB pathway. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 36:e22936. [PMID: 34719837 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The illicit abuse of anabolic steroids is associated with brutal aggression, which represents a serious health hazard and social threat. Boldenone is commonly used for doping by athletes and adolescents for esthetic purposes and to enhance performance and endurance during competitions. However, the mechanistic pathways underlying boldenone-induced behavioral deviations and neuronal toxicity have not yet been elucidated. On the other hand, the natural polyphenol curcumin is appreciated for its relative safety, potent antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the present study was initiated to explore the signaling pathways underlying boldenone-induced anxiety and aggression in rats, and the protective effects of curcumin. To achieve this aim, male Wistar albino rats were randomly distributed into control, curcumin (100 mg/kg in sesame oil, p.o., once daily), boldenone (5 mg/kg, intramuscular, once weekly), and combination groups. Rats were challenged across the open field, irritability, defensive aggression, and resident-intruder tests. The prefrontal cortex was used to assess serotonin level, oxidative stress markers, and mRNA expression of myeloid differentiation primary response gene (MyD88), TNFR-associated factor 6 (TRAF-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), protein expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB transcription factor (NF-κB p65). Unprecedented, the current results showed that boldenone elicited aggression in rats accompanied by depleted serotonin, enhanced oxidative stress, and exaggerated inflammatory response via upregulation of TLR4/MyD88/TRAF-6/NF-κB pathway. Interestingly, curcumin mitigated boldenone-induced neurobehavioral disturbances in rats, normalized the oxidant/antioxidant balance, and suppressed TLR4/MyD88/TRAF-6/NF-κB pathway and its downstream proinflammatory signaling molecules TNF-α and IL-1β.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwa E El-Shamarka
- Department of Narcotics, Ergogenic Aids and Poisons, National Research Center, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Hesham A Eliwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha A E Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), Giza, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ronchi SN, Mass EMSW, Bernardina NRD, de Melo Júnior AF, Dos Santos WC, de Andrade TU, Brasil GA, Bissoli NS. Low and high doses of oxandrolone promote pathological cardiac remodeling in young male rats. Steroids 2021; 170:108814. [PMID: 33727119 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2021.108814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxandrolone (OXA) used in clinical practice, however, its misuse is frequent, including by adolescents pursuing an aesthetic goal. However, the impacts of noxious doses on the cardiovascular system remain unknown. AIM To investigate cardiac effects of OXA in low (LD) and high (HD) doses. METHODS Male Wistar prepubescent rats were separated into 3 experimental groups: control (CON), LD, and HD. Only the CON group received the carrier (carboxymethylcellulose, 0.5%), while the LD and HD groups received, respectively, 2.5 and 37.5 mg/kg/day of OXA via gavage for 4 weeks. The hemodynamic parameters (+dP/dtmax, -dP/dtmin, and Tau) and cardiac autonomic tonus were assessed. Hearts were retrieved for histological analyses and oxidative stress evaluation. Expression levels of calcium-handling proteins were measured by western blot. RESULTS The OXA treatment changed neither the cardiac contractility nor the cardiac autonomic tonus. However, cardiac hypertrophy, collagen deposition, and increased angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) expression were observed in a dose-dependent way. Also, the p-phospholamban (p-PLB)/PLB ratio was observed to decrease and increase, respectively, in the LD and HD groups; the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a)/PLB ratio being higher in both groups. OXA increased SOD1 expression and decreased catalase expression only in the LD group, and protein oxidation was increased in HD. CONCLUSION Both doses of OXA could promote pathological cardiac remodeling, probably via increased ACE, and these effects were exacerbated in the HD treatment, but cardiac contractility was not affected regardless of the dose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silas Nascimento Ronchi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nazaré Souza Bissoli
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fermented soybean beverage improves performance and attenuates anaerobic exercise oxidative stress in Wistar rat skeletal muscle. PHARMANUTRITION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2021.100262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
5
|
Seara FAC, Pereira-Junior PP, Silva-Almeida C, Dos-Santos RC, Souza RN, Costa CRM, Domingos AE, Barbosa RAQ, Ferraz AP, Machado AAN, Ceccato VM, Takiya CM, Ponte CG, Reis LC, Olivares EL, Nascimento JHM. Anabolic steroid excess promotes hydroelectrolytic and autonomic imbalance in adult male rats: Is it enough to alter blood pressure? Steroids 2020; 163:108711. [PMID: 32739291 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM The present study investigated the effects of anabolic steroid (AS) excess on blood pressure regulation. METHODS Male Wistar rats were treated with nandrolone decanoate (AS) or vehicle (CTL) for 8 or 10 weeks. Saline (1.8%) and water intake were measured in metabolic cages. Urinary volume, osmolarity, Na+ and K+ concentrations, and plasma osmolarity were measured. The autonomic balance was estimated by heart rate variability at baseline or after icv injection of losartan. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and ex vivo recordings. Myocardial collagen deposition was evaluated by Picrosirius-Red staining. Vascular reactivity and wall thickness were investigated in aortic sections. Blood pressure (BP) was assessed by tail-cuff plethysmography. Angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R), renin, and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) mRNA expression was measured in the kidneys and whole hypothalamus. RESULTS AS group exhibited decreased urinary volume and Na+ concentration, while urinary K+ concentration, plasma osmolarity, and renal AT1R and renin mRNA levels were increased compared to CTL (p < 0.05). Water intake was increased, and saline intake was decreased in the AS group (p < 0.01). AS group exhibited increased low-frequency/high-frequency-ratio, while it was decreased by icv injection of losartan (p < 0.05) compared to baseline. Neither cardiac function nor vascular reactivity/morphology was affected by AS excess (p > 0.05). Ultimately, BP levels were not altered by AS excess (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION AS excess promoted hydroelectrolytic and autonomic imbalance but did not alter vascular or cardiac function/morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A C Seara
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Pedro P Pereira-Junior
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudio Silva-Almeida
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Estácio de Sá University, Brazil
| | - Raoni C Dos-Santos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raquel N Souza
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - César R M Costa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Multicenter Postgraduate Program of Physiological Sciences, Brazilian Society of Physiology, Brazil
| | - Ainá E Domingos
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raiana A Q Barbosa
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana P Ferraz
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André A N Machado
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Gene Expression, University of Ceará, Brazil
| | - Vânia M Ceccato
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Gene Expression, University of Ceará, Brazil
| | - Christina M Takiya
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiano G Ponte
- Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luis C Reis
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Multicenter Postgraduate Program of Physiological Sciences, Brazilian Society of Physiology, Brazil
| | - Emerson L Olivares
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Multicenter Postgraduate Program of Physiological Sciences, Brazilian Society of Physiology, Brazil
| | - Jose H M Nascimento
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Santos LCDS, Lapa Neto CJC, Santos AMGD, Marinho KSDN, Nascimento BJD, Alves ER, Teixeir ÁAC, Wanderley-Teixeira V. Immunohistochemical and histophysiological study of prolonged use of nandrolone on reproductive organs and fertility. Biotech Histochem 2020; 96:468-486. [PMID: 32981356 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2020.1822545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated possible changes in morphology and immunohistochemistry of the uterus and ovaries of rats caused by nandrolone (ND); we also investigated effects on fertility. We used 30 rats divided into three experimental groups: control (C), control vehicle (CV) and 5 mg/kg ND. Rats treated with ND exhibited loss of estrous cyclicity with predominance of the estrus phase, increased body weight and an organosomatic index that was decreased for the ovaries, but increased for the uterus. In the ovary, we observed a reduction in primary and secondary follicles and an increase in tertiary follicles; no corpora lutea were observed. Estrogen and progesterone levels were reduced. In the uterus, the endometrium was edematous with hyperplasic glands. The cytokines, TNFα and IL6, and the apoptotic index were increased in rats treated with ND. VEGF-A was increased in the ovaries and decreased in the uterus. We conclude that ND disrupts ovarian and uterine histophysiology by establishing an anovulatory and inflammatory condition, which directly affects reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bruno José do Nascimento
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Erique Ricardo Alves
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nandrolone alter left ventricular contractility and promotes remodelling involving calcium-handling proteins and renin-angiotensin system in male SHR. Life Sci 2018; 208:239-245. [PMID: 30040952 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Hypertension is a highly prevalent disease that has been correlated to severe organ damage and mortality. However, the role of androgens in hypertension is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiac effects of the nandrolone decanoate (NDL) in male SHR. MAIN METHODS At 12 weeks of age, male SHR rats were separated into three groups: Control (CON), Nandrolone 10 mg/kg twice weekly (NDL), and NDL plus Enalapril 10 mg/kg/day (NDL-E) groups. The animals were treated for 4 weeks. Haemodynamic parameters were acquired through ventricular catheter implantation. The left ventricle was stained with haematoxylin/eosin or picrosirius red. Western blot analysis of TNF-α, ACE, AT1R, β1-AR, PLB, p-PLBser16 and SERCA2a was performed. KEY FINDINGS Nandrolone increased hypertension in SHR rats and enalapril reduced blood pressure to values below those of the control. NDL increased +dP/dtmax, -dP/dtmax and cardiac hypertrophy, which were prevented in the NDL-E group. Cardiac collagen deposition was increased in the NDL group, with this effect being attenuated by enalapril in NDL-E animals. TNF-α, ACE, AT1R and β1-AR proteins were increased in the NDL, and enalapril decreased them, except for TNF-α. The ratio p-PLBser16/PLB revealed an increase after nandrolone, which was prevented in the NDL-E group. The SERCA2a expression protein and SERCA2a/PLB were increased in NDL animals, which did not occur in the NDL-E group. SIGNIFICANCE Nandrolone has distinct effects on cardiac function and remodelling in male SHR, altering the hypertension development process in the heart through modulation of calcium handling proteins and the renin-angiotensin system.
Collapse
|
8
|
Guzzoni V, Cunha TS, das Neves VJ, Briet L, Costa R, Moura MJCS, Oliveira V, Franco MDCP, Novaes PD, Marcondes FK. Nandrolone combined with strenuous resistance training reduces vascular nitric oxide bioavailability and impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Steroids 2018; 131:7-13. [PMID: 29317256 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AASs) misuse has increased among adolescents and recreational athletes due to their potential effects on muscle hypertrophy. On the other hand, AAS might induce alterations on cardiovascular system, although some controversies regarding AAS on vascular properties remain unknown. To address this question, we aimed to investigate the effects of high doses of nandrolone combined with strenuous resistance training (RT) on function and structure of thoracic aorta. Rats were randomized into four groups: non-trained vehicle (NTV), trained vehicle (TV), non-trained nandrolone (NTN), and trained nandrolone (TN), and submitted to 6 weeks of treatment with nandrolone (5 mg/kg, twice a week) and/or resistance training. In vitro response of thoracic aorta to acetylcholine (ACh) was analyzed. Vascular nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis were evaluated using 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2) and hydroethidine fluorescent techniques, respectively. Thoracic aorta was processed for microscopy analyses and tunica media thickness was measured. ACh-mediated relaxation response was impaired in endothelium intact aortic rings isolated from trained rats (TV and TN) as compared with their matched non-trained groups. TN rats showed reduced ACh-mediated vasodilatation than NTN rats. NO production and bioavailability decreased in thoracic aorta of nandrolone-treated rats in relation to their matched non-trained group (NTN vs. NTV; TN vs. TV). ROS production and tunica media thickness were increased in TN rats when compared with TV rats. These findings indicate that high doses of nandrolone combined with strenuous RT affect NO bioavailability and might induce endothelial dysfunction and arterial morphological alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Guzzoni
- Department of Oral Physiology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - FOP/UNICAMP, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Sousa Cunha
- Science and Technology Institute, Federal University of São Paulo, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Vander José das Neves
- Department of Oral Physiology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - FOP/UNICAMP, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Larissa Briet
- Department of Oral Physiology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - FOP/UNICAMP, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Costa
- Department of Oral Physiology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - FOP/UNICAMP, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Vanessa Oliveira
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro Duarte Novaes
- Department of Oral Physiology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - FOP/UNICAMP, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Klein Marcondes
- Department of Oral Physiology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas - FOP/UNICAMP, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|