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Bhatt D, Vyas K, Singh S, John PJ, Soni IP. Sunset Yellow induced biochemical and histopathological alterations in rat brain sub-regions. Acta Histochem 2024; 126:152155. [PMID: 38489857 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2024.152155] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Sunset Yellow, a synthetic orange azo food dye was examined in this study for its impact on the Wistar rat brain sub-regions. The dye was administered orally to weanling rats at the Acceptable Daily Intake level (4 mg/kg/bw) for 40 days, and brain sub-regions viz., frontal cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus were examined for biochemical and histopathological changes. The results showed a significant decrease in tissue protein levels, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity, as well as a significant increase in lipid peroxide levels in all brain sub-regions. Glutathione-S-transferase and Glutathione Reductase activities decreased, while Glutathione peroxidase activity increased. The biogenic amine levels and Acetylcholinesterase activity were also altered, with the frontal cortex and hippocampus being the most affected. Additionally, the dye caused histopathological damage in all brain sub-regions examined. This study indicates that the ADI level of Sunset Yellow may adversely affect brain tissue by causing oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Bhatt
- Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, India.
| | - Krati Vyas
- Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, India
| | - Shakuntala Singh
- Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, India
| | - P J John
- Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, India
| | - I P Soni
- Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, India
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2
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Verdoorn TA, Parry TJ, Pinna G, Lifshitz J. Neurosteroid Receptor Modulators for Treating Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1603-1615. [PMID: 37653253 PMCID: PMC10684848 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01428-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers wide-ranging pathology that impacts multiple biochemical and physiological systems, both inside and outside the brain. Functional recovery in patients is impeded by early onset brain edema, acute and chronic inflammation, delayed cell death, and neurovascular disruption. Drug treatments that target these deficits are under active development, but it seems likely that fully effective therapy may require interruption of the multiplicity of TBI-induced pathological processes either by a cocktail of drug treatments or a single pleiotropic drug. The complex and highly interconnected biochemical network embodied by the neurosteroid system offers multiple options for the research and development of pleiotropic drug treatments that may provide benefit for those who have suffered a TBI. This narrative review examines the neurosteroids and their signaling systems and proposes directions for their utility in the next stage of TBI drug research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Verdoorn
- NeuroTrauma Sciences, LLC, 2655 Northwinds Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009, USA.
| | - Tom J Parry
- NeuroTrauma Sciences, LLC, 2655 Northwinds Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009, USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, 1601 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jonathan Lifshitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, 475 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
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Dahleh MMM, Bortolotto VC, Guerra GP, Boeira SP, Prigol M. YK11 induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in hippocampus: The interplay between a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) and exercise. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 233:106364. [PMID: 37468001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Our study investigates potential neurochemical effects of (17α,20E)- 17,20-[(1-methoxyethylidene)bis(oxy)]- 3-oxo-19-norpregna-4,20-diene-21-carboxylic acid methyl ester (YK11), a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), in the rat hippocampus, with a particular focus on oxidative stress and mitochondrial function, as well as its potential effect when combined with exercise (EXE). To validate YK11's anabolic potential, we performed a molecular docking analysis with the androgen receptor (AR), which showed high affinity with YK11, highlighting hydrogen interactions in Arg752. During the five-week protocol, we divided male Wistar rats into the following groups: Control, YK11 (0.35 g/kg), EXE (swimming protocol), and EXE+YK11. The administration of YK11 resulted in alterations in the endogenous antioxidant system, promoting increased oxidative stress and proteotoxic effects, impairing all mitochondrial function markers in the hippocampus. In contrast, EXE alone had a neuroprotective effect, increasing antioxidant defenses and improving mitochondrial metabolism. When combined, EXE+YK11 prevented alterations in some mitochondrial toxicity markers, including MnSOD/SOD2 and MTT reduction capacity, but did not reverse YK11's neurochemical impairments regarding increased oxidative stress and dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and mitochondrial dynamics regulatory proteins in the hippocampus. In summary, our study identifies important pathways of YK11's hippocampal effects, revealing its potential to promote oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting that the administration of YK11 may pose potential neurological risks for athletes and bodybuilders seeking to enhance performance. These findings highlight the need for further research to assess the safety and efficacy of YK11 and SARM use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Munir Mustafa Dahleh
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules - LaftamBio - Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui CEP 97650-000, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Petri Guerra
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules - LaftamBio - Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui CEP 97650-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Silvana Peterini Boeira
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules - LaftamBio - Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui CEP 97650-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina Prigol
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules - LaftamBio - Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui CEP 97650-000, RS, Brazil.
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Karim A, Anwar F, Saleem U, Fatima S, Ismail T, Obaidullah AJ, Khayat RO, Alqahtani MJ, Alsharif I, Khan H, Vargas-De-La-Cruz C, Shah MA. Administration of α-lipoic acid and silymarin attenuates aggression by modulating endocrine, oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways in mice. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2255-2267. [PMID: 37458892 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01258-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Aggression, a highly prevalent behavior among all the psychological disorders having strong association with psychiatric imbalance, neuroendocrine changes and neurological disturbances (including oxidative stress & neuroinflammation) require both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Focusing the preclinical neuroendocrine determinants of aggression, this interventional study was designed to elucidate the curative effect of antioxidants on aggression in male mice. Adult albino male mice (n = 140) randomly divided into two main treatment groups for α-lipoic acid (ALA) and silymarin with 5 subgroups (n = 10) for each curative study, namely control, disease (aggression-induced), standard (diazepam, 2.5 mg/kg), low dose (100 mg/kg) and high dose (200 mg/kg) treatment groups of selected antioxidants. Resident-intruder paradigm and levodopa (L-dopa 375 mg/kg, p.o.) induced models were used for aggression. Effect of antioxidant treatment (i.e., 21 days bid) on aggression was assessed by evaluating the changes in aggressive behavior, oxidative stress biomarkers superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, nitrite and malondialdehyde (SOD, CAT, GSH, nitrite & MDA), neurotransmitters (dopamine, nor-adrenaline and serotonin), pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin- 6 (TNF-α & IL-6) along with serum testosterone examination. This study showed potential ameliorative effect on aggressive behavior with both low (100 mg/kg) and high (200 mg/kg) doses of antioxidants (ALA & silymarin). Resident-intruder or L-dopa induced aggression in male mice was more significantly tuned with ALA treatment than silymarin via down regulating both oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. ALA also exhibited notable effects in managing aggression-induced disturbances on plasma testosterone levels. In conclusion, ALA is more effective than silymarin in attenuating aggression in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Karim
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Fareeha Anwar
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Uzma Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| | - Saniya Fatima
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Ismail
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSAT University, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad J Obaidullah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rana O Khayat
- Department of Biology, College of Applied Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moneerah J Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ifat Alsharif
- Department of Biology, Jamoum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Celia Vargas-De-La-Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, Bromatology, Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Jr. Puno 1002, Lima, 15001, Peru
- E-Health Research Center, Universidad de Ciencias Y Humanidades, Lima, 15001, Peru
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Willson C. Misadventures in Toxicology: Concentration Matters for Testosterone-Induced Neurotoxicity. TOXICS 2023; 11:258. [PMID: 36977023 PMCID: PMC10057866 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11030258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone is the predominant androgen in men and has important physiological functions. Due to declining testosterone levels from a variety of causes, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is increasingly utilized, while testosterone is also abused for aesthetic and performance-enhancing purposes. It has been increasingly speculated that aside from more well-established side effects, testosterone may cause neurological damage. However, the in vitro data utilized to support such claims is limited due to the high concentrations used, lack of consideration of tissue distribution, and species differences in sensitivity to testosterone. In most cases, the concentrations studied in vitro are unlikely to be reached in the human brain. Observational data in humans concerning the potential for deleterious changes in brain structure and function are limited by their inherent design as well as significant potential confounders. More research is needed as the currently available data are limited; however, what is available provides rather weak evidence to suggest that testosterone use or abuse has neurotoxic potential in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Willson
- EuSci LLC, 1309 S 204th St, #293, Elkhorn, NE 68022, USA
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6
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Memudu AE, Dongo GA. A study to demonstrate the potential of Anabolic Androgen Steroid to activate oxidative tissue damage, nephrotoxicity and decline endogenous antioxidant system in renal tissue of Adult Wistar Rats. Toxicol Rep 2023; 10:320-326. [PMID: 36911166 PMCID: PMC9996376 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.02.010] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Anabolic Androgenic steroids (AAS) are abused and reports have been made on their deleterious effects on various organs. It is imperative to report the mechanism of inducing oxidative tissue damage even in the presence of an intracellular antioxidant system by the interaction between lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant system in the kidney. Twenty (20) adult male Wistar rats used were grouped into: A- Control, BOlive oil vehicle, C- 120 mg/kg of AAS orally for three weeks, and D- 7 days withdrawal group following 120 mg/kg/ 21days of AAS intake. Serum was assayed for lipid peroxidation marker Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme -superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Sectioned of kidneys were stained to see the renal tissue, mucin granules, and basement membrane. AAS-induced oxidative tissue damage, in the presence of an endogenous antioxidant, is characterized by increased lipid peroxidation and decreased SOD level which resulted in the loss of renal tissue cells membrane integrity which is a characteristic of the pathophysiology of nephron toxicity induced by a toxic compound. However, this was progressively reversed by a period of discontinuation of AAS drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adejoke Elizabeth Memudu
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Edo State University Uzairue, Edo State Nigeria
- Corresponding author.
| | - Gambo A. Dongo
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bingham University Karu Nasarawa State Nigeria
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Kostoff RN, Briggs MB, Kanduc D, Dewanjee S, Kandimalla R, Shoenfeld Y, Porter AL, Tsatsakis A. Modifiable contributing factors to COVID-19: A comprehensive review. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 171:113511. [PMID: 36450305 PMCID: PMC9701571 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The devastating complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) result from an individual's dysfunctional immune response following the initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Multiple toxic stressors and behaviors contribute to underlying immune system dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 exploits the dysfunctional immune system to trigger a chain of events ultimately leading to COVID-19. The current study identifies eighty immune system dysfunction-enabling toxic stressors and behaviors (hereafter called modifiable contributing factors (CFs)) that also link directly to COVID-19. Each CF is assigned to one of the five categories in the CF taxonomy shown in Section 3.3.: Lifestyle (e.g., diet, substance abuse); Iatrogenic (e.g., drugs, surgery); Biotoxins (e.g., micro-organisms, mycotoxins); Occupational/Environmental (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides); Psychosocial/Socioeconomic (e.g., chronic stress, lower education). The current study shows how each modifiable factor contributes to decreased immune system capability, increased inflammation and coagulation, and increased neural damage and neurodegeneration. It is unclear how real progress can be made in combatting COVID-19 and other similar diseases caused by viral variants without addressing and eliminating these modifiable CFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Neil Kostoff
- Independent Consultant, Gainesville, VA, 20155, USA,Corresponding author. Independent Consultant, 13500 Tallyrand Way, Gainesville, VA, 20155, USA
| | | | - Darja Kanduc
- Dept. of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, Bari, 70125, Italy
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Ramesh Kandimalla
- Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, 5265601, Israel
| | - Alan L. Porter
- School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
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Corsini W, Esteves A, Junior WCR, de Almeida Hermes T, Damião B, Rodrigues MR. Association between neuronal degeneration and supraphysiological doses of two types of anabolic steroids in rat brain. Steroids 2022; 188:109121. [PMID: 36208700 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.109121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are natural compounds that are precursors or derivatives of testosterone and, as a consequence of indiscriminate use, cause irreversible neuronal effects. For this study, 70 brain samples were used from male Wistar rats, separated into 14 groups, divided into: control, sedentary, and exercise groups; in the concentrations: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg. Two different AAS were used: Testosterone Cypionate (TC) and Nandrolone Decanoate (ND). The encephali followed all the conventional histological procedures, for further analysis of the estimates of neuron bodies of the Locus coeruleus; also being carried out the techniques of the Tunnel Assay and Von Kossa staining. The results obtained show significant values different from the control group: Testosterone Cypionate (TCS): 5 mg (25,00 ± 4,47); 10 mg (23,67 ± 4,45) and 15 mg (21,93 ± 5,65), as well as for Nandrolone Decanoate (ND) in the doses: 5 mg (23,40 ± 3,81); 10 mg (22,80 ± 3,80) and 15 mg (22,80 ± 4,54) being the values of the control group (CGS) 34,27 ± 6,06. For the groups that exercised, the values were: TCT 5 mg 20,87 ± 3,23; TCT 10 mg 21,93 ± 4,91 and TCT 15 mg 21,47 ± 4,36 while, the Nandrolone Decanoate (ND) groups, in the different doses were: NDT 5 mg 21,53 ± 4,34; NDT 10 mg 23,53 ± 1,68 and NDT 15 mg 23,40 ± 2,20, also expressing significant values different from the control group. When comparing the sedentary control group with the animals that exercised, a statistically significant difference was observed being: CGS 34,27 ± 6,06; TCT 5 mg; 20,87 ± 3,23; NDT 5 mg 21,53 ± 4,34; TCT 10 mg 21,93 ± 4,91; NDT 10 mg 23,53 ± 1,68; TCT 15 mg 21,47 ± 4,36 and NDT 15 mg 23,40 ± 2,20. The results of this study, point out that both steroids drastically reduce neuronal density in the Locus coeruleus area inferring that, the possible cause of neuronal death is necrosis, caused by intracellular calcium imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wagner Corsini
- Master in the Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Esteves
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Wagner Costa Rossi Junior
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Túlio de Almeida Hermes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Rita Rodrigues
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
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Sessa F, Esposito M, Salerno M. Experimental studies on androgen administration in animal models: current and future perspectives. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2022; 29:566-585. [PMID: 35943186 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to report the most recent (2020-2022) experimental scientific studies conducted on animal models, in order to highlight the relevant findings on the adverse effects related to androgen administration. RECENT FINDINGS Forty-one studies published between January 2020 and July 2022 were selected. The majority of studies investigated the effects of one androgen, whereas only four studies analyzed the effects of two drugs. Nandrolone decanoate was the most investigated drug (20 articles), boldenone was tested in 8 articles, testosterone and stanozolol were used in 7 articles each, 17b-trenbolone, metandienone, and oxandrolone were tested in 1 article each. The articles clarify the adverse effects of androgen administration on the heart, brain, kidney, liver, reproductive and musculoskeletal systems. SUMMARY The main findings of this review highlight that androgen administration increases inflammatory mediators, altering different biochemical parameters. The results concerning the reversibility of the adverse effects are controversial: on the one hand, several studies suggested that by stopping the androgen administration, the organs return to their initial state; on the other hand, the alteration of different biochemical parameters could generate irreversible organ damage. Moreover, this review highlights the importance of animal studies that should be better organized in order to clarify several important aspects related to androgen abuse to fill the gap in our knowledge in this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Mowaad NA, El-Shamarka MEA, Khadrawy YA. The Behavioral and Neurochemical Changes Induced by Boldenone and/or Tramadol in Adult Male Rats. Neurochem Res 2022; 48:1320-1333. [PMID: 36449200 PMCID: PMC10066173 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03827-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBoldenone and tramadol are abused among large sectors of adolescents. Therefore, the behavioral changes concerned with memory and cognitive functions and neurochemical variations were investigated in the cortex of rats treated with boldenone and/or tramadol. Rats were divided into control and rats treated with boldenone, tramadol, or both drugs. At the end of the treatment period, the memory and cognitive functions were evaluated by the Y-maze test (YMT) and elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and the motor activity was determined by the open field test (OFT). The cortex was dissected to carry out the neurochemical analyses. Rats treated with boldenone and/or tramadol showed impaired memory and cognitive functions and reduced motor activity. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) were observed in the cortex of rats treated with boldenone and/or tramadol. The levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) decreased significantly. Western blot data showed a significant decrease in Bcl2 and a significant increase in caspase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rats treated with boldenone and/or tramadol. These changes were associated with neuronal death as indicated from the histopathological examination.The present findings indicate that boldenone and/or tramadol induced impairment in memory and cognitive functions. These changes could be mediated by the increase in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, reduced AChE level, and reduced number of survived neurons in the cortex as indicated from the decreased Bcl2 level and the histological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha A Mowaad
- Department of Narcotics, Ergogenic Aids and Poisons,Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marwa E A El-Shamarka
- Department of Narcotics, Ergogenic Aids and Poisons,Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yasser A Khadrawy
- Medical Physiology Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, El-Behouth St, Giza, Egypt.
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11
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Galindez SM, Keightley A, Koulen P. Differential distribution of steroid hormone signaling networks in the human choroid-retinal pigment epithelial complex. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:406. [PMID: 36266625 PMCID: PMC9583547 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02585-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a layer of pigmented cells that lies between the neurosensory retina and the underlying choroid, plays a critical role in maintaining the functional integrity of photoreceptor cells and in mediating communication between the neurosensory retina and choroid. Prior studies have demonstrated neurotrophic effects of select steroids that mitigate the development and progression of retinal degenerative diseases via an array of distinct mechanisms of action. Methods Here, we identified major steroid hormone signaling pathways and their key functional protein constituents controlling steroid hormone signaling, which are potentially involved in the mitigation or propagation of retinal degenerative processes, from human proteome datasets with respect to their relative abundances in the retinal periphery, macula, and fovea. Results Androgen, glucocorticoid, and progesterone signaling networks were identified and displayed differential distribution patterns within these three anatomically distinct regions of the choroid-retinal pigment epithelial complex. Classical and non-classical estrogen and mineralocorticoid receptors were not identified. Conclusion Identified differential distribution patterns suggest both selective susceptibility to chronic neurodegenerative disease processes, as well as potential substrates for drug target discovery and novel drug development focused on steroid signaling pathways in the choroid-RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney M Galindez
- School of Medicine, Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, 2411 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Andrew Keightley
- School of Medicine, Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, 2411 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Peter Koulen
- School of Medicine, Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, 2411 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA.
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12
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YANG J, TAO D, MA W, LIU S, LIAO Y, SHU L, ZHANG S, LI C, DU N. Protective effects and mechanisms of Lizhong decoction against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a rat model. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2022; 42:773-780. [PMID: 36083485 PMCID: PMC9924662 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of Lizhong decoction (, LZD) against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS Male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks to induce NAFLD, and were administered LZD by gavage for four weeks. Potential therapeutic targets for NAFLD were analyzed using network pharmacology. Liver pathology was evaluated using Oil Red O and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Furthermore, mitochondrial function, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response were examined. RESULTS Rats with NAFLD exhibited high levels of hepatic damage and cholesterol deposition. Moreover, apoptosis was increased, superoxide dismutase and glutathione content were reduced, malondialdehyde content was increased, and the protein expression of inflammatory cytokines and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase was increased. The LZD treatment ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced liver damage, inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory response, upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ expression, and suppressed dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) expression in the liver. CONCLUSION It was found that LZD alleviates NAFLD by activating PPAR-γ and inhibiting DPP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayao YANG
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Wuhan Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
- Dr. YANG Jiayao, Department of Gastroenterology, Wuhan Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Dongqing TAO
- 2 Department of Endocrinology, The Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430033, China
| | - Wei MA
- 3 Department of Center Laboratory, Wuhan Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
- Dr. MA Wei, Department of Center Laboratory, Wuhan Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China. Telephone: +86-27-85332952
| | - Song LIU
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Wuhan Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yan LIAO
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Wuhan Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Lei SHU
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Wuhan Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Shu ZHANG
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Wuhan Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chenyu LI
- 4 Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Nianlong DU
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Wuhan Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
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13
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Crofton KM, Bassan A, Behl M, Chushak YG, Fritsche E, Gearhart JM, Marty MS, Mumtaz M, Pavan M, Ruiz P, Sachana M, Selvam R, Shafer TJ, Stavitskaya L, Szabo DT, Szabo ST, Tice RR, Wilson D, Woolley D, Myatt GJ. Current status and future directions for a neurotoxicity hazard assessment framework that integrates in silico approaches. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 22:100223. [PMID: 35844258 PMCID: PMC9281386 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2022.100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxicology is the study of adverse effects on the structure or function of the developing or mature adult nervous system following exposure to chemical, biological, or physical agents. The development of more informative alternative methods to assess developmental (DNT) and adult (NT) neurotoxicity induced by xenobiotics is critically needed. The use of such alternative methods including in silico approaches that predict DNT or NT from chemical structure (e.g., statistical-based and expert rule-based systems) is ideally based on a comprehensive understanding of the relevant biological mechanisms. This paper discusses known mechanisms alongside the current state of the art in DNT/NT testing. In silico approaches available today that support the assessment of neurotoxicity based on knowledge of chemical structure are reviewed, and a conceptual framework for the integration of in silico methods with experimental information is presented. Establishing this framework is essential for the development of protocols, namely standardized approaches, to ensure that assessments of NT and DNT based on chemical structures are generated in a transparent, consistent, and defendable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arianna Bassan
- Innovatune srl, Via Giulio Zanon 130/D, 35129 Padova,
Italy
| | - Mamta Behl
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National
Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yaroslav G. Chushak
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental
Medicine & Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf,
Germany
| | - Jeffery M. Gearhart
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA
| | | | - Moiz Mumtaz
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US
Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Manuela Pavan
- Innovatune srl, Via Giulio Zanon 130/D, 35129 Padova,
Italy
| | - Patricia Ruiz
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US
Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Magdalini Sachana
- Environment Health and Safety Division, Environment
Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), 75775
Paris Cedex 16, France
| | - Rajamani Selvam
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational
Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Timothy J. Shafer
- Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Center
for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC,
USA
| | - Lidiya Stavitskaya
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational
Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dan Wilson
- The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI 48667, USA
| | | | - Glenn J. Myatt
- Instem, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Corresponding author.
(G.J. Myatt)
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14
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Erdemli-Köse SB, Yirün A, Balci-Özyurt A, Erkekoğlu P. Modification of the toxic effects of methylmercury and thimerosal by testosterone and estradiol in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line. J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:981-994. [PMID: 34874569 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4269] [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: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Short-chained alkyl mercury compounds accumulate in particularly in the brain. Exposure to these compounds is associated with various neurotoxic effects. Gender-based differences are observed in neurodevelopmental disorders, and testosterone and estradiol may alter the toxic effect of the compounds. The present study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of methylmercury and thimerosal on SH-SY5Y cells in high testosterone/low estradiol and high estradiol/low testosterone containing cellular environment and estimate whether male and female brains react differently to the toxic effects of methylmercury and thimerosal. Study groups (n = 3) were designed as control: growth medium, thimerosal (T): 1.15-μM thimerosal, methylmercury (M): 2.93-μM methylmercury, high testosterone/low estradiol + thimerosal (TT): 1-μM testosterone + 0.75-μM estradiol + 1.15-μM thimerosal, high estradiol/low testosterone + thimerosal (ET): 0.1-μM testosterone + 7.5-μM estradiol + 1.15-μM thimerosal, high testosterone/low estradiol + methylmercury (TM): 1-μM testosterone + 0.75-μM estradiol + 2.93-μM methylmercury and high estradiol/low testosterone + methylmercury (EM): 0.1-μM testosterone + 7.5-μM estradiol + 2.93-μM methylmercury. While a significant decrease in glutathione levels was observed in M group, it was not seen in EM group. A significant increase in the protein carbonyl levels was detected in T group. A similar increase was observed in the TM and TT groups in which testosterone was dominant. It was determined that methylmercury, but not thimerosal, caused significant DNA damage and in TT group. The results showed that both thimerosal and methylmercury are toxic on SH-SY5Y cells and toxic effects of methylmercury are more severe than thimerosal. It has been determined that testosterone and estradiol alter the toxic effects of thimerosal and methylmercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selinay Başak Erdemli-Köse
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey.,Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Anıl Yirün
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Çukurova University Faculty of Pharmacy, Adana, Turkey
| | - Aylin Balci-Özyurt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pınar Erkekoğlu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Vaccine Technology, Hacettepe University Vaccine Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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15
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Zubiaurre-Elorza L, Cerdán S, Uribe C, Pérez-Laso C, Marcos A, Rodríguez del Cerro MC, Fernandez R, Pásaro E, Guillamon A. The Effects of Testosterone on the Brain of Transgender Men. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 2:252-260. [PMID: 35024694 PMCID: PMC8744429 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Transgender men (TM) experience an incongruence between the female sex assigned when they were born and their self-perceived male identity. Some TM seek for a gender affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) to induce a somatic transition from female to male through continuous administration of testosterone. GAHT seems to be relatively safe. However, testosterone produces structural changes in the brain as detected by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. Mainly, it induces an increase in cortical volume and thickness and subcortical structural volume probably due to the anabolic effects. Animal models, specifically developed to test the anabolic hypothesis, suggest that testosterone and estradiol, its aromatized metabolite, participate in the control of astrocyte water trafficking, thereby controlling brain volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leire Zubiaurre-Elorza
- Department of Methods and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Sebastian Cerdán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carme Uribe
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Pérez-Laso
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Marcos
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Fernandez
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultade de Ciencias da Educación, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eduardo Pásaro
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultade de Ciencias da Educación, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Antonio Guillamon
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to examine the recent evidence regarding the effects of exogenous androgens on the brain. Understanding these effects is of high importance, as the consequences of androgens on the reproductive and endocrine system are well documented, while fewer studies have focused on the neural and cerebral consequences of androgen use. RECENT FINDINGS Supraphysiological doses of androgens have been shown to contribute to neurodegeneration, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, increased inflammation and decreased neuronal density in animal studies, which may correspond to changes in mood, cognition and aggression. Findings from human studies suggest that similar behavioural and cognitive deficits may occur as a result of prolonged use of androgens. Additional evidence suggests that androgen use, particularly in high doses, may contribute to brain ageing and cerebrovascular problems. SUMMARY Findings from recent human and animal studies indicate that androgen use likely contributes to brain alterations, which may cause the frequently observed deficits in cognitive and emotional functioning. Although exogenous testosterone in appropriate doses for therapeutic purposes likely have some neurobiological benefits for certain populations, supraphysiological doses may cause multiple mental and physical health problems, indicating a need for additional large-scale studies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Scarth
- Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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17
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Rizwan A, Mor YS, Frank AP. A Case of Steroid-Associated Expressive Aphasia. Cureus 2021; 13:e18863. [PMID: 34804716 PMCID: PMC8597671 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Expressive aphasia (non-fluent aphasia) is characterized by the inability to produce words or sentences. The most common cause of expressive aphasia is stroke, usually due to thrombus or emboli in the middle cerebellar artery or internal carotid artery affecting Broca’s area. We present an important, reversible, and previously undescribed cause of a purely expressive aphasia secondary to steroid use. A case of a steroid-induced expressive aphasia has not yet been described in the medical literature. Recognition of this presentation is critical to appropriate therapy and excess morbidity, particularly as steroid (dexamethasone) utilization has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza Rizwan
- Internal Medicine, Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - Yechiel S Mor
- Internal Medicine, Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - Allan P Frank
- Internal Medicine, Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
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18
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Niromand E, Javanmardy S, Salimi Z, Zarei F, Khazaei MR. Association between nandrolone and behavioral alterations: A systematic review of preclinical studies. Steroids 2021; 174:108901. [PMID: 34407462 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2021.108901] [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: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM In recent years the expanding misuse of Nandrolone among non-athletes, particularly adolescent males is a prevalent global concern due to its adverse effects. This article provides a summary of the experimental studies to clarify the relationship between Nandrolone exposure and behavioral and cognitive performances. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase and ScienceDirect databases, from 2000 to 2020, using the following key terms: Nandrolone AND Cognition, Nandrolone AND Learning, Nandrolone AND Memory, Nandrolone AND (Synaptic plasticity or Hippocampal synaptic plasticity), Nandrolone AND (Aggression or Aggressive-like behavior), Nandrolone AND (Anxiety or Anxiety-like behavior), Nandrolone AND (Depression or Depressive-like behavior). RESULTS 33 qualified papers were selected from the 2498 sources found. Of the 33 cases, 32 (96.97%) were males while only 1 (3.03%) was female and male. From 33 selected articles 8 reported studies were related to spatial memory, 2 reported studies were related to avoidance memory, 11 studies reported information on synaptic plasticity, 11 reported studies were related to aggressive behavior, 8 reported studies were related to aggressive behavior and 6 reported studies were related to depression. CONCLUSION Nandrolone can change spatial ability, avoidance memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Also, Nandrolone exposure produces variable effects on behavioral function such as aggression, depression and anxiety. This despite the fact that the results are contradictory. These discrepancies might be due to the differences in sex, age, dosage and treatment duration, and administration route. However, the negative results are more common than the published positive ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Niromand
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Setareh Javanmardy
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Zahra Salimi
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Department of Physiology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zarei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Department of Physiology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Rasool Khazaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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19
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Esposito M, Licciardello G, Privitera F, Iannuzzi S, Liberto A, Sessa F, Salerno M. Forensic Post-Mortem Investigation in AAS Abusers: Investigative Diagnostic Protocol. A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11081307. [PMID: 34441242 PMCID: PMC8393338 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) are a group of synthetic molecules derived from testosterone and its precursors. AASs are widely used illicitly by adolescents and athletes, especially by bodybuilders; AASs are among the most used drugs for improving physical performance, as well as for aesthetic purposes. The use of AASs by professional and recreational athletes is increasing worldwide. This review focused on deaths related to AAS abuse and to investigation of the autopsy results and histopathological findings using a rigorous methodology protocol covering: a complete autopsy, histological analysis, and a broad toxicological investigation. Moreover, we aimed to define an investigative diagnostic protocol supporting forensic pathologists during the post-mortem investigation of AAS abusers. This review was conducted using PubMed Central and Google Scholar databases to find articles published between 1 January 1968 and 30 June 2021, using the following key terms: “(anabolic-androgenic steroids) AND (autopsy); (anabolic-androgenic steroids) AND (forensic)”. A total of 939 articles were screened and 926 did not meet the inclusion criteria. In conclusion, 14 articles were included in this systematic review, reporting 137 fatal cases of AAS abuse in total. The histopathologic studies showed myocardial damage characterized by myocyte hypertrophy, focal myocyte damage with myofibrillar loss, interstitial fibrosis, mostly subepicardial, and small vessel disease. Indeed, in AAS-related cases, autopsy plays a pivotal role in the study of AAS adverse effects and organ damage related to their use or abuse. This systematic review aimed to define a specific workflow in death cases related to AASs, suggesting important future insights to better clarify sudden deaths related to AASs, such as the use of miRNAs. The forensic community needs a unified approach in cases of suspected death related to the use of AASs. There are several occasions to apply this workflow, for example in cases of death of bodybuilders and of young people who die in gymnasiums or during sports activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Esposito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Gabriele Licciardello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Federico Privitera
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Salvatore Iannuzzi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Aldo Liberto
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (M.S.); Tel.: +39-0881-736-926 (F.S.); +39-0953-782-060 (M.S.)
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (M.S.); Tel.: +39-0881-736-926 (F.S.); +39-0953-782-060 (M.S.)
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20
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Severe Cardiac and Metabolic Pathology Induced by Steroid Abuse in a Young Individual. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11081313. [PMID: 34441248 PMCID: PMC8394374 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgenic-Anabolic Steroids (AAS) abuse is known to play an important role in causing the systemic inflammatory response and multiple-organ dysfunction in healthy individuals. Although many of the undesirable effects of steroid abuse have been reported, at present, little is known about the effect of anabolic supplements and the correlation between cardiac and metabolic pathology. This paper presents a case of a 25 year old patient with a complex medical history after 6 months of steroid administration. Myocardial infraction, dyslipidemia, obesity, hyperuricemia, secondary diabetes, and chronic renal disease were identified after clinical and para-clinical examinations. The particularities of this case were interpreted in the context of a literature review, highlighting the effect of multi-organ damage as a result of the uncontrolled use of anabolic steroid supplements.
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21
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Bernardina NRD, de Lima RMS, Ronchi SN, Wan Der Mass EM, Souza GJ, Rodrigues LC, Bissoli NS, Brasil GA. Oxandrolone treatment in juvenile rats induced anxiety-like behavior in young adult animals. Neurosci Lett 2021; 761:136104. [PMID: 34256105 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136104] [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: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Oxandrolone (OXA) is a synthetic steroid used for the treatment of clinical conditions associated with catabolic states in humans, including children. However, its behavioral effects are not well known. Our goal was to evaluate the anxiety-like behavior induced in young adult rats after the treatment of juvenile animals with OXA. METHODS Four-week-old male rats were separated into three groups: Control (CON), therapeutic-like OXA dose (TD), and excessive OXA dose (ED), in which 2.5 and 37.5 mg/kg/day of OXA were administered via gavage for four weeks for TD and ED, respectively. Behavior was evaluated through the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field (OF) tests. Protein expression of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and dopamine receptor 2 (DrD2) were analyzed in tissue samples of the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex by Western Blot. RESULTS OXA induced anxiety-like behaviors in both TD and ED animals; it decreased the time spent in the open arms of the EPM in both groups and reduced the time spent in the central zone of the OF in the TD group. In the hippocampus, CAT expression was higher in TD compared with both control and ED animals. No differences were found in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. TNF-α, SOD, and DrD2 levels were not altered in any of the assessed areas. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of juvenile rats with OXA led to anxiety-like behavior in young adult animals regardless of the dose used, with minor changes in the antioxidant machinery located in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nara Rubia D Bernardina
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | | | - Silas N Ronchi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Edgar M Wan Der Mass
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Glauciene J Souza
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Livia C Rodrigues
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Nazaré S Bissoli
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Girlandia A Brasil
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, University Vila Velha, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil.
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22
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Li YJ, Zhang DZ, Xi Y, Wu CA. Protective effect of dexmedetomidine on neuronal hypoxic injury through inhibition of miR-134. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:2145-2155. [PMID: 34121490 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211023784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of dexmedetomidine (DEX)-mediated miR-134 inhibition in hypoxia-induced damage in PC12 cells. METHODS Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-stimulated PC12 cells were divided into control, H2O2, DEX + H2O2, miR-NC/inhibitor + H2O2, and miR-NC/ mimic + DEX + H2O2 groups. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol(-2-y1)-2,5-diphenytetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, while gene and protein expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were tested by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was determined with a detection kit. RESULTS DEX treatment decreased H2O2-elevated miR-134 expression. H2O2-induced PC12 cell damage was improved by DEX and miR-134 inhibitor; additionally, cell viability was increased, while cell apoptosis was reduced. In addition, both DEX and miR-134 inhibitor reduced the upregulated expression of cleaved caspase-3 and increased the downregulated expression of Bcl-2 in H2O2-induced PC12 cells. However, compared to that in the DEX + H2O2 group, cell viability in the mimic + DEX + H2O2 group was decreased, and the apoptotic rate was elevated with increased cleaved caspase-3 and decreased Bcl-2 expression. Inflammation and oxidative stress were increased in H2O2-induced PC12 cells but improved with DEX or miR-134 inhibitor treatment. However, this improvement of H2O2-induced inflammation and oxidative stress induced by DEX in PC12 cells could be reversed by the miR-134 mimic. CONCLUSION DEX exerts protective effects to promote viability and reduce cell apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in H2O2-induced PC12 cells by inhibiting the expression of miR-134.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-J Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - D-Z Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Y Xi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - C-A Wu
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing, China
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23
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Bjørnebekk A, Kaufmann T, Hauger LE, Klonteig S, Hullstein IR, Westlye LT. Long-term Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Is Associated With Deviant Brain Aging. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2021; 6:579-589. [PMID: 33811018 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-dose long-term use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) may cause a range of adverse effects, including brain and cognitive abnormalities. We performed age prediction based on brain scans to test whether prolonged AAS use is associated with accentuated brain aging. METHODS T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (3D MPRAGE [magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo]) scans were obtained from male weightlifters with a history of prolonged AAS use (n = 130) or no AAS use (n = 99). We trained machine learning models on combinations of regional brain volumes, cortical thickness, and surface area in an independent training set of 1838 healthy male subjects (18-92 years of age) and predicted brain age for each participant in our study. Including cross-sectional and longitudinal (mean interval = 3.5 years, n = 76) magnetic resonance imaging data, we used linear mixed-effects models to compare the gap between chronological age and predicted brain age (the brain age gap [BAG]) for the two groups and tested for group differences in the rate of change in BAG. We tested for associations between apparent brain aging and AAS use duration, pattern of administration, and dependence. RESULTS AAS users had higher BAG compared with weightlifting control subjects, which was associated with dependency and longer history of use. Group differences in BAG could not be explained by other substance use, general cognitive abilities, or depression. While longitudinal analysis revealed no evidence of increased brain aging in the overall AAS group, accelerated brain aging was seen with longer AAS exposure. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that long-term high-dose AAS use may have adverse effects on brain aging, potentially linked to dependency and exaggerated use of AASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Bjørnebekk
- Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tobias Kaufmann
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lisa E Hauger
- Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sandra Klonteig
- Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingunn R Hullstein
- Norwegian Doping Control Laboratory, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars T Westlye
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; K.G. Jebsen Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI. Citicoline Improves Human Vigilance and Visual Working Memory: The Role of Neuronal Activation and Oxidative Stress. Basic Clin Neurosci 2021; 11:423-432. [PMID: 33613880 PMCID: PMC7878037 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.11.4.1097.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Psychomotor performance task is used to assess the arousal and cognitive functions of the central nervous system. Alternatively, human visual working memory reflects the capability of the individual’s short-term memory. Psycho-mental stimuli are linked to the stimulation of Malondialdehyde (MDA) formations. Citicoline is a nootropic nucleotide agent with a favorable effect on the augmentation of human memory and cognitive function. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of citicoline on human vigilance, visual working memory, and oxidative stress using healthy volunteers. Methods: 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled and divided into two groups: group A: 20 volunteers received 500mg/day starch capsule for two weeks and group B: 20 volunteers received 500mg/day citicoline capsule for two weeks. Human vigilance, visual working memory, and oxidative stress markers of each volunteer were assessed before and after citicoline and placebo intake. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS regarding P<0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Placebo had no significant effect on human vigilance and visual working memory after two weeks of therapy (P>0.05), whereas citicoline improved most variables of psychomotor performances and working memory (P<0.01). Placebo significantly increased serum MDA levels from 19.44±2.11 to 29.66±3.28 nmol/mL (P=0.0001), while citicoline significantly decreased MDA serum levels from 19.11±2.66 to 15.63±1.33 nmol/mL (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Citicoline improves human psychomotor vigilance, arousal, and visual working memory with significant amelioration of oxidative stress compared with placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department Of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicine College of Medicine Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department Of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicine College of Medicine Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
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Sessa F, Polito R, Monda V, Scarinci A, Salerno M, Carotenuto M, Cibelli G, Valenzano A, Campanozzi A, Mollica MP, Monda M, Messina G. Effects of a Plastic-Free Lifestyle on Urinary Bisphenol A Levels in School-Aged Children of Southern Italy: A Pilot Study. Front Public Health 2021; 9:626070. [PMID: 33598445 PMCID: PMC7882684 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.626070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor (ED) frequently used in food packaging. BPA is used as a monomer in the manufacture of some food packaging. This study aimed to evaluate the urinary BPA concentration in an Italian pediatric cohort, testing the levels of this ED over a period of 6 months, evaluating the effects of a diet regimen with a reduction of Plastic Food Packaging (PFP). One hundred thirty Italian children were enrolled and divided into two groups "School Canteen" and "No School Canteen." The first group consumed one meal at school using a plastic-free service for 5 days/weeks, while the other group did not modify their normal meal-time habits. The BPA levels were tested in urine samples at three time points: T0, is the time before the application of the plastic-free regimen diet; T3, 3 months later; and T6, 6 months later. A reduction of urine BPA levels was detected in the "School Canteen" group. In particular, the reduction was significant analyzing both the intra (among the three testing times) group and inter (between "School Canteen" and "No School Canteen") group variability. Our results show the effects of a diet regimen with a reduction of PFP, demonstrating a connection between urinary BPA levels and food packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Rita Polito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,”Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Monda
- Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetics and Sports Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,”Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Scarinci
- Department of Education Sciences, Psychology, and Communication, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia,” University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,”Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cibelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Anna Valenzano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Angelo Campanozzi
- Pediatrics, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Pina Mollica
- Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetics and Sports Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,”Naples, Italy
| | - Marcellino Monda
- Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetics and Sports Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,”Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Adverse Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: A Literature Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9010097. [PMID: 33477800 PMCID: PMC7832337 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are a large group of molecules including endogenously produced androgens, such as testosterone, as well as synthetically manufactured derivatives. AAS use is widespread due to their ability to improve muscle growth for aesthetic purposes and athletes’ performance, minimizing androgenic effects. AAS use is very popular and 1–3% of US inhabitants have been estimated to be AAS users. However, AASs have side effects, involving all organs, tissues and body functions, especially long-term toxicity involving the cardiovascular system and the reproductive system, thereby, their abuse is considered a public health issue. The aim of the proposed review is to highlight the most recent evidence regarding the mechanisms of action of AASs and their unwanted effects on organs and lifestyle, as well as suggesting that AAS misuse and abuse lead to adverse effects in all body tissues and organs. Oxidative stress, apoptosis, and protein synthesis alteration are common mechanisms involved in AAS-related damage in the whole body. The cardiovascular system and the reproductive system are the most frequently involved apparatuses. Epidemiology as well as the molecular and pathological mechanisms involved in the neuropsychiatric side-effects of AAS abuse are still unclear, further research is needed in this field. In addition, diagnostically reliable tests for AAS abuse should be standardized. In this regard, to prevent the use of AASs, public health measures in all settings are crucial. These measures consist of improved knowledge among healthcare workers, proper doping screening tests, educational interventions, and updated legislation.
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Cattelan Souza L, de Brito MLO, Jesse CR, Boeira SP, de Gomes MG, Goes ATR, Fabbro LD, Machado FR, Prigol M, Nogueira CW. Involvement of kynurenine pathway in depressive-like behaviour induced by nandrolone decanoate in mice. Steroids 2020; 164:108727. [PMID: 32891681 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nandrolone decanoate (ND) belongs to the class II of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), which is composed of 19-nor-testosterone-derivatives. AAS represent a group of synthetic testosterone that is used in clinical treatment. However, these drugs are widely abused among individuals as a means of promoting muscle growth or enhancing athletic performance. AAS in general and ND in particular have been associated with several behavioral disturbances, such as anxiety, aggressiveness and depression. A factor that contributes to the development of depression is the brain activation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the rate-limiting enzyme of kynurenine pathway (KP). In the present study, we examined the involvement of KP in depressive phenotype induced by a ND treatment (10 mg/kg/day/s.c., for 28 days) that mimics human abuse system (e.g. supraphysiological doses) in C57B/6J mice. Our results showed that ND caused depressive like-behavior in the tail suspension test and anhedonic-like state measured in the sucrose preference test. ND administration decreased the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 and reduced Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the hippocampus, striatum and prefrontal cortex. We also found that ND elicited KP activation, as reflected by the increase of IDO activity and kynurenine levels in these brain regions. Moreover, ND decreased serotonin levels and increased 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in the brain. Treatment with IDO inhibitor 1-methyl-dl-trypthophan (1 mg/kg/i.p.) reversed the behavioral and neurochemical alterations induced by ND. These results indicate for the first time that KP plays a key role in depressive-like behavior and neurotoxicity induced by supraphysiologicaldoses of ND in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Cattelan Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, CEP 97650-000, Itaqui, RS, Brazil; Laboratory of Synthesis, Reactivity, Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Organochalcogen Compounds, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Maicon Lenon Otenio de Brito
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, CEP 97650-000, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Ricardo Jesse
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, CEP 97650-000, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Silvana Peterini Boeira
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, CEP 97650-000, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gomes de Gomes
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, CEP 97650-000, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - André Tiago Rossito Goes
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, CEP 97650-000, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucian Del Fabbro
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, CEP 97650-000, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Franciele Romero Machado
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, CEP 97650-000, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina Prigol
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, CEP 97650-000, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristina Wayne Nogueira
- Laboratory of Synthesis, Reactivity, Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Organochalcogen Compounds, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
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Nandrolone Decanoate: Use, Abuse and Side Effects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56110606. [PMID: 33187340 PMCID: PMC7696474 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56110606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Androgens play a significant role in the development of male reproductive organs. The clinical use of synthetic testosterone derivatives, such as nandrolone, is focused on maximizing the anabolic effects and minimizing the androgenic ones. Class II anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), including nandrolone, are rapidly becoming a widespread group of drugs used both clinically and illicitly. The illicit use of AAS is diffused among adolescent and bodybuilders because of their anabolic proprieties and their capacity to increase tolerance to exercise. This systematic review aims to focus on side effects related to illicit AAS abuse, evaluating the scientific literature in order to underline the most frequent side effects on AAS abusers’ bodies. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was performed using the PubMed database and the keywords “nandrolone decanoate”. The inclusion criteria for articles or abstracts were English language and the presence of the following words: “abuse” or “adverse effects”. After applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, from a total of 766 articles, only 148 were considered eligible for the study. Results: The most reported adverse effects (found in more than 5% of the studies) were endocrine effects (18 studies, 42%), such as virilization, gynecomastia, hormonal disorders, dyslipidemia, genital alterations, and infertility; cardiovascular dysfunctions (six studies, 14%) such as vascular damage, coagulation disorders, and arteriosus hypertension; skin disorders (five studies, 12%) such as pricking, acne, and skin spots; psychiatric and mood disorders (four studies, 9%) such as aggressiveness, sleep disorders and anxiety; musculoskeletal disorders (two studies, 5%), excretory disorders (two studies, 5%), and gastrointestinal disorders (two studies, 5%). Conclusions: Based on the result of our study, the most common adverse effects secondary to the abuse of nandrolone decanoate (ND) involve the endocrine, cardiovascular, skin, and psychiatric systems. These data could prove useful to healthcare professionals in both sports and clinical settings.
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Torrisi M, Pennisi G, Russo I, Amico F, Esposito M, Liberto A, Cocimano G, Salerno M, Li Rosi G, Di Nunno N, Montana A. Sudden Cardiac Death in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users: A Literature Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56110587. [PMID: 33158202 PMCID: PMC7694262 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56110587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are a group of synthetic molecules derived from testosterone and its related precursors. AASs are widely used illicitly by adolescents and athletes, especially by bodybuilders, both for aesthetic uses and as performance enhancers to increase muscle growth and lean body mass. When used illicitly they can damage health and cause disorders affecting several functions. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most common medical cause of death in athletes. SCD in athletes has also been associated with the use of performance-enhancing drugs. This review aimed to focus on deaths related to AAS abuse to investigate the cardiac pathophysiological mechanism that underlies this type of death, which still needs to be fully investigated. Materials and Methods: This review was conducted using PubMed Central and Google Scholar databases, until 21 July 2020, using the following key terms: “((Sudden cardiac death) OR (Sudden death)) AND ((androgenic anabolic steroid) OR (androgenic anabolic steroids) OR (anabolic-androgenic steroids) OR (anabolic-androgenic steroid))”. Thirteen articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, for a total of 33 reported cases. Results: Of the 33 cases, 31 (93.9%) were males while only 2 (61%) were females. Mean age was 29.79 and, among sportsmen, the most represented sports activity was bodybuilding. In all cases there was a history of AAS abuse or a physical phenotype suggesting AAS use; the total usage period was unspecified in most cases. In 24 cases the results of the toxicological analysis were reported. The most detected AASs were nandrolone, testosterone, and stanozolol. The most frequently reported macroscopic alterations were cardiomegaly and left ventricular hypertrophy, while the histological alterations were foci of fibrosis and necrosis of the myocardial tissue. Conclusions: Four principal mechanisms responsible for SCD have been proposed in AAS abusers: the atherogenic model, the thrombosis model, the model of vasospasm induced by the release of nitric oxide, and the direct myocardial injury model. Hypertrophy, fibrosis, and necrosis represent a substrate for arrhythmias, especially when combined with exercise. Indeed, AAS use has been shown to change physiological cardiac remodeling of athletes to pathophysiological cardiac hypertrophy with an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Torrisi
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Giuliana Pennisi
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Ilenia Russo
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Francesco Amico
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Aldo Liberto
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Cocimano
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Monica Salerno
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Li Rosi
- Department of Law, Criminology, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Nunzio Di Nunno
- Department of History, Society and Studies on Humanity, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Angelo Montana
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3287655428
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Sessa F, Salerno M, Bertozzi G, Cipolloni L, Messina G, Aromatario M, Polo L, Turillazzi E, Pomara C. miRNAs as Novel Biomarkers of Chronic Kidney Injury in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users: An Experimental Study. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:563756. [PMID: 33041804 PMCID: PMC7525215 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.563756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
miRNAs are a family of 20–22 non-coding nucleotides that control gene expression by inhibiting the translation of their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Two models have been proposed to elucidate the mechanism of action: they act either hindering mRNA translation or enhancing mRNA degradation. Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AASs) represent a class of drugs used to treat several diseases. In the last few years, AASs have frequently been used for aesthetic purposes, indeed, they form part of the larger group called image- and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs). Long-term AAS use can lead to serious health consequences. In this regard, the present study aimed to analyze the role of several microRNAs (miRNAs) in renal damage after AAS use, to better understand the underlying mechanisms. For this purpose, two miRNAs (miR-21 and miR-205) were tested in two groups: AAS group (seven males, mean age 33.28 ± 4.68 years; mean body mass index (BMI) 27.04 ± 1.07), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) group (seven males, mean age 66.2 ± 5.4 years; mean BMI 24.75 ± 1.35). Finally, the same miRNAs were tested in the “Control” group (seven males, mean age 44.85 ± 5.75 years; mean BMI 26.5 ± 1.88). Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test was used to determine the normality of data distribution. All variables were normally distributed. Student’s t-test was used for comparisons between two groups. Analyzing the results of the present study, the two tested miRNAs (miR-21 and miR-205) were significantly higher in the CKD group compared to the AAS group, with mir-21 being much more expressed than miR-205. This study represents a pilot study to define if these expression patterns could be studied in other biological samples (plasma, urine) in subjects with different kidney injury linked to chronic kidney diseases and AAS use, to identify reliable biomarkers that could be applied in clinical and forensic diagnostics, as well as a target for toxicological investigations or therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bertozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigi Cipolloni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Aromatario
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Polo
- Brain srl, Services and Consultancy in Health, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Turillazzi
- Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Sessa F, Salerno M, Cipolloni L, Bertozzi G, Messina G, Mizio GD, Asmundo A, Pomara C. Anabolic-androgenic steroids and brain injury: miRNA evaluation in users compared to cocaine abusers and elderly people. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:15314-15327. [PMID: 32756006 PMCID: PMC7467388 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) can be used to treat both hormonal diseases and other pathologies characterized by muscle loss (aging, cancer, and AIDS). Even if the adverse effects related to the misuse of AASs have been well studied in different systems and apparatuses, knowledge about brain damage is poor.In this scenario, this experimental study aimed to analyze the role of several microRNAs (miRNAs) in brain damage after AAS misuse, to better comprehend the underlying mechanisms. The research hypothesis at the base of this experimental study is that the chronic use of AASs may be associated to brain damage with a dysregulation of these miRNAs. Moreover, miRNA expression values were compared among three different groups, "AAS" group, "Cocaine" group and "Aging" group, in order to define if AAS brain damage can be compared with the brain impairment linked to aging and/or cocaine assumption.This experimental study revealed that the tested miRNAs (hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-124-5p, hsa-miR-132-3p, and hsa-miR-144-3p) were overexpressed in all enrolled groups. In the light of the presented results, the identification of specific circulating and/or tissue biomarkers is challenging for the scientific community. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these interesting findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania 95121, Italy
| | - Luigi Cipolloni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bertozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Giulio Di Mizio
- Department of Legal, Historical, Economic and Social Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Alessio Asmundo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, and of Morphological and Functional Images, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Messina 98121, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania 95121, Italy
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32
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Buonocore G, Maldonato NM, Alfano YM, Annunziata S, Annunziato T, Muzii B, Vergati C, Bottone M, Cantone D, Polito R, Tartaglia N, Ambrosi A, Robustella C, Moscatelli F, Sperandeo R. Analysis of a New Work-Related Stress Assessment Tool. Open Neurol J 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1874205x02014010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Work-related stress is a relevant phenomenon in terms of health and safety at work, as occupational distress has a negative impact on individual and organisational well-being. It is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon, whose evaluation must be carried out through a specific and adequate methodology.
Objective:
This work aims to identify versatile tools that can quickly provide reliable measures of work distress. It analyzes the proposal elaborated by the “Comitato Unico di Garanzia per le Pari Opportunità, la Valorizzazione del Benessere di chi lavora e contro le Discriminazioni” of Rome, i.e. the tool “Valutazione è prevenzione, Sicurezza è partecipazione”.
Methods:
A study was carried out on a sample of 474 employees of the Neapolitan Judicial Offices, who were given a standardized questionnaire to investigate the stress, associated with the proposal of the Comitato Unico di Garanzia.
Results:
From the elaboration of the results, it emerges that the conditions of working wellbeing are linked to two main factors related to the perception of workers both of physical-environmental and organisational-relational aspects. In particular, it emerged that the new assessment tool, consisting of a small number of items, contributes to the detection of work stress, so it is necessary to deepen through future research the contribution that this tool can offer to the survey on work-related stress.
Conclusion:
Having highlighted two factors that significantly saturate the presence of a working discomfort, through an agile tool, allows us to plan a new research path, which can approach the complexity of the phenomenon through the methods of deep learning.
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Dried Urine Microsampling Coupled to Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the Analysis of Unconjugated Anabolic Androgenic Steroids. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25143210. [PMID: 32674492 PMCID: PMC7397045 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Testing and monitoring anabolic androgenic steroids in biological fluids is a key activity in anti-doping practices. In this study, a novel approach is proposed, based on dried urine microsampling through two different workflows: dried urine spots (DUS) and volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS). Both techniques can overcome some common drawbacks of urine sampling, such as analyte instability and storage and transportation problems. Using an original, validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, exogenous and endogenous unconjugated steroids were analysed. Despite the limitations of microsampling volume, good sensitivity was obtained (limit of quantitation ≤1.5 ng/mL for all analytes), with satisfactory precision (relative standard deviation <7.6%) and absolute recovery (>70.3%). Both microsampling platforms provide reliable results, in good agreement with those obtained from urine.
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34
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Peter MN, Paasche G, Reich U, Lenarz T, Warnecke A. Differential Effects of Low- and High-Dose Dexamethasone on Electrically Induced Damage of the Cultured Organ of Corti. Neurotox Res 2020; 38:487-497. [PMID: 32495312 PMCID: PMC7334252 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00228-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
An increased number of patients with residual hearing are undergoing cochlear implantation. A subset of these experience delayed hearing loss post-implantation, and the aetiology of this loss is not well understood. Our previous studies suggest that electrical stimulation can induce damage to hair cells in organ of Corti (OC) organotypic cultures. Dexamethasone has the potential to protect residual hearing due to its multiple effects on cells and tissue (e.g., anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenger). We therefore hypothesized that dexamethasone treatment could prevent electrical stimulation induced changes in the OC. Organ of Corti explants from neonatal rats (P2–4) were cultured for 24 h with two different concentrations of dexamethasone. Thereafter, OC were subjected to a charge-balanced biphasic pulsed electrical stimulation (0.44–2 mA) for a further 24 h. Unstimulated dexamethasone-treated OC served as controls. Outcome analysis included immunohistochemical labelling of ribbon synapses, histochemical analysis of free reactive oxygen species and morphological analysis of stereocilia bundles. Overall, the protective effects of dexamethasone on electrically induced damage in cochlear explants were moderate. High-dose dexamethasone protected bundle integrity at higher current levels. Low-dose dexamethasone tended to increase ribbon density in the apical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin N Peter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerrit Paasche
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" of the German Research Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Uta Reich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Lenarz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" of the German Research Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Athanasia Warnecke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany. .,Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" of the German Research Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
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35
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Mullen C, Whalley BJ, Schifano F, Baker JS. Anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in the United Kingdom: An update. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:2180-2198. [PMID: 31989581 PMCID: PMC7174889 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are prescribed for medical conditions related to low testosterone. Abuse of AASs has surged as they become recognised as potent image enhancement drugs. The primary goal of most abusers is to obtain a more attractive outward appearance. Abuse is complex. There are a vast range of AAS substances illegally available, the nature of their true composition is difficult to evaluate. Users follow dosing patterns which incorporate a number of different AASs, in addition to other pharmaceutical substances believed to complement the desired physical effects or manage unwanted effects. Animal work and medical case reports suggest potential to cause serious hepatotoxicity, plus possible neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and damage to the cardiovascular and reproductive systems. As the long-term AASs users reach maturity, further controlled experimentation, with larger sample sizes, is required. Data gathering should be directed towards the most vulnerable group of AAS users, females and adolescent boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Mullen
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of the West of ScotlandPaisleyUK
| | - Benjamin J. Whalley
- School of Chemistry, Food and Nutritional Sciences, and PharmacyThe University of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- School of Life and Medical SciencesUniversity of HertfordshireHatfieldUK
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and HealthHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongHong Kong
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36
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Hauger LE, Westlye LT, Bjørnebekk A. Anabolic androgenic steroid dependence is associated with executive dysfunction. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 208:107874. [PMID: 31972519 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) dependence is associated with a high prevalence of intra- and interpersonal problems, hence it is central to identify cognitive factors related to the development and maintenance of dependence. METHODS The study explores executive functions (EFs) in a sample of 174 male weightlifters, divided into three groups; 1) AAS dependents; n = 58, 2) AAS non-dependents; n = 38 and 3) AAS non-users; n = 78, using a targeted battery of neuropsychological (NP) tests, and self-report questionnaires assessing EFs in everyday life, ADHD symptoms and psychological distress. RESULTS Multivariate analysis of variance showed significant between-group differences on several EFs, including working memory [F (2, 169) = 13.79, p < .001, ηp² = 0.14], mental flexibility [F (2, 169) = 4.82, p = .009, ηp² = 0.05], problem-solving [F (2, 169) = 4.77 p = .010, ηp² = 0.05] and inhibition [F (2, 163) = 4.15, p = .017, ηp² = 0.05]. Additionally, significant between-group differences were seen for self-reported problems with EFs [F (2, 124) = 4.38 p = .015, ηp² = 0.07], ADHD symptoms [F (2, 124) = 7.02 p = .001, ηp² = 0.10], and psychological distress [F (2, 124) = 4.11 p = .019, ηp² = 0.06]. Post hoc tests showed that AAS dependents exhibited poorer EFs and reported more psychological distress compared to non-users. CONCLUSION AAS dependence is associated with executive dysfunction, which might be related to continued abuse despite adverse side-effects and social consequences. Increased awareness of executive dysfunction could have important implications for treatment and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Hauger
- The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Postbox 4959, Nydalen, Norway.
| | - Lars T Westlye
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Postbox 1094, Blindern, Norway; NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Postbox 4956, Nydalen, Norway
| | - Astrid Bjørnebekk
- The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Postbox 4959, Nydalen, Norway
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37
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Doǧanyiǧit Z, Kaymak E, Silici S. The cardiotoxic effects of acute and chronic grayanotoxin-III in rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2019; 39:374-383. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327119889668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to histologically and immunohistochemically determine the changes created by grayanotoxin-III (GTX-III), which is a sodium channel neurotoxin, on heart tissues in different dosages. Rats were randomly divided into 10 groups to determine the acute and chronic effects of GTX-III. While the rats in groups 1 and 6 were control rats, the rats in groups 2–5 (1, 2, 4, and 8 μg/kg bw GTX-III) received a single dose of intraperitoneal GTX-III, and the rats in groups 7–10 received GTX-III every day for 3 weeks. As a result of the trial, in the heart tissues, histopathological changes were determined by hematoxylin–eosin staining, interleukin-1 (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were determined by the avidin–biotin peroxidase method, and apoptosis was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining method. In the immunohistochemistry sense, while the BNP level in the AGTX-III groups did not vary significantly, an increase in dosage significantly increased the IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels in comparison to the control groups. In their comparison to the control groups, the BNP levels increase and the IL-6 and IL-1β levels decreased in the CGTX-III groups. TUNEL analysis revealed that apoptosis increased in both the acute and chronic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Doǧanyiǧit
- Department of Histology–Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - E Kaymak
- Department of Histology–Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - S Silici
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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38
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Perez-Laso C, Cerdan S, Junque C, Gómez Á, Ortega E, Mora M, Avendaño C, Gómez-Gil E, Del Cerro MCR, Guillamon A. Effects of Adult Female Rat Androgenization on Brain Morphology and Metabolomic Profile. Cereb Cortex 2019; 28:2846-2853. [PMID: 29106544 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgenization in adult natal women, as in transsexual men (TM), affects brain cortical thickness and the volume of subcortical structures. In order to understand the mechanism underlying these changes we have developed an adult female rat model of androgenization. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy were used to monitor brain volume changes, white matter microstructure and ex vivo metabolic profiles over 32 days in androgenized and control subjects. Supraphysiological doses of testosterone prevents aging decrease of fractional anisotropy values, decreased general cortical volume and the relative concentrations of glutamine (Gln) and myo-Inositol (mI). An increase in the N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/mI ratio was detected d. Since mI and Gln are astrocyte markers and osmolytes, we suspect that the anabolic effects of testosterone change astrocyte osmolarity so as to extrude Mi and Gln from these cells in order to maintain osmotic homeostasis. This mechanism could explain the brain changes observed in TM and other individuals receiving androgenic anabolic steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Perez-Laso
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sebastián Cerdan
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carme Junque
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ángel Gómez
- Departamento de Psicología Social y de las Organizaciones, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esperanza Ortega
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Mireia Mora
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Avendaño
- Departamento de Anatomía y Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Gómez-Gil
- Unidad de Identidad de Género, Departamento de Psiquiatría, Hospital Clìnic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Guillamon
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
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Ruszkiewicz JA, Tinkov AA, Skalny AV, Siokas V, Dardiotis E, Tsatsakis A, Bowman AB, da Rocha JBT, Aschner M. Brain diseases in changing climate. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108637. [PMID: 31416010 PMCID: PMC6717544 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is one of the biggest and most urgent challenges for the 21st century. Rising average temperatures and ocean levels, altered precipitation patterns and increased occurrence of extreme weather events affect not only the global landscape and ecosystem, but also human health. Multiple environmental factors influence the onset and severity of human diseases and changing climate may have a great impact on these factors. Climate shifts disrupt the quantity and quality of water, increase environmental pollution, change the distribution of pathogens and severely impacts food production - all of which are important regarding public health. This paper focuses on brain health and provides an overview of climate change impacts on risk factors specific to brain diseases and disorders. We also discuss emerging hazards in brain health due to mitigation and adaptation strategies in response to climate changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna A Ruszkiewicz
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
| | - Anatoly V Skalny
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Trace Element Institute for UNESCO, Lyon, France
| | - Vasileios Siokas
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Efthimios Dardiotis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - João B T da Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.
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40
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Warnecke A, Prenzler NK, Schmitt H, Daemen K, Keil J, Dursin M, Lenarz T, Falk CS. Defining the Inflammatory Microenvironment in the Human Cochlea by Perilymph Analysis: Toward Liquid Biopsy of the Cochlea. Front Neurol 2019; 10:665. [PMID: 31293504 PMCID: PMC6603180 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathomechanisms in the majority of patients suffering from acute or progressive sensorineural hearing loss cannot be determined yet. The size and the complex architecture of the cochlea make biopsy and in-depth histological analyses impossible without severe damage of the organ. Thus, histopathology correlated to inner disease is only possible after death. The establishment of a technique for perilymph sampling during cochlear implantation may enable a liquid biopsy and characterization of the cochlear microenvironment. Inflammatory processes may not only participate in disease onset and progression in the inner ear, but may also control performance of the implant. However, little is known about cytokines and chemokines in the human inner ear as predictive markers for cochlear implant performance. First attempts to use multiplex protein arrays for inflammatory markers were successful for the identification of cytokines, chemokines, and endothelial markers present in the human perilymph. Moreover, unsupervised cluster and principal component analyses were used to group patients by lead cytokines and to correlate certain proteins to clinical data. Endothelial and epithelial factors were detected at higher concentrations than typical pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a or IL-6. Significant differences in VEGF family members have been observed comparing patients with deafness to patients with residual hearing with significantly reduced VEGF-D levels in patients with deafness. In addition, there is a trend toward higher IGFBP-1 levels in these patients. Hence, endothelial and epithelial factors in combination with cytokines may present robust biomarker candidates and will be investigated in future studies in more detail. Thus, multiplex protein arrays are feasible in very small perilymph samples allowing a qualitative and quantitative analysis of inflammatory markers. More results are required to advance this method for elucidating the development and course of specific inner ear diseases or for perioperative characterization of cochlear implant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasia Warnecke
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence of the German Research Foundation (DFG; "Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft") "Hearing4all", Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Nils K Prenzler
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Heike Schmitt
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence of the German Research Foundation (DFG; "Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft") "Hearing4all", Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Daemen
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hanover, Germany
| | - Jana Keil
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Dursin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thomas Lenarz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence of the German Research Foundation (DFG; "Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft") "Hearing4all", Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Christine S Falk
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hanover, Germany
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41
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Tabor J, Collins R, Debert CT, Shultz SR, Mychasiuk R. Neuroendocrine Whiplash: Slamming the Breaks on Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids Following Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats May Worsen Outcomes. Front Neurol 2019; 10:481. [PMID: 31133974 PMCID: PMC6517549 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sport-related concussion is an increasingly common injury among adolescents, with repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (RmTBI) being a significant risk factor for long-term neurobiological and psychological consequences. It is not uncommon for younger professional athletes to consume anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in an attempt to enhance their performance, subjecting their hormonally sensitive brains to potential impairment during neurodevelopment. Furthermore, RmTBI produces acute neuroendocrine dysfunction, specifically in the anterior pituitary, disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, lowering cortisol secretion that is needed to appropriately respond to injury. Some AAS users exhibit worse symptoms post-RmTBI if they quit their steroid regime. We sought to examine the pathophysiological outcomes associated with the abrupt cessation of the commonly abused AAS, Metandienone (Met) on RmTBI outcomes in rats. Prior to injury, adolescent male rats received either Met or placebo, and exercise. Rats were then administered RmTBIs or sham injuries, followed by steroid and exercise cessation (SEC) or continued treatment. A behavioral battery was conducted to measure outcomes consistent with clinical representations of post-concussion syndrome and chronic AAS exposure, followed by analysis of serum hormone levels, and qRT-PCR for mRNA expression and telomere length. RmTBI increased loss of consciousness and anxiety-like behavior, while also impairing balance and short-term working memory. SEC induced hyperactivity while Met treatment alone increased depressive-like behavior. There were cumulative effects whereby RmTBI and SEC exacerbated anxiety and short-term memory outcomes. mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and pituitary were modified in response to Met and SEC. Analysis of telomere length revealed the negative impact of SEC while Met and SEC produced changes in serum levels of testosterone and corticosterone. We identified robust changes in mRNA to serotonergic circuitry, neuroinflammation, and an enhanced stress response. Interestingly, Met treatment promoted glucocorticoid secretion after injury, suggesting that maintained AAS may be more beneficial than abstaining after mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Tabor
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Reid Collins
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Chantel T Debert
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Zelleroth S, Nylander E, Nyberg F, Grönbladh A, Hallberg M. Toxic Impact of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids in Primary Rat Cortical Cell Cultures. Neuroscience 2018; 397:172-183. [PMID: 30500611 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) among non-athletes is a public health-problem, as abusers underestimate the negative effects associated with these drugs. The present study investigated the toxic effects of testosterone, nandrolone, stanozolol, and trenbolone, and aimed to understand how AAS abuse affects the brain. Mixed cortical cultures from embryonic rats were grown in vitro for 7 days and thereafter treated with increasing concentrations of AASs for 24 h (single-dose) or 3 days (repeated exposure). Cells were co-treated with the androgen-receptor (AR) antagonist flutamide, to determine whether the potential adverse effects observed were mediated by the AR. Cellular toxicity was determined by measuring mitochondrial activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and caspase-3/7 activity. Nandrolone, unlike the other AASs studied, indicated an effect on mitochondrial activity after 24 h. Furthermore, single-dose exposure with testosterone, nandrolone and trenbolone increased LDH release, while no effect was detected with stanozolol. However, all of the four steroids negatively affected mitochondrial function and resulted in LDH release after repeated exposure. Testosterone, nandrolone, and trenbolone caused their toxic effects by induction of apoptosis, unlike stanozolol that seemed to induce necrosis. Flutamide almost completely prevented AAS-induced toxicity by maintaining mitochondrial function, cellular integrity, and inhibition of apoptosis. Overall, we found that supra-physiological concentrations of AASs induce cell death in mixed primary cortical cultures, but to different extents, and possibly through various mechanisms. The data presented herein suggest that the molecular interactions of the AASs with the AR are primarily responsible for the toxic outcomes observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Zelleroth
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, SE-751 24, Uppsala University, Sweden.
| | - Erik Nylander
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, SE-751 24, Uppsala University, Sweden.
| | - Fred Nyberg
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, SE-751 24, Uppsala University, Sweden.
| | - Alfhild Grönbladh
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, SE-751 24, Uppsala University, Sweden.
| | - Mathias Hallberg
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, SE-751 24, Uppsala University, Sweden.
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Kara M, Ozcagli E, Kotil T, Alpertunga B. Effects of stanozolol on apoptosis mechanisms and oxidative stress in rat cardiac tissue. Steroids 2018; 134:96-100. [PMID: 29477345 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Stanozolol is a widely used 17α-alkylated anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) derivative. Despite stanozolol's adverse effects, its effect on oxidative stress parameters and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway is not clearly defined. In our study, thirty four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups as control (C), vehicle control (VC), steroid (ST), vehicle control-exercise (VCE), and steroid-exercise (STE). Animals were subcutaneously administered stanozolol 5 mg/kg in steroid groups and propylene glycol 1 ml/kg in the vehicle-control groups. On the 28th day-after sacrification, oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, PC, SOD, CAT) and apoptosis parameters (TUNEL, Cytochrome-c) in cardiac tissue were evaluated. Also, blood vessel morphology of cardiac tissue was evaluated with Verhoeff-van Giesen staining. It has been demonstrated that stanozolol administration triggers apoptosis by using TUNEL assay and cytochrome-c immunohistochemical staining intensity, while this effect is significantly reduced in the presence of exercise. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that stanozolol administration induces apoptosis with increasing PC and CAT levels, while GSH, MDA and SOD parameters do not reveal any significant change. Exercise has a protective role in stanozolol induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. According to Verhoeff-van Giesen staining results for blood vessel morphology assessment, it has been seen that exercise has a protective role on cardiac blood vessels. This mechanism needs further investigations with long term exposure studies for clarifying possible pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehtap Kara
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Eren Ozcagli
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Kotil
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Buket Alpertunga
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Istanbul, Turkey
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Goldman A, Basaria S. Adverse health effects of androgen use. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 464:46-55. [PMID: 28606866 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are performance enhancing drugs commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve appearance and athletic capability. Unfortunately, these testosterone derivatives can be associated with serious and potentially irreversible side effects, and can impact multiple organ systems. It is important that physicians be familiar with these adverse consequences so that they can appropriately counsel patients whom they suspect of AAS-abuse. In this chapter, we will review the negative effects of these compounds on various organ systems in men using AAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Goldman
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shehzad Basaria
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Nguyen TV. Developmental effects of androgens in the human brain. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 28489322 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine theories of brain development posit that androgens play a crucial role in sex-specific cortical growth, although little is known about the differential effects of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on cortico-limbic development and cognition during adolescence. In this context, the National Institutes of Health Study of Normal Brain Development, a longitudinal study of typically developing children and adolescents aged 4-24 years (n=433), offers a unique opportunity to examine the developmental effects of androgens on cortico-limbic maturation and cognition. Using data from this sample, our group found that higher testosterone levels were associated with left-sided decreases in cortical thickness (CTh) in post-pubertal boys, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, compared to right-sided increases in CTh in somatosensory areas in pre-pubertal girls. Prefrontal-amygdala and prefrontal-hippocampal structural covariance (considered to reflect structural connectivity) also varied according to testosterone levels, with the testosterone-related brain phenotype predicting higher aggression levels and lower executive function, particularly in boys. By contrast, DHEA was associated with a pre-pubertal increase in CTh of several regions involved in cognitive control in both boys and girls. Covariance within several cortico-amygdalar structural networks also varied as a function of DHEA levels, with the DHEA-related brain phenotype predicting improvements in visual attention in both boys and girls. DHEA-related cortico-hippocampal structural covariance, on the other hand, predicted higher scores on a test of working memory. Interestingly, there were significant interactions between testosterone and DHEA, such that DHEA tended to mitigate the anti-proliferative effects of testosterone on brain structure. In sum, testosterone-related effects on the developing brain may lead to detrimental effects on cortical functions (ie, higher aggression and lower executive function), whereas DHEA-related effects may optimise cortical functions (ie, better attention and working memory), perhaps by decreasing the influence of amygdalar and hippocampal afferents on cortical functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-V Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Bertozzi G, Sessa F, Albano GD, Sani G, Maglietta F, Roshan MHK, Volti GL, Bernardini R, Avola R, Pomara C, Salerno M. The Role of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids in Disruption of the Physiological Function in Discrete Areas of the Central Nervous System. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:5548-5556. [PMID: 28971285 PMCID: PMC5994209 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0774-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse is often associated with a wide spectrum of adverse effects. These drugs are frequently abused by adolescents and athletes for esthetic purposes, as well as for improvement of their endurance and performances. In this literature review, we evaluated the correlation between AAS and anxiety or aggression. Two pathways are thought to be involved in AAS-induced behavioral disorders. Direct pathway via the amygdalo-fugal pathway, which connects the central nucleus of the amygdala to the brainstem, is involved in cognitive-emotive and homeostatic processes. The latter is modified by chronic AAS use, which subsequently leads to increased anxiety. Indirect pathways via the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic signals which are modified by AAS abuse in latero-anterior hypothalamus and can mediate the aggressive behavior. In conclusion, the molecular mechanisms underlying the behavioral alterations following AAS abuse is unclear and remains ambiguous as additional long-term studies aimed to understand the precise mechanisms are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bertozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Davide Albano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- NESMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University of Rome, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Centro Lucio Bini, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Maglietta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Mohsin H K Roshan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Avola
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
- D'Avanzo Hospital, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Colonnello D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy
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Structural Brain Imaging of Long-Term Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users and Nonusing Weightlifters. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:294-302. [PMID: 27616036 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged high-dose anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use has been associated with psychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits, yet we have almost no knowledge of the long-term consequences of AAS use on the brain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between long-term AAS exposure and brain morphometry, including subcortical neuroanatomical volumes and regional cortical thickness. METHODS Male AAS users and weightlifters with no experience with AASs or any other equivalent doping substances underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain. The current paper is based upon high-resolution structural T1-weighted images from 82 current or past AAS users exceeding 1 year of cumulative AAS use and 68 non-AAS-using weightlifters. Images were processed with the FreeSurfer software to compare neuroanatomical volumes and cerebral cortical thickness between the groups. RESULTS Compared to non-AAS-using weightlifters, the AAS group had thinner cortex in widespread regions and significantly smaller neuroanatomical volumes, including total gray matter, cerebral cortex, and putamen. Both volumetric and thickness effects remained relatively stable across different AAS subsamples comprising various degrees of exposure to AASs and also when excluding participants with previous and current non-AAS drug abuse. The effects could not be explained by differences in verbal IQ, intracranial volume, anxiety/depression, or attention or behavioral problems. CONCLUSIONS This large-scale systematic investigation of AAS use on brain structure shows negative correlations between AAS use and brain volume and cortical thickness. Although the findings are correlational, they may serve to raise concern about the long-term consequences of AAS use on structural features of the brain.
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Al-kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI. Eustress and Malondialdehyde (MDA): Role of Panax Ginseng: Randomized Placebo Controlled Study. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2017; 12:194-200. [PMID: 29062371 PMCID: PMC5640581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of Panax Ginseng on malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels during eustress on healthy volunteers. Method: In this study, 65 healthy volunteers were recruited from students of a medical school, with the mean age of 22.61±3.63 years. The volunteers were divided into 2 groups: Group A included 35 participants who were treated by Panax Ginseng 500 mg/day, which was regarded as the treated group; group B included 30 participants treated by placebo 500 mg/day, which was regarded as the control group. Baseline data were obtained and then one month after the study, the participants were followed with respect to induction of psychological stress through daily psychomotor performance task and visual working memory accuracy testing. Stress was assessed by malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels. Results: The participants in the control group showed significant increases in MDA serum levels (p = 0.0004), which were related to significant increases in perceived stress scale from p<0.0001, while Panax Ginseng led to significant reduction in MDA serum levels (p<0.01), with significant increase in perceived stress scale (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Panax Ginseng produced significant reduction in oxidative stress and augmented eustress level in healthy volunteers 1 month after therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M. Al-kuraishy
- Corresponding Author: Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Almustansiriya University, Post Box 14132, Iraq, Baghdad. Tel: +96407906230487,
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Bueno A, Carvalho FB, Gutierres JM, Lhamas C, Andrade CM. A comparative study of the effect of the dose and exposure duration of anabolic androgenic steroids on behavior, cholinergic regulation, and oxidative stress in rats. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177623. [PMID: 28594925 PMCID: PMC5464548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess if the dose and exposure duration of the anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) boldenone (BOL) and stanazolol (ST) affected memory, anxiety, and social interaction, as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex (CC) and hippocampus (HC). Male Wistar rats (90 animals) were randomly assigned to three treatment protocols: (I) 5 mg/kg BOL or ST, once a week for 4 weeks; (II) 2.5 mg/kg BOL or ST, once a week for 8 weeks; and (III) 1.25 mg/kg BOL or ST, once a week for 12 weeks. Each treatment protocol included a control group that received an olive oil injection (vehicle control) and AAS were administered intramuscularly (a total volume of 0.2 ml) once a week in all three treatment protocols. In the BOL and ST groups, a higher anxiety level was observed only for Protocol I. BOL and ST significantly affected social interaction in all protocols. Memory deficits and increased AChE activity in the CC and HC were found in the BOL groups treated according to Protocol III only. In addition, BOL and ST significantly increased oxidative stress in both the CC and HC in the groups treated according to Protocol I and III. In conclusion, our findings show that the impact of BOL and ST on memory, anxiety, and social interaction depends on the dose and exposure duration of these AAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Bueno
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
| | - Fabiano B. Carvalho
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
| | - Jessié M. Gutierres
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JMG); (CMA)
| | - Cibele Lhamas
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
| | - Cinthia M. Andrade
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria/RS, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JMG); (CMA)
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