Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences (Apr 2024)
Adverse effects of consumption of anabolic steroids on heart: An Experimental Study
Abstract
Background & Aims: One of the most popular Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) among athletes and teenagers is Nandrolone Decanoate (ND), a synthetic testosterone analog. Chronic AAS consumption raises the risk of cardiovascular problems in athletes, however the mechanism causing such changes is not known. This experimental research aims to investigate the impact of nandrolone decanoate administration on heart in white male albino rats. Materials & Methods: Twenty male Albino rats, split into two groups, were used in the study. Group A served as a control, getting peanut oil injections, while Group B received decanoate injections at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight weekly for eight weeks. After the eighth week, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia in accordance with the recommendations issued by the Ethical Committee. Following sacrifice, the rats were dissected and their tissues processed using normal histology procedures. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and microscopic observations were recorded in groups. In order to properly label and analyze the photos, photographic microscopy was used. Results: After Eighth week, the control group's heart showed no obvious changes under microscopic examination, whereas the ND treated group showed intermuscular hemorrhages, congested myocardial vessels, widely separated cardiomyocytes, fragmented muscle fibers, and cardiomyocytes showing vesicular nuclei and few degenerative changes. These results suggest that ND treatment may cause particular cardiac structural changes in white male albino rats. Conclusion: The study suggests that Nandrolone abuse can lead to cardiac problems such as severe degeneration, myocardial vascular congestion, and intermuscular hemorrhages. The study emphasizes the significance of investigating the long-term effects of these medications, as well as the importance of well-designed studies and proper dosage considerations.
