Structural changes of cardiac tissue in response to L-carnitine supplementation during endurance training in Wistar male rats toxicated by steroid anabolic hormone

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the structural changes of cardiac tissue in response to L-carnitine supplementation and endurance training in Wistar male rats toxicated by steroid anabolic hormone. Methods: 36 male Wistar rats aged 8-12 weeks (weight 195±7.94g) were randomly divided into six groups: Control, Non-treated, Boldenone (5 mg/kg), L-carnitine (100 mg per kg), Endurance Training-L-carnitine and Sham group. Injection was conducted deep in the hamstring once a week on an appointed day. The endurance training Protocol with moderate intensity (50-55% maximal oxygen consumption) was performed for six weeks and five times a week. After anesthesia, autopsy was performed and the cardiac tissue was isolated. Results: The results showed that boldenone causes damage to the heart tissue muscle and heart muscle cells. Also, boldenone caused mild necrosis and congestion in the heart tissue. However, the results showed that L-carnitine supplementation with endurance training can decrease to normal levels and damage the heart tissue muscle and heart muscle cells. Conclusion: According to the findings, it seems that boldenone causes some structural changes in the heart tissue, and possibly endurance training with L-carnitine supplementation can reduce these changes.