Nandrolone Decanoate Administration to Male Rats Induces Oxidative Stress, Seminiferous Tubules Abnormalities, and Sperm DNA Fragmentation

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Nandrolone Decanoate (an anabolic steroid) on the level of oxidative stress markers, sperm chromatin integrity, seminiferous tubules structure, and spermatogonia/Sertoli cell ratio in adult rat. Rats were divided into three groups: control, low (3mg/Kg) and high-dose (10mg/Kg) Nandrolone Decanoate-receiving groups. Seminal fluid analysis was performed, and the serum was used to evaluate testosterone level. Testicular oxidative stress markers were measured and routine histological preparation and androgen receptor immunochemistry was used to evaluate the effects of Nandrolone Decanoate injection on seminiferous tubules.Injection of Nandrolone Decanoate caused an increase in the production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in the testes of treated rats. The level of sperm DNA fragmentation and the percentage of seminiferous tubules showing maturation arrest were also increased in treated animals. The absolute numbers of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in the rats receiving Nandrolone Decanoate decreased significantly; however, the ratio of spermatogonia/Sertoli cells did not. Administration of anabolic steroids at supraphysiological doses leads to multiple pathological changes in the reproductive system of treated rats. Testosterone or its derivatives such as Nandrolone Decanoate are being abused commonly.Athletes, coaches, and physicians should be aware of their harmful side effects.