The Effect of Resistance Training on Heart Damage Risk Factors in Adult Male Rats Exposed to Nandrolone

Introduction: Athletes and non-athletes use nandrolone (Na) for different purposes as a derivative of testosterone, and various results have been reported regarding its use. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a period of resistance training (RT) on SOD, MDA, CRP, and cTn-C in the cardiac tissue of Na- exposed rats. Methods: In the present experimental research, 20 male Wistar rats aged 8-10 weeks were randomly divided into four groups of five animals: (1) control, (2) sham, (3) Na (10mg/kg), (4) Na+RT. The RT group performed 1m ladder climbing in three sessions weekly for eight weeks. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests were implemented to analyze the data (P≤0.05). Results: Levels of SOD were significantly lower in the Na+RT group compared to the control group (P=0.006). However, no significant difference was observed in levels of SOD in the Na group compared to the Na+RT group (P=0.99). In addition, the levels of MDA and CRP in the Na+RT group were significantly lower than in the Na group (P≤0.05). Histological studies showed that Na intoxication, RT, and RT with Na use did not affect tissue changes in the study groups. Conclusion: Based on the results, nandrolone with and without resistance training increases heart disease risk indicators. However, the risk of heart disease in training and abusing nandrolone is less than the normal condition of this steroid without training.