ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Gazzetta Medica Italiana-Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2009 June;168(3):129-41

Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Harmful effects on organs and tissues were evident in rats during the first “steroid cycle” with the use of androgenic anabolic steroid

Takahashi M. ¹, Tatsugi Y. ¹, Kohno T. ²

¹ International Budo University Faculty of Physical Education Shinkan, Katsuura, Chiba, Japan 2 Ryotokuji University Faculty of Health Sciences Shinkan, Katsuura, Chiba, Japan

Aim. Some athletes and exercise enthusiasts abuse multiple forms of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS), which is called “stacking”. These athletes experience side effects of AAS, and it is necessary to investigate how such side effects occur.
Methods. We separated 37 male Wistar rats into 3 groups: Group A was administered 100 times the usual dosages of nandrolone decanoate, metenolone acetate, and dromostanolone; Group B received the same dose of nandrolone decanoate and saline; and Group C was given only saline. We sacrificed 6 animals in each group in the fourth week of the 6-week “on” cycle (Group-1; A1, B1, C1) and the remainder was sacrificed in the second week of the “off” cycle (Group-2; A2, B2, C2).
Results. Necrosis of the cardiac muscle near the area of the pericardium was microscopically recognized in Group A2. Changes in kidney, testis, prostate gland, and other organs were also recognized in Group A2. Values for testosterone were higher in Groups A1, B1, and B2 than in those not receiving steroid., but were even higher in those administered multiple steroids.
Conclusion. These findings indicate that there is a high degree of risk related to the use of AAS. Even after the use of AAS in the first 4 weeks of the “on” cycle, deleterious side effects were already evident.