Effect of Nandrolone decanoate induced-oxidative stress on rat testes, prostate, and seminal vesicle: Biochemical, morphometric and histopathological studies

Nandrolone decanoate (Nd) is a highly abused androgenic-anabolic steroid among body builders. Even though it has weak androgenic effects, its prolonged use may have harmful impact on male reproductive system which needs to be evaluated. This study aimed to reinvestigate its possible oxidative stress induced alteration on male rat reproductive system. Twenty-eight male rats were divided into two groups. Nd treated group (n = 18) injected intramuscular with 10 mg/kg body weight once a week for four weeks. While, the control group (n = 10) was injected with physiologic saline by the same route for four weeks. Body weight was recorded for all rats and after animal dissection weight of testes, prostate and seminal vesicles were also recorded. The results showed that the average testicular weight was decreased in treated group compared to the control. The average weights of the prostate and seminal vesicles were increased compared to the control. Morphometric study revealed that in Nd treated group, there was a decrease in the width of seminiferous tubules and the height of spermatogenic cell layer compared to the control. Testicular degeneration was expressed by presence of spermatid giant cells, vacuolation, and degenerated spermatozoa. Tunnel technique showed scattered positive reaction among the spermatogenic cell layers and interstitial cells. Severe alterations of the prostate were expressed by benign prostate hyperplasia and retained secretions. Lipid peroxidation products (malonaldehyde concentration as ng/g of testicular tissue) were increased in treated group compared to the control and suggested the occurrence of oxidative damage. Nd induced severe alterations in the male genital organs were resulted from oxidative stress. It is concluded that the male genital organs are highly sensitive to the anabolic steroids and there is a high extent of reproductive risk associated with the use of AASs.