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Nandrolone decanoate induces genetic damage in multiple organs of rats

Renan Pozzi1, Kelly Rosseti Fernandes, Carolina Foot Gomes de Moura

  • 1Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 11060-001, Brazil.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|December 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Nandrolone decanoate exposure caused DNA damage in Wistar rat blood, liver, and heart cells. Kidney cells showed damage only at higher doses, indicating potential genotoxicity of this anabolic steroid.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) like nandrolone decanoate are performance-enhancing drugs.
  • Potential adverse effects, including genotoxicity, require thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the genotoxic potential of nandrolone decanoate in Wistar rats.
  • To evaluate DNA damage in multiple organs using specific assays.

Main Methods:

  • Wistar rats were divided into control and two experimental groups receiving nandrolone decanoate (5 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg).
  • Single-cell gel (comet) assay and micronucleus test were employed to detect DNA damage.
  • Peripheral blood, liver, heart, and kidney cells were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The comet assay revealed significant DNA damage in blood, liver, and heart cells at both tested doses.
  • A dose-response relationship was observed for nandrolone decanoate-induced genetic damage.
  • Kidney cells exhibited genetic damage solely at the higher dose (15 mg/kg).
  • Micronucleus test results did not show significant differences among the groups.

Conclusions:

  • Nandrolone decanoate induces significant genetic damage in rat blood, liver, heart, and kidney cells, as evidenced by comet assay results.
  • The findings highlight the potential genotoxic risk associated with nandrolone decanoate administration.

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