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Effects of testosterone administration on liver structure and function in aging rats
Ricardo Aparecido Baptista Nucci1, Ana Caroline de Souza Teodoro1, Walter Krause Neto2
1a Department of Aging Sciences , São Judas Tadeu University , São Paulo , Brazil.
Summary
Testosterone treatment in aging male rats negatively impacts liver health, causing congestion and cholestasis, despite increasing hepatocyte capacity. This study explores aging and testosterone
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Hepatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Aging is associated with declining testosterone levels in males.
- Testosterone administration in aging individuals may have adverse effects on liver function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aging and testosterone administration on liver components in Wistar rats.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were grouped by age (20 and 24 months) and testosterone treatment status.
- Groups included a 20-month-old control (G20), a 24-month-old control (G24), and a testosterone-treated group (GT).
- All rats were sacrificed at 24 months, except G20 at 20 months.
Main Results:
- Aging and testosterone treatment significantly altered body weight, liver weight, and relative liver weight.
- Testosterone administration enhanced the mitogenic capacity of hepatocytes.
- Chronic hepatic congestion and/or cholestasis were observed in testosterone-treated old rats, indicating negative liver effects.
- Testosterone influences hepatic glycogen stores.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone administration in aging male rats has detrimental effects on liver health, including congestion and cholestasis.
- The study provides insights into the complex interplay between aging, testosterone, and liver physiology.
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