Sustanon suppresses spermatogenesis and increases cell death

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone. Sustanon, dissolved in peanut oil, is an AAS used by athletes to build muscle mass. This study aims to examine the effects of Sustanon on male reproductive health.

Adult male rats were divided into four groups under standard conditions. The control group received an intramuscular injection of the Sustanon solvent. The second, third, and fourth groups were treated with different doses (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg body weight) of Sustanon for 8 weeks. Blood samples, testes, and spermatozoa were collected for laboratory tests. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized from total RNA, and the expression of deleted in azoospermia like (DAZL) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) genes was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Histopathological analysis was performed on the testes.

The BCL2 gene had significantly lower expression in the treatment groups compared to the control group. There was no significant increase in the expression of DAZL. Significant reductions in testicular length, diameter, weight, sperm count, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were observed in the treatment groups. Histological changes were evident in the testes of the treated groups.

Sustanon likely induces adverse effects on the male reproductive system, potentially decreasing fertility. The study provides critical insights into the negative impacts of Sustanon on spermatogenesis and cell survival.