Impacts of dose and length of exposure to boldenone and stanazolol on enzymatic antioxidant systems, myeloperoxidase and NAGase activities, and glycogen and lactate levels in rat liver

• Published in: Steroids 2020-09, Vol.161, p.108670, Article 108670
• Main Authors: Carvalho, Fabiano B., Bueno, Andressa, Lhamas, Cibele L., Gutierres, Jessié M., Carvalho, Mariana B., Brusco, Indiara, Oliveira, Sara M., Bottari, Nathieli B., Silva, Aniélen D., Miron, Vanessa V., Alves, Mariana S., Leitemperger, Jossiele W., Loro, Vânia L., Schetinger, Maria Rosa C., Morsch, Vera M., de Andrade, Cinthia M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AAS; Enzymatic antioxidant systems; Liver; Myeloperoxidase; NAGase; Oxidative stress
• ISSN: 0039-128X; 1878-5867
• DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108670

[Display omitted] •Adverse effects of BOL and ST on hepatic function were investigated in three different protocols.•PI reproduces higher doses of AAS than those recommended over a short time interval.•PII represent the use of a moderate dose of AAS for an intermediate period.•PIII represents users that prolong exposure time in order to reduce androgenic effects.•High doses of AAS for a short duration exert deleterious effects on redox status and metabolic function. We investigated the adverse effects of the anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) boldenone (BOL) and stanazolol (ST) on the enzymatic antioxidant systems of the rat liver. Male Wistar rats were divided in three protocols (P): PI, 5 mg/kg BOL or ST once a week for 4 weeks; PII, 2.5 mg/kg BOL or ST once a week for 8 weeks; PIII, 1.25 mg/kg BOL or ST once a week for 12 weeks. AAS were administered intramuscularly (0.2 ml, olive oil vehicle) once a week in all protocols. Activities of the enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), were investigated. We assessed the content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), glycogen and lactate; and enzyme markers of neutrophils (myeloperoxidase, MPO) and macrophages (NAGase). PI and PII altered the SOD and CAT activities and increased the H2O2 content. PI led to increases in the MPO and NAGase activities. In contrast, changes in GPx, GST and, GR were observed under PII and, to a greater extend, under PIII. Following PIII, GPx, GR, and GST exhibited reduced activities. All protocols altered the glycogen and lactate content. The use of high doses of AAS for a short duration first alters SOD/CAT activity. In contrast, at lower doses of AAS for long periods is associated with changes in the glutathione system. Protocols with high doses of AAS for a short duration exert the most deleterious effects on redox status, markers of cellular infiltration, and the metabolic functioning of hepatic tissues.