Anabolic androgenic steroids reverse the beneficial effect of exercise on tendon biomechanics: An experimental study

Abstract Background The effect of anabolic androgenic steroids on tendons has not yet been fully elucidated. Aim of the present study was the evaluation of the impact of anabolic androgenic steroids on the biomechanical and histological characteristics of Achilles tendons. Methods Twenty-four male W...

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Published in:Foot and ankle surgery 2014-06, Vol.20 (2), p.94-99
Main Authors: Tsitsilonis, Serafim, MD, MSc, PhD, Panayiotis, Chatzistergos E., PhD, Athanasios, Mitousoudis S., PhD, Stavros, Kourkoulis K., PhD, Ioannis, Vlachos S., MSc, George, Agrogiannis, MD, Konstantinos, Fasseas, PhD, Despina, Perrea N., PhD, Aristides, Zoubos B., MD, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Achilles tendon
Achilles Tendon - drug effects
Achilles Tendon - physiology
Anabolic Agents - pharmacology
Anabolic androgenic steroids
Animals
Biomechanical Phenomena
Biomechanics
Collagen - drug effects
Male
Motor Activity - physiology
Nandrolone - analogs & derivatives
Nandrolone - pharmacology
Orthopedics
Rats
Rats, Wistar
Rupture
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Summary:Abstract Background The effect of anabolic androgenic steroids on tendons has not yet been fully elucidated. Aim of the present study was the evaluation of the impact of anabolic androgenic steroids on the biomechanical and histological characteristics of Achilles tendons. Methods Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups with exercise and anabolic steroids (nandrolone decanoate) serving as variables. Protocol duration was 12 weeks. Following euthanasia, tendons’ biomechanical properties were tested with the use of a modified clamping configuration. Histological examination with light and electron microscopy were also performed. Results In the group of anabolic steroids and exercise the lowest fracture stress values were observed, while in the exercise group the highest ones. Histological examination by light and electron microscopy revealed areas of collagen dysplasia and an increased epitendon in the groups receiving anabolic steroids and exercise. Conclusions These findings suggest that anabolic androgenic steroids reverse the beneficial effect of exercise, thus resulting in inferior maximal stress values.
ISSN:1268-7731
1460-9584
DOI:10.1016/j.fas.2013.12.001