Histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in the testes of rabbits after injection with the growth promoter boldenone

Beneficial role of amygdalin extracts against animal growth regulator Boldjan induced cardiac toxicity, injury and oxidative stress in male rats

Millions of individuals have used illicit anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), but the long-term cardiovascular associations of these drugs remain incompletely understood. Boldjan is AAS medication which is used in veterinary medicine and by young adults aiming to have a better appearance improving their self-esteem. Therefore; the objective of the current investigation was to examine any potential preventative effects of amygdalin extract against anabolic steroid Boldjan induced cardic toxicity, injury and oxidative stress in male rat. Forty adult male Wistar rats were classified into five groups (Gp1, Control Gp; Gp2, Amygdalin Gp in which rats treated with amygdalin (100 mg/kg body weight/day) daily for 2 weeks; Gp3, Boldjan Gp in which rats treated with Boldjan (10 mg/Kg BW/week) for 4 weeks; Gp4, Boldjan + Amygdalin). Boldjan induced a significant rises in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase MB (CK MB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), cardiac injury, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a significant depletion in serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), cardiac reduced glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (Cat) activities as compared to control Gp. In contrast, Amygdalin significantly reversed the Boldjan induced cardiac toxicity in post treated rats Gp (Boldjan + Amygdalin). Amygdalin could be an efficient preventive supplement for mitigating Boldjan induced cardiac toxicity, possibly via controlling oxidative stress events.

Anabolic steroids induced changes at the level of protein expression: Effects of prolonged administration of testosterone and nandrolone to pigs

Synthetic derivatives of steroid hormones, specifically anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), have gained prominence due to their observed benefits in enhancing meat quality. The study replicated the administration of banned AAS and investigated their impacts on pigs to contribute to the understanding of animal biochemistry and to explore the feasibility of detecting AAS administration by employing a non-targeted analysis. The effects were corroborated by evaluating changes in the expression of selected proteins, as well as examining haematological and biochemical profiles and histological alterations. Exposure to AAS influenced the expression of proteins related to drug-metabolizing enzymes, muscle and lipid metabolism, kidney function, reproductive processes, immune system functions, and carcinogenic changes. The effects of AAS appear intricate and contingent on factors such as the specific drug used, dosage, and duration of administration. The results underscore that protein expression analysis holds promise as a valuable tool for detecting illicit AAS use in the fattening process.

Therapeutic effects of vitamin B17 against anabolic steroid Trenorol induced testicular toxicity, injury, DNA damage and apoptosis in male rats

Several anabolic androgenic steroids (ASSs) are a group of synthetic molecules derived from testosterone and developed mainly for veterinary use that classed as a Schedule III and sometimes utilized by athletes to enlarge their muscles. Abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids can result in severe organ damage that cannot be repaired. Therefore; the objective of the current investigation was to examine the therapeutic effects of vitamin B17 (VitB17) on the testicular toxicity caused by the anabolic steroid Trenorol in male rats. Rats were randomly assigned into control, VitB17 (50 mg/kg b.wt./day, orally), Trenorol (received 10 mg/kg b.wt./week, IM) and Trenorol + VitB17 treated groups. At the end of experiment, hormonal assay, semen evaluation, testicular enzymes, and DNA damage were assessed. Besides, the histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of the P53 expression were performed. Current results revealed that; Trenorol induced significant depletion in relative weights of testis (RWT), total testosterone follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), sperm count, morphology index, viability, progressive motility, and testicular injury and a significant increase sperm abnormalities, testicular DNA damage and P53 experssions. Treatment of rats with Trenorol + VitB17 decreased the testicular toxicity, sperm parameters, DNA damage and apoptosis. We can conclude that; Trenorol induced toxicity, DNA damage and apoptosis in rat testis and treatments with VitB1 improved these parameters.

Impact of Coriandrum sativum seeds extract on albino rats' testicular toxicity caused by carbendazim

Background

A broad spectrum carbamate fungicide called carbendazim (Carb) is used to combat a number of different fungal diseases. One of the extensively utilized medicinal plants in oriental countries is Coriandrum sativum.

Aim

In the current study, the impact of C. sativum seeds extract (CSE) on albino rats' testicular toxicity caused by carbendazim was investigated.

Materials and methods

A total of 50 male albino rats were classified into 5 groups [Gp1, Control Gp; Gp2, Coriandrum Gp (CSE); Gp 3, carbendazim Gp (Carb); Gp 4, Co treated CSE with Carb (CSE + Carb); Gp 5, Post treated Carb with CSE (Carb + CSE)].

Results

Carb induced elevation in serum LH. FSH, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular nitric oxide (NO) markers and testicular injury and it reduced serum testosterone, testicular glutathione (GSH), testicular catalase and PCNA. Treatments of Carb with CSE (CSE + Carb and/or Carb + CSE) improved these parameters and reduced testicular toxicity with best results for Carb + CSE than CSE + Carb.

Conclusions

The above findings revealed that; Carb induced testicular toxicity and it supported the hypothesis that the antioxidant characteristics of one or more of CSE constituents can reduce the testicular toxicity of Carb.

Anabolic Steroids in Fattening Food-Producing Animals—A Review

Simple Summary

Anabolic steroids significantly affect animal tissues and cause morphological and histological changes, which are often irreversible. This issue is currently a very hot topic, as the answers to the questions concerning the health of endangered animals and humans vary greatly from country to country. There is a need to further investigate whether the use of anabolic steroids in animal fattening threatens consumer health and to develop new tools for the detection of anabolic steroids in meat. One possibility for detection could be to observe histological changes in the tissues, which form a typical pattern of anabolic abuse. This review gathered information on the anabolic steroids most commonly used in animal fattening, the legislation governing this issue, and the main effects of anabolics on animal tissues.

Abstract

Anabolic steroids are chemically synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone. They are used in medicine for their ability to support muscle growth and healing and by athletes for esthetic purposes and to increase sports performance, but another major use is in fattening animals to increase meat production. The more people there are on Earth, the greater the need for meat production and anabolic steroids accelerate the growth of animals and, most importantly, increase the amount of muscle mass. Anabolic steroids also have proven side effects that affect all organs and tissues, such as liver and kidney parenchymal damage, heart muscle degeneration, organ growth, coagulation disorders, and increased risk of muscle and tendon rupture. Anabolic steroids also have a number of harmful effects on the developing brain, such as brain atrophy and changes in gene expression with consequent changes in the neural circuits involved in cognitive functions. Behavioral changes such as aggression, irritability, anxiety and depression are related to changes in the brain. In terms of long-term toxicity, the greatest impact is on the reproductive system, i.e., testicular shrinkage and infertility. Therefore, their abuse can be considered a public health problem. In many countries around the world, such as the United States, Canada, China, Argentina, Australia, and other large meat producers, the use of steroids is permitted but in all countries of the European Union there is a strict ban on the use of anabolic steroids in fattening animals. Meat from a lot of countries must be carefully inspected and monitored for steroids before export to Europe. Gas or liquid chromatography methods in combination with mass spectrometry detectors and immunochemical methods are most often used for the analysis of these substances. These methods have been considered the most modern for decades, but can be completely ineffective if they face new synthetic steroid derivatives and want to meet meat safety requirements. The problem of last years is the application of “cocktails” of anabolic substances with very low concentrations, which are difficult to detect and are difficult to quantify using conventional detection methods. This is the reason why scientists are trying to find new methods of detection, mainly based on changes in the structure of tissues and cells and their metabolism. This review gathered this knowledge into a coherent form and its findings could help in finding such a combination of changes in tissues that would form a typical picture for evidence of anabolic misuse.

Impacts of sex steroids and aromatase inhibitor on performances, carcass characteristics and gonadal histology of broiler chickens slaughtered at different ages

This experiment was established to evaluate the influence of synthetic steroid hormone and aromatase inhibitor on performance, carcass characteristics, hormonal profile and gonadal structure of broiler chickens slaughtered at two different ages. A total of 360 Cobb Avian48 chicks were sexed and distributed randomly into three groups: Tam10 group; birds received Tamoxifen10mg (Tamfen 10 mg^@ ) orally at a level of 10 mg/kg body weight daily from the 3rd till the 9th day of age; BOL group: birds injected intramuscularly with Boldenone undecylenate (BOLD-GAN^@ 0.1 mg/kg) at the 5th and the 9th day of age; and Control group. BOL injection or Tam supplementation improved performance traits compared with the control group. Although Tam positive effect appeared early before the 5th week of age, the BOL effect was delayed to the 6th week. BOL injection improved carcass characteristics of both sexes at both 5 and 6 weeks slaughtering ages. Regardless of treatment effect, the mortality% was higher in the late weeks of age than in the early weeks. Moreover, BOL treatment increased comb% compared with control and Tam treatments. Generally, males had significantly higher testosterone levels and lower oestrogen levels than females. Males treated with Boldenone had the highest testosterone level, although testosterone levels did not differ considerably among females of the various groups. BOL treatment females had the lowest oestrogen level. Both Tam10 and Boldenone had adverse effects on testicular and ovarian histology, affecting the typical structures. Finally, we concluded that the anabolic effect of Tam10 may be achieved in griller broilers production without changing the sex hormones assay. Although Boldenone achieved an anabolic effect without changing blood sex hormone levels, this effect is induced early with females and delayed with males, which prolongs the marketing period. The goal is to shorten this period. Therefore, this material can only be used with the possibility of separating females from males to be used with females only.

Protective effects of olive leaf extract against reproductive toxicity of the lead acetate in rats

Lead acetate (PbAc) is one of the toxic metals in the environment which causes many effects on different organs of the body. And due to the importance of the olive tree, with its healthy and protective elements against many diseases, the leaf extract of this tree was chosen in our study. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of olive leaf (Olea europea L.) extract (OLE) against PbAc-induced sperm toxicity, sex hormone changes, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes in rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (group 1, as control; group 2, OLE; group 3, PbAc; group 4, PbAc+OLE). In the PbAc group, the body weight, testis and epididymis weights, sexual hormones, sperm characteristics, GR, GPx, GST, GSH, SOD, and CAT were significantly decreased, and the sperm abnormality and TBARS level were significant increase when compared with control and OLE groups. Also, numerous damages to testicular tissue were observed in the PbAc group when compared to the control group, while the treatment with OLE in the fourth group led to improvement of sex hormones, semen characteristics, oxidative stress, and testicular tissue damage caused by PbAc. It can be concluded that OLE has a protective and ameliorative effects against PbAc-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and alterations in testicular tissue, and sperm quality in rats.

Inhibition of boldenone-induced aggression in rats by curcumin: Targeting TLR4/MyD88/TRAF-6/NF-κB pathway

The illicit abuse of anabolic steroids is associated with brutal aggression, which represents a serious health hazard and social threat. Boldenone is commonly used for doping by athletes and adolescents for esthetic purposes and to enhance performance and endurance during competitions. However, the mechanistic pathways underlying boldenone-induced behavioral deviations and neuronal toxicity have not yet been elucidated. On the other hand, the natural polyphenol curcumin is appreciated for its relative safety, potent antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the present study was initiated to explore the signaling pathways underlying boldenone-induced anxiety and aggression in rats, and the protective effects of curcumin. To achieve this aim, male Wistar albino rats were randomly distributed into control, curcumin (100 mg/kg in sesame oil, p.o., once daily), boldenone (5 mg/kg, intramuscular, once weekly), and combination groups. Rats were challenged across the open field, irritability, defensive aggression, and resident-intruder tests. The prefrontal cortex was used to assess serotonin level, oxidative stress markers, and mRNA expression of myeloid differentiation primary response gene (MyD88), TNFR-associated factor 6 (TRAF-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), protein expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB transcription factor (NF-κB p65). Unprecedented, the current results showed that boldenone elicited aggression in rats accompanied by depleted serotonin, enhanced oxidative stress, and exaggerated inflammatory response via upregulation of TLR4/MyD88/TRAF-6/NF-κB pathway. Interestingly, curcumin mitigated boldenone-induced neurobehavioral disturbances in rats, normalized the oxidant/antioxidant balance, and suppressed TLR4/MyD88/TRAF-6/NF-κB pathway and its downstream proinflammatory signaling molecules TNF-α and IL-1β.

The Modulatory Role of Vitamin C in Boldenone Undecylenate Induced Testicular Oxidative Damage and Androgen Receptor Dysregulation in Adult Male Rats

Background: This study explored the effect of vitamin C (Vit-C) administration on the reproductive function of adult male Wistar rats injected with boldenone undecylenate (BOL). Methods: Rats were randomly assigned into control, vehicle control, Vit-C (120 mg/kg b.wt./day, orally), BOL (received 5 mg/kg b.wt./week, IM) and BOL+Vit-C-treated groups. After eight weeks, hormonal assay, semen evaluation, testicular enzymes, and antioxidants biomarkers were assessed. Besides, the histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of the androgen receptor (AR) expression were performed. Results: The results revealed that serum testosterone, acid phosphatase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, sperm abnormalities, and testicular malondialdehyde were significantly incremented in the BOL-treated group. Testicular weight, sperm count, and sperm motility together with serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol, and testicular testosterone, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione showed a significant decrease following BOL treatment. Besides, the AR immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in testicular tissues. Vit-C co-administration with BOL significantly relieved the BOL-induced sperm abnormalities, reduced sperm motility, testicular enzyme leakage, and oxidative damage. However, Vit-C could rescue neither BOL-induced hormonal disturbances nor AR down-regulation. Conclusions: The results provide further insight into the mechanisms of BOL-induced reproductive dysfunction and its partial recovery by Vit-C.

Therapeutic effects of rocket seeds (Eruca sativa L.) against testicular toxicity and oxidative stress caused by silver nanoparticles injection in rats

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), one of the most well-known nanomaterials, are regularly utilized in everyday consumer products. The present study aimed to investigate the testicular toxicity and oxidative stress by AgNPs and the therapeutic role of the rocket seeds (Eruca sativa) in treatments. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four equivalent groups (group 1, control; group 2, rocket seeds extract [RS]; group 3, AgNPs; group 4, AgNPs+RS). Our results showed that AgNPs induced a significant decrease in serum total testosterone, FSH (follicle-animating hormone), prolactin and LH (luteinizing hormone), testicular glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S-transferase (GST). In contrast, a significant increase in testicular DNA, injury, testicular thiobarbituric acid, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) expressions after treatments with AgNPs when contrasted with the control group. Treatments of AgNPs with rocket seeds extract (AgNPs+RS) improved testicular functions and structure. Rocket seeds extract might offer benefits against the toxic nature of AgNPs.

Moringa oleifera leaves extract modulates toxicity, sperms alterations, oxidative stress, and testicular damage induced by tramadol in male rats

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic used for moderate-to-severe pain structurally related to codeine and morphine, where their analgesic mechanism is a result of opioid and non-opioid mechanisms. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MLE) on tramadol-induced testicular toxicity, sperm changes, testicular damage, and oxidative stress in male rats. Forty male albino rats were divided into four groups and treated for 4 weeks (group 1, as control; group 2, MLE; group 3, tramadol; group 4, MLE + tramadol). The relative body weight, relative testes weight, serum total testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, sperm counts, vitality, total sperm motility, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly decreased in tramadol-treated group when compared with the control group. In contrast, sperm abnormality, immotile sperm percent, testicular injury, and TBARS concentration in testes were significantly increased in the tramadol-treated group. In addition, histopathological examination for the tramadol-treated group has shown incomplete spermatogenesis, moderate degeneration in some seminiferous tubules with a significant decrease in the number of spermatogenic cells and depletion of Leydig cells. The administration of MLE with tramadol ameliorates the testicular toxicity, injury, sperm count, abnormalities, and oxidative stress induced by tramadol.

Ameliorative effects of vitamin B17 on the kidney against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced renal toxicity in mice

Cancer is the major cause of death and many factors that lead to its occurrences, such as environmental pollution and pesticides and other factors. Ehrlich carcinoma development depends on many things associated with the environment, nutrition, personal habits, and family history. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of vitamin B17 (VB17) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) that induced kidney toxicity in female mice. The mice were divided into five groups (first group, control group; second group, VB17 group; third group, EAC group; fourth group, pretreated EAC with VB17; fifth group, cotreated EAC with VB17). Results showed the VB17 in pretreated (G4) and cotreated (G5) groups lead to an improvement in DNA damage and cytological examination, in addition significantly (P < .05) increase in Na⁺ , red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit value, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration, whereas significantly (P < .05) decrease in urea, creatinine, K⁺ , platelets, and white blood cells while insignificant (P < .05) changes in mean corpuscular volume when compared to the EAC group. Many histopathological changes were observed in kidney sections in EAC as marked damage and degenerated, glomerular atrophy, the Malpighian corpuscles that lost their characteristic configuration. On the other hand, a moderate improvement and arrangement in the kidney histological structure in pretreated VB17 + EAC, while a mild enhancement and arrangement of the kidney structure in cotreated EAC + VB17. In addition, depletion in renal P53 and PCNA protein expression compared with the EAC group. It could be concluded that VB17 has a potential renal protective effect against EAC cells induced kidney injury.

LCZ696 (sacubitril/valsartan) protects against cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity in rats: Role of neprilysin inhibition and lncRNA TUG1 in ameliorating apoptosis

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used as chemotherapy in various cancers; however, testicular atrophy has been encountered as an associated adverse effect. Oxidative stress, enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and subsequent apoptosis are involved in the molecular mechanisms of CP-induced testicular toxicity. In addition to the cardiovascular benefits of LCZ696 (sacubitril/valsartan (VAL)), neprilysin inhibition was shown to mediate Ca²⁺ sequestration inside the ER. Furthermore, long noncoding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 (lncRNA TUG1) was shown to ameliorate apoptosis in various diseases. This tempted us to investigate the possible benefit of LCZ696 against CP-induced testicular dysfunction in rats through neprilysin inhibition axis, and the downstream apoptotic cascade, with highlighting the impact of lncRNA TUG1 in regulating testicular toxicity. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated as control, LCZ696, VAL, CP, CP + LCZ696, and CP + VAL. Testicular atrophy was induced by single-dose injection of CP (200 mg/kg; i.p.). LCZ696 treated group received LCZ696 (30 mg/kg; p.o.) for 6 days, with CP (200 mg/kg; i.p.) single-dose on day 5. LCZ696 increased lncRNA TUG1 expression, improved sperm characteristics, hormonal profile, testicular function, antioxidant defences, and Bcl-2. The histopathological picture and reduced oxidative and ER stress markers, aligned with declined Bax, caspase-3 and the expression of CHOP, PUMA, Noxa, Bim, and p53, with a subtle superior effect over VAL-treated group. In conclusion, the current study highlights the promising impact of LCZ696 in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced testicular atrophy; yet, further investigation regarding longer duration and different doses of LCZ696 is warranted.

Hepatic ameliorative role of vitamin B17 against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-induced liver toxicity

Vitamin B17 (VB17), also known as amygdalin and laetrile, is a type of carbohydrate occurring naturally in many plants, such as apricot kernels which have obtained a great interest in cancer therapy. This study aimed to investigate the hepatic protective potential of VB17 against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice-induced liver injury, DNA damage, apoptotic P53, and PCNA alterations. A total of 100 female mice were divided into 5 groups (1st group, control group; 2nd group, VB17 group; 3rd group, EAC group; 4th group, pre-treated EAC with VB17; 5th group, co-treated EAC with VB17). Results showed that the presence of VB17 in pre-treated and co-treated groups lead to decreased DNA damage, microsomal protein, NADPH cytochrome c reductase, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), AST, ALT, and ALP while showed increased cytochrome b5, cytochrome P450 amidopyrine N-demethylase, and aniline 4-hydroxylase compared with the EAC group. Many histopathological changes were observed in liver sections in EAC as moderate fibrosis and marked diffuse necrosis of hepatic tissue, marked inflammatory cells, and congested blood sinusoids. On the other hand, there was a moderate degree of improvement in hepatocytes in liver sections in pre-treated VB17+EAC, while a mild degree of improvement in hepatocytes, moderate cellular infiltrations, and moderate cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatocytes in liver sections in co-treated EAC+VB17. In addition, there was a depletion in hepatic P53 and PCNA protein expression compared with the EAC group. It could be concluded that VB17 has a potential hepatoprotective effect against EAC cell-induced liver toxicity.

Grape seeds proanthocyanidin extract ameliorates Ehrlich solid tumor induced renal tissue and DNA damage in mice

The current study was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins extract (GSPE) against Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) induced renal injury, with the respect to DNA fragmentation and P53 and PCNA proteins expression in renal tissue. A total of 50 female mice were randomly assigned into five groups. Control mice were injected with physiological saline solution. Mice of the 2^nd group were administered with GSPE (50 mg/kg bw/every 2day/per OS) for 2 weeks and injected with physiological saline solution. Mice of the 3^rd group were injected subcutaneously with 2.5 million cells of EAC/mouse. Mice of the 4^th group were injected with EAC as the 3^rd group and administered with GSPE as the 2^nd group simultaneously for 2 weeks. Mice of the 5^th group were injected with EAC as the 3^rd group and left for 2 weeks (till development of solid tumor), then treated with GSPE for another 2 weeks. EST significantly increased serum levels of urea, creatinine, potassium and chloride. In addition, it induced renal tissue and DNA injuries and increased P53, PCNA and ki67 proteins expression in renal tissues. On the other hand, it decreased serum levels of sodium and calcium ions. However, treatment of EST bearing mice with GSPE normalized serum levels of the above-mentioned parameters and improved renal tissue structure and reduced renal tissue DNA damage and P53, PCNA and ki67 proteins expression. These results indicated that GSPE is a promising nephron protective agent against EST induced renal injury.

Phytoestrogens, phytosteroids and saponins in vegetables: Biosynthesis, functions, health effects and practical applications

Phytoestrogens are non-steroidal secondary metabolites with similarities in structure and biological activities with human estrogens divided into various classes of compounds, including lignans, isoflavones, ellagitannins, coumestans and stilbenes. Similarly, phytosteroids are steroidal compounds of plant origin which have estrogenic effects and can act as agonists, antagonists, or have a mixed agonistic/antagonistic activity to animal steroid receptors. On the other hand, saponins are widely distributed plant glucosides divided into triterpenoid and steroidal saponins that contribute to plant defense mechanism against herbivores. They present a great variation from a structural point of view, including compounds from different classes. In this chapter, the main vegetable sources of these compounds will be presented, while details regarding their biosynthesis and plant functions will be also discussed. Moreover, considering the significant bioactive properties that these compounds exhibit, special focus will be given on their health effects, either beneficial or adverse. The practical applications of these compounds in agriculture and phytomedicine will be also demonstrated, as well as the future prospects for related research.

Effects of boldenone undecylenate on growth performance, maintenance behaviour, reproductive hormones and carcass traits of growing rabbits

The present study was done to evaluate the effect of boldenone undecylenate (BOL) on growth performance, maintenance behaviour, reproductive hormones and carcass traits of male rabbits. Sixty apparently healthy New Zealand White male rabbits, 5 weeks of age, were allotted to 3 equal groups. Each group was subdivided into 5 replicates, where the first group is control. The second group (B1) comprised rabbits that received 2 intramuscular injections of BOL (5 mg/kg) with 3 week intervals (9 and 12 weeks of age), while the third group (B2) included rabbits that received 3 intramuscular injections of BOL (5 mg/kg) with 2 week intervals (8, 10 and 12 weeks of age). The end of the trial was after 4 weeks from the last injection (16 weeks of age). The results revealed that the treated groups had a significant increase in total body weight, daily gain and feed efficiency, with a significant decrease in feed conversion ratio (FCR). Ingestive, locomotion and grooming behaviors were significantly higher in treated groups. Lateral pasture and exploratory behaviors were significantly higher in the control group. Administration of BOL resulted in a significant increase in dressing % and a significant decrease in testes %. Groups treated with BOL had a significantly (P<0.05) decreased serum testosterone level, simultaneously with a significantly increased estradiol level. The results indicate that BOL improves performance and carcass traits. Furthermore, there are hormonal-behavioral correlations through enhancement of ingestive and locomotion behaviors of treated animals.

Impacts of dose and time of boldenone and stanazolol exposure in inflammatory markers, oxidative and nitrosative stress and histopathological changes in the rat testes

The present study was conducted to analyze the adverse effects of the anabolic steroids boldenone (BOL) and stanazolol (ST) in the reproductive function of male rats. These molecules were administered using three different protocols. In Protocol I, BOL and ST were administered in a higher dose than what is recommended but for a short period. In Protocol II, a moderate dose of these compounds was applied for an intermediate period, whereas in Protocol III a reduced dose was administered but for an extended period. Notably, Protocol I and III resulted in increased levels of reactive oxygen specimens (ROS [I, p < 0.01] [III, p < 0.001)]) and nitrite plus nitrate (NOx [I, p < 0.01] [II, p < 0.01] [III,p < 0.05]), respectively, whereas non-protein thiols (NPSH) levels were decreased only after Protocol III (p < 0.01). Myeloperoxidase activity was significantly increased after treatment with BOL in protocol II (p < 0.01) and III (p < 0.05) than with ST in protocol III (p < 0.05). Boldenone and ST also caused a significant up-regulation in the levels of serum testosterone when protocols I (p < 0.01) and II (p < 0.05) were performed. There were also visible histopathological alterations in the testes induced by treatment with BOL, namely degenerative changes primarily characterized by a decrease in the germinal epithelium. Together, these results suggest that the administration of BOL or ST exerts a significantly harmful effect in the testes of male rats. Moreover, all the treatment protocols used in this study induced deleterious effects on the testes, as indicated by the different biochemical parameters investigated. However, only the protocols of longer exposure time (II and III) induced morphological changes compatible with infertility.

Histopathological alterations after a growth promoter boldenone injection in rabbits

Boldenone (BOL) is a derivative of the testosterone that has dual effects on humans, both directly and indirectly; directly as injection to build muscles and indirectly as through consuming meat of animals that where treated with BOL. However, the action of these steroids on different body organs structures is still unclear; therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the intramuscular injection of BOL undecylenate on the different organ structures. A total of 10 adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into two main groups, the first group was the control group, which includes animals that were injected intramuscularly with olive oil and the second group included animals that received two intramuscular injections of 5 mg/kg body weight BOL dissected after 6 weeks. Our results showed that intramuscular injection of rabbits with BOL showed hypertrophy in both skeletal and cardiac muscles, disturbances of the hepatocytes radially arranged cords with multifocal hepatocellular vacuolations in the liver, glomerulus mass reduction with multifocal glomerular injury in the kidney, disturbances of the cycle of spermatogenesis in the testes. In conclusion, using BOL, while preparing for a young bodybuilding contest, may cause an alteration in the histological structure of most of the body organs; these findings suggested that especially young people who misuse anablic androgenic steroids should be careful if they want to use such steroids to enhance their strength and endurance.

Physiological and biochemical changes after boldenone injection in adult rabbits

Boldenone (BOL) is an androgenic steroid that improves the growth and food conversion in food-producing animals. In most countries worldwide, this anabolic steroid is forbidden for human uses and meat production as it was developed for veterinary use. Recently, BOL is used by bodybuilders in both off season and pre-contest, where it is well known for increasing vascularity while preparing for a bodybuilding contest. The present study was designed to investigate the physiological and biochemical changes in rabbits after injection with the growth promoter BOL. A total of 32 adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups, where the control group includes animals that were injected intramuscularly with olive oil and dissected after 3 weeks. The remaining three experimental groups included animals that received one, two and three intramuscular injections of 5 mg/kg body weight BOL, respectively, and were dissected after 3, 6 and 9 weeks, respectively. The animals from practice appeared healthy and did not show clinical signs of disease and none of the rabbits died during the experimental period. Serum total protein, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, asparate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly increased while serum direct bilirubin, albumin and albumin/globulin ratio were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after one, two and three intramuscular injections of BOL as compared to their relative values in the control group. These findings explain the common phenomena in athletes and bodybuilders who suffer from infertility, renal and hepatic alterations following injection with some drugs as steroids (BOL) to build muscles.