Comparison of the effects of testosterone and nandrolone deconate combined with exercise on sperm parameters and testicular tissue of rats

Abstract

Background: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), such as nandrolone (N), are commonly used in medicine to maximize anabolic effects while minimizing androgenic effects. On the other hand, illicit use of anabolic androgenic steroids is prevalent among adolescents and bodybuilders because of their anabolic proprieties and their capacity to increase tolerance to exercise. Exogenous testosterone (T) adversely affects spermatogenesis in fertile men, but discontinuation generally leads to recovery.Objectives: This study investigated the impact of short- and long-term administration of testosterone and nandrolone on testis histopathology and sperm parameters following exercise. Methods: The study consisted of two components: short-term and long-term administration of T and ND. Thirty-six male NMRI mice were used for each component. Animals were divided into six groups: Control, exercise (E), N (10 mg/kg), T (0.1 mg/kg), N + E, and T + E. The high-intensity interval training was used. The injection of N and T continued for 14 days for the short-term component and 36 days for the long-term component. Sperm parameters, testis histology, and stereological study were analyzed. Results: There were no differences between the control and exercise groups. Short-term and long-term treatment with N and T significantly reduced sperm quality (p˂0.05). Both short-term and long-term administration of N and T had deleterious effects on testicular histology and stereological indices (p˂0.05). Exercise was found to improve sperm parameters and testicular histopathology in both groups (p˂0.05). Conclusion: Nandrolone demonstrated more detrimental effects on testicular tissue compared to testosterone. However, the harmful effects of anabolic androgens on testicular tissue can be mitigated by exercise. These findings shed light on the potential impact of testosterone and nandrolone administration on male reproductive health and the potential benefits of exercise in counteracting their adverse effects.