Effects of testosterone propionate and nandrolone decanoate on body composition and lipoprotein concentrations in the rat

Abstract

Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) are used illicitly by athletes, bodybuilders and polydrug users. Cardiovascular complications are associated with their use and adverse lipoprotein alterations have been implicated as a contributing factor. In this experiment male and female rats were administered testosterone propionate, nandrolone decanoate or vehicle (peanut oil), 1 mg/kg/day s.c. for 14 days. Only the testosterone-treated females experienced a significant increase in total body weight gain compared to peanut oil controls. No changes in food and water intake or excretion were noted between these two groups. Total body water increased in the testosterone-treated female rats. Changes in lipoprotein profiles in female testosterone rats over the treatment period indicated a significant decrease in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) compared to peanut oil-treated animals.This study indicates that the treatment protocol used may serve as a model to further investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of AAS.