Stanozolol

Effect of testosterone cypionate and stanozolol on the heart of young trained mice: A morphometric study.[Pubmed:30772437]

Steroids. 2019 May;145:19-22.

Testosterone cypionate and Stanozolol are Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) which are synthetic substances that possess functions similar to testosterone. The use of these substances has increased considerably among youngsters and sports practitioners aiming better performance of with aesthetic purposes. The major concern is the effects caused by the inappropriate use of the substances, such as hypertension, myocardial ischemia, and left ventricle hypertrophy. The objective of the present research was to measure the diameter of the left ventricle lumen and the thickness of the left ventricle myocardium in mice submitted to supraphysiological doses of AAS. A total of 30 female Swiss mice were used in the experiments. The animals received supraphysiological doses of the AAS for 30days, and during the treatment period, they were put to swim in intercalated days. After treatment animals were euthanized and slides were made from the hearts for measurements. Results demonstrated that both AAS changed significantly the heart morphology: Testosterone cypionate led to an increase in the ventricular lumen and Stanozolol increased left ventricle myocardium thickness. In conclusion, the use of AAS in supraphysiological doses can change the heart morphology and can lead to serious health consequences.

Stanozolol promotes osteogenic gene expression and apposition of bone mineral in vitro.[Pubmed:30427473]

J Appl Oral Sci. 2018 Nov 8;27:e20180014.

Stanozolol (ST) is a synthetic androgen with high anabolic potential. Although it is known that androgens play a positive role in bone metabolism, ST action on bone cells has not been sufficiently tested to support its clinical use for bone augmentation procedures. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of ST on osteogenic activity and gene expression in SaOS-2 cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: SaOS-2 deposition of mineralizing matrix in response to increasing doses of ST (0-1000 nM) was evaluated through Alizarin Red S and Calcein Green staining techniques at 6, 12 and 24 days. Gene expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), vitamin D receptor (VDR), osteopontin (SPP1) and osteonectin (ON) was analyzed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: ST significantly influenced SaOS-2 osteogenic activity: stainings showed the presence of rounded calcified nodules, which increased both in number and in size over time and depending on ST dose. RT-PCR highlighted ST modulation of genes related to osteogenic differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided encouraging results, showing ST promoted the osteogenic commitment of SaOS-2 cells. Further studies are required to validate these data in primary osteoblasts and to investigate ST molecular pathway of action.

Stanozolol promotes lipid deposition in the aorta through an imbalance in inflammatory cytokines and oxidative status in LDLr knockout mice fed a normal diet.[Pubmed:30295413]

Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2019 Apr;124(4):360-369.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an anabolic steroid, Stanozolol, in a model of atherosclerosis and to investigate the involvement of the modulation of the inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in vascular lipid deposition. Low-density lipid receptor-deficient (LDLr-/-) mice were fed a standard chow diet and were each week injected subcutaneously either saline (control C group) or 20 mg/kg Stanozolol (S group). After 8 weeks, the levels of cholesterol, oxidized LDL (OxLDL) and cytokines were measured in plasma, lipid deposition in aorta was evaluated by en face analysis, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and oxidation protein were determined in liver. The S group demonstrated increases in vascular lipid deposition, triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol levels. Stanozolol increased tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and decreased interleukin-10 as well as increased the TNF-alpha/IL-10 ratio. Furthermore, oxidative stress was observed in the S group, as indicated by an increase in the plasma OxLDL, as well as by lipid peroxidation and oxidation of proteins in the liver. Chronic treatment with Stanozolol promoted lipid deposition in the LDLr(-/-) mice that could be attributed to a modification of the circulating cytokine levels and systemic oxidative stress. Our results suggest that the anabolic steroid Stanozolol in the absence of functional LDL receptors by increasing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress may increase the risk of development and progression of atherosclerosis.

Pubertal anabolic androgenic steroid exposure in male rats affects levels of gonadal steroids, mating frequency, and pregnancy outcome.[Pubmed:30074896]

J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2018 Dec 19;30(1):29-36.

Background Testosterone, nandrolone, and Stanozolol are among the highly consumed anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs). Although the desired effects of AAS are being achieved by the abusers, unfortunately, this leads to numerous physical and physiological side effects. The present study was designed to investigate and determine whether early pubertal exposure to AAS treatment had detrimental effects on blood testosterone and estradiol concentrations, mating behavior, and pregnancy outcome during the pubertal period in male rats. Materials Early pubertal rats (PND41) were given two doses (2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg) each of testosterone, nandrolone, and Stanozolol subcutaneously for 6 weeks. Upon completion, three rats with the highest weight were chosen from each group for mating with the females, in a ratio of one male to two females for 10 days. After 10 days, all male rats were sacrificed to obtain the testes for weight recording, and blood samples were collected for testosterone and estradiol quantitation. Pregnant females were housed separately until birth, and the number of offsprings produced was counted. Results The results clearly show a reduction in reproductive hormonal and behavioral parameters between testosterone and nandrolone, and testosterone and Stanozolol. Stanozolol administration exhibited suppressing effects in all parameters including testicular weight deterioration, serum testosterone and estradiol reduction, low mating preferences, and declined pregnancy outcome. Conclusions AAS exposure during the onset of puberty results in reproductive detrimental effects, which are postulated to affect the pregnancy rate.

Stanozolol administration combined with exercise leads to decreased telomerase activity possibly associated with liver aging.[Pubmed:29717770]

Int J Mol Med. 2018 Jul;42(1):405-413.

Anabolic agents are doping substances which are commonly used in sports. Stanozolol, a 17alphaalkylated derivative of testosterone, has a widespread use among athletes and bodybuilders. Several medical and behavioral adverse effects are associated with anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse, while the liver remains the most well recognized target organ. In the present study, the hepatic effects of Stanozolol administration in rats at high doses resembling those used for doping purposes were investigated, in the presence or absence of exercise. Stanozolol and its metabolites, 16betahydroxyStanozolol and 3'hydroxyStanozolol, were detected in rat livers using liquid chromatographymass spectrometry (LCMS). Telomerase activity, which is involved in cellular aging and tumorigenesis, was detected by examining telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression levels in the livers of Stanozololtreated rats. Stanozolol induced telomerase activity at the molecular level in the liver tissue of rats and exercise reversed this induction, reflecting possible premature liver tissue aging. PTEN gene expression in the rat livers was practically unaffected either by exercise or by Stanozolol administration.

Prevalence and awareness of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) among gymnasts in the western province of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[Pubmed:29560159]

Electron Physician. 2017 Dec 25;9(12):6050-6057.

Background: Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone (testosterone) that are increasingly used by athletes as performance enhancing drugs to increase muscle mass and strength. Multiple health adverse effects may be caused by its non-medical use. Several international and regional studies showed the high prevalence of AAS usage and low level of awareness of it among different populations. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of AAS and to determine the level of awareness toward it among gymnasts in the western province of Riyadh. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed on 400 male gymnasts from 10 different fitness centers which have been chosen randomly from 23 centers in the western province of Riyadh city (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) during 2016. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 21, using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results: Among the 400 gymnasts who participated in the survey, a total of n=363 questionnaires were received completed. Of the responders, (n=89) were AAS users with a percentage 24.50%. The testosterone was the most commonly used type followed by Methandrostenolone then Stanozolol. The major sources for obtaining AAS were online shopping (45%) and gym-coach (22.5%). Regarding awareness, 74% of AAS users had an inadequate perception about AAS concept versus 55% of non-users with no significant difference (p=0.076). In addition, 82% of AAS users and 83% of non-users had inadequate knowledge of AAS adverse effects with no significant difference between the two categories (p=0.087). Conclusion: The usage of AAS is high amongst gymnasts in the western province of Riyadh city considering they are prohibited. The level of awareness toward AAS is low among most gymnasts. We recommend for educational programs to be established in order to increase public awareness, in addition to a tightening of control by the responsible authorities over the sources of AAS procurement.

Effects of stanozolol on normal and IL-1beta-stimulated equine chondrocytes in vitro.[Pubmed:29554899]

BMC Vet Res. 2018 Mar 20;14(1):103.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular administration of Stanozolol has shown promising results by improving the clinical management of lameness associated with naturally-occurring osteoarthritis (OA) in horses, and by decreasing osteophyte formation and subchondral bone reaction in sheep following surgically induced OA. However, there is limited evidence on the anti-inflammatory and modulatory properties of Stanozolol on articular tissues. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Stanozolol on chondrocyte viability and gene expression in normal equine chondrocytes and an inflammatory in vitro system of OA (interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) treated chondrocytes). RESULTS: Chondrocytes from normal metacarpophalangeal joints of skeletally mature horses were exposed to four treatment groups: (1) media only (2) media+IL-1beta (3) media+IL-1beta + Stanozolol (4) media+Stanozolol. Following exposure, chondrocyte viability and the expression of catabolic, anabolic and structural genes were determined. General linear models with Dunnet's comparisons with Bonferroni's adjustment were performed. Cell viability was similar in all groups. Stanozolol treatment reduced gene expression of MMP-13, MMP-1, IL-6 and COX-2 in both normal and IL-1beta treated chondrocytes. Stanozolol treatment reduced ADAMTS4 gene expression in normal chondrocytes. Stanozolol reduced the expression of COL2A1. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates Stanozolol has chondroprotective effects through downregulation of genes for pro-inflammatory/catabolic cytokines and enzymes associated with OA. However, there is no evidence of increased cartilage stimulation through upregulation of the anabolic and structural genes tested.

Effects of stanozolol on apoptosis mechanisms and oxidative stress in rat cardiac tissue.[Pubmed:29477345]

Steroids. 2018 Jun;134:96-100.

Stanozolol is a widely used 17alpha-alkylated anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) derivative. Despite Stanozolol's adverse effects, its effect on oxidative stress parameters and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway is not clearly defined. In our study, thirty four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups as control (C), vehicle control (VC), steroid (ST), vehicle control-exercise (VCE), and steroid-exercise (STE). Animals were subcutaneously administered Stanozolol 5mg/kg in steroid groups and propylene glycol 1ml/kg in the vehicle-control groups. On the 28th day-after sacrification, oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, PC, SOD, CAT) and apoptosis parameters (TUNEL, Cytochrome-c) in cardiac tissue were evaluated. Also, blood vessel morphology of cardiac tissue was evaluated with Verhoeff-van Giesen staining. It has been demonstrated that Stanozolol administration triggers apoptosis by using TUNEL assay and cytochrome-c immunohistochemical staining intensity, while this effect is significantly reduced in the presence of exercise. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Stanozolol administration induces apoptosis with increasing PC and CAT levels, while GSH, MDA and SOD parameters do not reveal any significant change. Exercise has a protective role in Stanozolol induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. According to Verhoeff-van Giesen staining results for blood vessel morphology assessment, it has been seen that exercise has a protective role on cardiac blood vessels. This mechanism needs further investigations with long term exposure studies for clarifying possible pathways.