Microscopic alterations in the hepatic architecture of male albino rats following administration of nandrolone decanoate

Background & Aims:The synthetic testosterone analog nandrolone decanoate (ND) is one of the most commonly used anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) among athletes and teens.Athletes who consume anabolic androgenic steroids regularly are more likely to develop liver issues, although the exact process is unknown.This experimental investigation aims to evaluate the impact of nandrolone decanoate treatment on the hepatic architecture of male rats. Materials & Methods:For the purpose of this study, twenty male albino rats were separated into two groups.Group A received peanut oil as a control, whereas Group B received weekly injections of nandrolone decanoate at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for eight weeks.The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks, following the guidelines provided by the Ethics Committee.After the rats were dissected, the liver tissue was collected and fixed in accordance with standard histological protocols.Hematoxylin and eosin were used to stain sections, and microscopic observations were recorded in both groups.Results: After 8 weeks, microscopic examination of the liver in the control group revealed no noticeable changes, while the group treated with nandrolone decanoate displayed large Kupffer cells, vacuolation of the hepatocytes, congestion of the central vein, and dilatation of the hepatic sinusoids. Conclusion:The research showed that abusing nandrolone decanoate causes liver issues such as hepatic sinusoidal dilatation, congestion, and vacuolation of hepatocytes.It also causes congestion in the central vein.This research highlights the need for welldesigned trials with appropriate dosage considerations, as well as the examination of the long-term effects of nandrolone decanoate.