Effects of repeated administration of oxandrolone in female wistar rats undergoing strength training

Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone that mimic its actions in various tissues. Due to its strong anabolic activity, weak androgenic effects, and resistance to hepatic metabolism, oxandrolone is one of the most commonly used anabolic steroids among female athletes. This study aimed to evaluate the anabolic effects of oxandrolone and its toxicological profile in female rats subjected to a strength training protocol. A total of 24 female Wistar rats (60 days old) were randomly assigned to receive oxandrolone (1.77 mg/kg/day) or its vehicle (corn oil) (n = 12 per group) via daily gavage for 28 days. The exercise protocol consisted of six climbs on an inclined ladder, with two climbs per workload (50 %, 75 %, and 100 % of each animal's maximum load) performed three times per week. Investigators remained blinded throughout experimentation and data analysis. Oxandrolone did not significantly affect body weight gain, relative organ and muscle mass, or muscle strength. However, it altered mean corpuscular volume, eosinophil count, and urea levels. Additionally, liver TBARS levels increased, while no changes were observed in plasma lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity, total non-protein thiol levels, or mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity. Histopathological analysis revealed oxandrolone-induced damage to cardiac and skeletal muscle, along with structural alterations in the spleen and adrenal gland. Given its limited effect on muscle strength, along with histopathological changes and increased liver lipoperoxidation, these findings raise concerns about oxandrolone use in healthy individuals seeking aesthetic or athletic benefits.