Satellite cells (SCs) are mononuclear myogenic stem cells located between the basal lamina and plasmalemma of the skeletal muscle fiber. They are responsible for postnatal skeletal muscle growth, repair and regeneration. Once activated, SCs divide and fuse to the muscle fibers where their nuclei become new myonuclei. Earlier studies suggested that SCs were either randomly or evenly distributed along muscle fibers. However, myonuclei were found to be more concentrated at tapered ends of muscle fibers. Myogenic regulatory factors, mainly MyoD and Myogenin, are expressed by active SCs. Previous in vitro and prenatal studies suggested that MyoD expression demarcates the end of proliferation while Myogenin can demarcate the differentiation stage within myoblasts. Few in vivo studies have reported the expression of MyoD and Myogenin within SCs, and none have attempted to discern their expression patterns during growth. Meat producing chickens represent a unique model for natural hypertrophy within muscle fibers. However, very little is known about the distribution of SCs within these naturally hypertrophied fibers, and whether this distribution is comparable to that of experimental models of hypertrophy. Nandrolone Decanoate is the anabolic steroid most commonly used to increase skeletal muscle mass and strength, although little is known of its effects on SCs. This thesis expands our understanding of SCs by examining the following hypotheses: 1) there is a greater frequency (number of SC nuclei over all nuclei within the basal laminae) and a higher concentration (less surface area of sarcolemma per SC) of SCs at the ends of developing skeletal muscle fibers, 2) MyoD and Myogenin transcription myogenic factors have distinctive patterns of expression within SC nuclei during maturation, 3) there are greater frequency and concentration of SCs and greater number of myonuclei in naturally hypertrophied muscle fibers compared to their control, and 4) there is a greater frequency and a greater concentration of SCs in Nandrolone treated birds than in controls. Chicken pectoralis muscle was the main experimental model used in this thesis because of its overlapping fibers arranged in series, the presence of neonatal myosin at the fiber ends and relative homogeneity of fiber type. Immunocytochemical techniques that include an antibody against Pax7 to identify SC nuclei were applied, and computer image analyses were then used to quantify the numbers of SC nuclei and myonuclei within muscle fibers. This thesis demonstrates that throughout development there is a greater frequency and concentration of SCs at the ends of developing skeletal muscle fibers, which indicates a major contribution of these cells in the longitudinal growth of muscle fibers. It also reveals that MyoD and Myogenin each has a distinctive pattern of expression within SCs during in vivo postnatal development. The expression of MyoD increases significantly during maturation, while Myogenin expression remains steady. This finding suggests that each of these myogenic factors play a different role in the postnatal activation of SCs. Lastly, it is the first study to show a greater frequency and a higher concentration of SCs within both naturally and Nandrolone induced hypertrophied muscle fibers. This indicates SCs may be critically involved during postnatal skeletal muscle growth and hypertrophy.

Satellite cells (SCs) are mononuclear myogenic stem cells located between the basal lamina and plasmalemma of the skeletal muscle fiber. They are responsible for postnatal skeletal muscle growth, repair and regeneration. Once activated, SCs divide and fuse to the muscle fibers where their nuclei become new myonuclei. Earlier studies suggested that SCs were either randomly or evenly distributed along muscle fibers. However, myonuclei were found to be more concentrated at tapered ends of muscle fibers. Myogenic regulatory factors, mainly MyoD and Myogenin, are expressed by active SCs. Previous in vitro and prenatal studies suggested that MyoD expression demarcates the end of proliferation while Myogenin can demarcate the differentiation stage within myoblasts. Few in vivo studies have reported the expression of MyoD and Myogenin within SCs, and none have attempted to discern their expression patterns during growth. Meat producing chickens represent a unique model for natural hypertrophy within muscle fibers. However, very little is known about the distribution of SCs within these naturally hypertrophied fibers, and whether this distribution is comparable to that of experimental models of hypertrophy. Nandrolone Decanoate is the anabolic steroid most commonly used to increase skeletal muscle mass and strength, although little is known of its effects on SCs. This thesis expands our understanding of SCs by examining the following hypotheses: 1) there is a greater frequency (number of SC nuclei over all nuclei within the basal laminae) and a higher concentration (less surface area of sarcolemma per SC) of SCs at the ends of developing skeletal muscle fibers, 2) MyoD and Myogenin transcription myogenic factors have distinctive patterns of expression within SC nuclei during maturation, 3) there are greater frequency and concentration of SCs and greater number of myonuclei in naturally hypertrophied muscle fibers compared to their control, and 4) there is a greater frequency and a greater concentration of SCs in Nandrolone treated birds than in controls. Chicken pectoralis muscle was the main experimental model used in this thesis because of its overlapping fibers arranged in series, the presence of neonatal myosin at the fiber ends and relative homogeneity of fiber type. Immunocytochemical techniques that include an antibody against Pax7 to identify SC nuclei were applied, and computer image analyses were then used to quantify the numbers of SC nuclei and myonuclei within muscle fibers. This thesis demonstrates that throughout development there is a greater frequency and concentration of SCs at the ends of developing skeletal muscle fibers, which indicates a major contribution of these cells in the longitudinal growth of muscle fibers. It also reveals that MyoD and Myogenin each has a distinctive pattern of expression within SCs during in vivo postnatal development. The expression of MyoD increases significantly during maturation, while Myogenin expression remains steady. This finding suggests that each of these myogenic factors play a different role in the postnatal activation of SCs. Lastly, it is the first study to show a greater frequency and a higher concentration of SCs within both naturally and Nandrolone induced hypertrophied muscle fibers. This indicates SCs may be critically involved during postnatal skeletal muscle growth and hypertrophy.

<p>Supratherapeutic doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are administered, not only as performance-enhancing drugs in the world of sports, but also in order to modify behaviour. AAS abusers are at risk of developing serious physical and psychological side effects such as dependence and aggressive behaviour. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the impact of supratherapeutic doses of nandrolone decanoate after subchronic administration on dopamine and serotonin pathways involved in drug dependence and aggression, in the male rat brain.</p><p>Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received intramuscular injections of nandrolone decanoate (3 or 15 mg/kg) or vehicle once daily for 14 days. Nandrolone decanoate pre-exposure abolished the effect of amphetamine on the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) tissue level in the hypothalamus and on the DOPAC/dopamine ratio in the hypothalamus and the hippocampus. A significant decrease of the basal extracellular DOPAC and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels could be detected in the nucleus accumbens, which remained low during the first hour following the amphetamine challenge. Nandrolone decanoate significantly reduced the activity of both monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO-A and -B) in the caudate putamen and amygdala. The gene transcript levels of MAO-B, and the dopamine D1 and D4 receptors were altered in limbic regions. No changes in transcriptional levels could be detected among the serotonin receptor genes examined. However, the density of the serotonin transporter protein was elevated in a range of aggression-related brain regions.</p><p>Taken together, subchronic administration of nandrolone decanoate causes dopaminergic and serotonergic dysregulations in distinct brain regions. These areas of the brain are involved in the development of drug dependence and expression of impulsive and aggressive behaviours. These results may contribute to explain some of the behavioural changes often reported in AAS abusers, such as polydrug use and impaired impulse control.</p>

O decanoato de nandrolona é um esteróide anabólico-androgênico (EAA), derivado da testosterona, utilizado de maneira abusiva por indivíduos procurando ganho de força física ou apenas efeitos estéticos. Doses suprafisiológicas desses compostos têm sido associadas a efeitos psiquiátricos adversos, especialmente episódios de impulsividade e aumento no comportamento agressivo. Considerando o desconhecimento dos mecanismos neurais envolvidos nessa desinibição comportamental, nós investigamos a integridade da transcrição de componentes do sistema serotoninérgico (intimamente relacionados à expressão de comportamentos emocionais) em diversas áreas cerebrais de camundongos sob a administração prolongada de nandrolona. Camundongos machos adultos da linhagem C57Bl/6J receberam uma injeção subcutânea diária de 15 mg/kg de decanoato de nandrolona durante 28 dias. Diferentes grupos de animais foram utilizados para a análise de comportamentos emocionais e para a quantificação da expressão de genes relacionados à serotonina (5-HT), utilizando a transcrição reversa do RNA associada à técnica de PCR em tempo-real. Os camundongos tratados apresentaram um aumento na massa corporal, hiperatividade motora e aumento de comportamentos relacionados à ansiedade em ambientes novos. A imobilidade avaliada no teste de nado forçado apresentou-se reduzida. Os animais que receberam a nandrolona se mostraram mais agressivos e impulsivos para iniciar o ataque aos camundongos oponentes, no modelo de residenteintruso. O EAA induziu uma redução significante na quantidade de transcritos da maioria dos receptores pós-sinápticos de 5-HT investigados na amígdala e no córtex pré-frontal. A expressão do gene do receptor 5-HT1B (reconhecidamente envolvido com as alterações comportamentais observadas) estava também reduzida no hipocampo e hipotálamo. No mesencéfalo, região onde se encontram os corpos neuronais dos neurônios serotoninérgicos que inervam o sistema límbico e demais áreas cerebrais, não se observou nenhuma alteração na expressão dos genes relacionados aos receptores serotoninérgicos pré-sinápticos. Os transcritos do transportador e da enzima de síntese de 5-HT, indicadores da integridade serotoninérgica pré-sináptica, também não se apresentaram alterados. Dessa maneira, concluímos que o efeito de altas doses do EAA decanoato de nandrolona em camundongos confirma os dados encontrados em literatura quanto à desinibição comportamental observada em usuários abusivos humanos. Nosso modelo também foi eficiente em mostrar pela primeira vez alterações moleculares induzidas por este EAA. A redução generalizada na expressão dos genes de receptores de 5-HT na amígdala e córtex pré-frontal sugere essas áreas, pós-sinápticas ao sistema serotoninérgico, como críticas nos efeitos induzidos pelo EAA. Nosso trabalho também sugere um papel importante para o receptor 5-HT1B na desinibição comportamental observada / Nandrolone decanoate is a highly abused anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) by individuals looking for gains in physical strength or body appearance. Supraphysiological doses of this testosterone synthetic derivative have been associated with many physical and psychiatric adverse effects, especially reported episodes of impulsiveness and overt aggressive behavior. Since the neural mechanisms underlying AAS-induced behavioral disinhibition are unknown, we investigated the integrity of serotonergic system transcription in several brain areas of mice under prolonged nandrolone administration. Male C57Bl/6J mice received 15 mg/kg of nandrolone decanoate subcutaneously once daily for 28 days, and different sets of animals were used to investigate motor and emotion-related behaviors or 5-HT-related gene expression by qRT-PCR. AAS-injected mice had increased body weight, were hyperactive and displayed more anxious-like behaviors in novel environments. They exhibited reduced immobility in the forced swim test, higher probability of being aggressive and elevated impulsivity to attack the opponent. AAS induced substantial reduction in the transcription of most postsynaptic 5-HT receptors investigated in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Interestingly, 5-HT1B mRNA was further reduced in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. At the midbrain level, there was no alteration in 5- HT receptors, transporter or synthetic enzyme gene transcription. In conclusion, high doses of AAS nandrolone in male mice recapitulate the behavioral disinhibition observed in abusers. Furthermore, they are associated with overall decrease in 5-HT receptor gene expression in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, implicating these areas as critical sites for AASinduced effects and indicating a role for the 5-HT1B receptor in this behavioral disinhibition

O decanoato de nandrolona é um esteróide anabólico-androgênico (EAA), derivado da testosterona, utilizado de maneira abusiva por indivíduos procurando ganho de força física ou apenas efeitos estéticos. Doses suprafisiológicas desses compostos têm sido associadas a efeitos psiquiátricos adversos, especialmente episódios de impulsividade e aumento no comportamento agressivo. Considerando o desconhecimento dos mecanismos neurais envolvidos nessa desinibição comportamental, nós investigamos a integridade da transcrição de componentes do sistema serotoninérgico (intimamente relacionados à expressão de comportamentos emocionais) em diversas áreas cerebrais de camundongos sob a administração prolongada de nandrolona. Camundongos machos adultos da linhagem C57Bl/6J receberam uma injeção subcutânea diária de 15 mg/kg de decanoato de nandrolona durante 28 dias. Diferentes grupos de animais foram utilizados para a análise de comportamentos emocionais e para a quantificação da expressão de genes relacionados à serotonina (5-HT), utilizando a transcrição reversa do RNA associada à técnica de PCR em tempo-real. Os camundongos tratados apresentaram um aumento na massa corporal, hiperatividade motora e aumento de comportamentos relacionados à ansiedade em ambientes novos. A imobilidade avaliada no teste de nado forçado apresentou-se reduzida. Os animais que receberam a nandrolona se mostraram mais agressivos e impulsivos para iniciar o ataque aos camundongos oponentes, no modelo de residenteintruso. O EAA induziu uma redução significante na quantidade de transcritos da maioria dos receptores pós-sinápticos de 5-HT investigados na amígdala e no córtex pré-frontal. A expressão do gene do receptor 5-HT1B (reconhecidamente envolvido com as alterações comportamentais observadas) estava também reduzida no hipocampo e hipotálamo. No mesencéfalo, região onde se encontram os corpos neuronais dos neurônios serotoninérgicos que inervam o sistema límbico e demais áreas cerebrais, não se observou nenhuma alteração na expressão dos genes relacionados aos receptores serotoninérgicos pré-sinápticos. Os transcritos do transportador e da enzima de síntese de 5-HT, indicadores da integridade serotoninérgica pré-sináptica, também não se apresentaram alterados. Dessa maneira, concluímos que o efeito de altas doses do EAA decanoato de nandrolona em camundongos confirma os dados encontrados em literatura quanto à desinibição comportamental observada em usuários abusivos humanos. Nosso modelo também foi eficiente em mostrar pela primeira vez alterações moleculares induzidas por este EAA. A redução generalizada na expressão dos genes de receptores de 5-HT na amígdala e córtex pré-frontal sugere essas áreas, pós-sinápticas ao sistema serotoninérgico, como críticas nos efeitos induzidos pelo EAA. Nosso trabalho também sugere um papel importante para o receptor 5-HT1B na desinibição comportamental observada / Nandrolone decanoate is a highly abused anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) by individuals looking for gains in physical strength or body appearance. Supraphysiological doses of this testosterone synthetic derivative have been associated with many physical and psychiatric adverse effects, especially reported episodes of impulsiveness and overt aggressive behavior. Since the neural mechanisms underlying AAS-induced behavioral disinhibition are unknown, we investigated the integrity of serotonergic system transcription in several brain areas of mice under prolonged nandrolone administration. Male C57Bl/6J mice received 15 mg/kg of nandrolone decanoate subcutaneously once daily for 28 days, and different sets of animals were used to investigate motor and emotion-related behaviors or 5-HT-related gene expression by qRT-PCR. AAS-injected mice had increased body weight, were hyperactive and displayed more anxious-like behaviors in novel environments. They exhibited reduced immobility in the forced swim test, higher probability of being aggressive and elevated impulsivity to attack the opponent. AAS induced substantial reduction in the transcription of most postsynaptic 5-HT receptors investigated in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Interestingly, 5-HT1B mRNA was further reduced in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. At the midbrain level, there was no alteration in 5- HT receptors, transporter or synthetic enzyme gene transcription. In conclusion, high doses of AAS nandrolone in male mice recapitulate the behavioral disinhibition observed in abusers. Furthermore, they are associated with overall decrease in 5-HT receptor gene expression in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, implicating these areas as critical sites for AASinduced effects and indicating a role for the 5-HT1B receptor in this behavioral disinhibition

Supratherapeutic doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are administered, not only as performance-enhancing drugs in the world of sports, but also in order to modify behaviour. AAS abusers are at risk of developing serious physical and psychological side effects such as dependence and aggressive behaviour. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the impact of supratherapeutic doses of nandrolone decanoate after subchronic administration on dopamine and serotonin pathways involved in drug dependence and aggression, in the male rat brain. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received intramuscular injections of nandrolone decanoate (3 or 15 mg/kg) or vehicle once daily for 14 days. Nandrolone decanoate pre-exposure abolished the effect of amphetamine on the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) tissue level in the hypothalamus and on the DOPAC/dopamine ratio in the hypothalamus and the hippocampus. A significant decrease of the basal extracellular DOPAC and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels could be detected in the nucleus accumbens, which remained low during the first hour following the amphetamine challenge. Nandrolone decanoate significantly reduced the activity of both monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO-A and -B) in the caudate putamen and amygdala. The gene transcript levels of MAO-B, and the dopamine D1 and D4 receptors were altered in limbic regions. No changes in transcriptional levels could be detected among the serotonin receptor genes examined. However, the density of the serotonin transporter protein was elevated in a range of aggression-related brain regions. Taken together, subchronic administration of nandrolone decanoate causes dopaminergic and serotonergic dysregulations in distinct brain regions. These areas of the brain are involved in the development of drug dependence and expression of impulsive and aggressive behaviours. These results may contribute to explain some of the behavioural changes often reported in AAS abusers, such as polydrug use and impaired impulse control.

Submitted by Bianca Ribeiro De Souza null (mione_bi@msn.com) on 2017-09-18T05:28:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação (Final).pdf: 4000625 bytes, checksum: 7fde4629bfd1677d4c0087a9ad24c0ba (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Monique Sasaki (sayumi_sasaki@hotmail.com) on 2017-09-19T19:10:47Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 souza_br_me_assis.pdf: 4000625 bytes, checksum: 7fde4629bfd1677d4c0087a9ad24c0ba (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-19T19:10:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 souza_br_me_assis.pdf: 4000625 bytes, checksum: 7fde4629bfd1677d4c0087a9ad24c0ba (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-08-04 / Os esteroides anabólicos androgênicos são prescritos para o tratamento de várias doenças, porém apresentam efeitos colaterais mesmo em dosagens terapêuticas. Entre eles, destaca-se o decanoato de nandrolona (DN), o qual age sobre receptores de andrógenos (AR) e estrógenos (ERα e ERβ). Paralelamente, a melatonina (MLT) tem despertado a atenção na área da saúde devido às suas propriedades antioxidantes e profiláticas, com o intuito de reduzir ou suprimir os efeitos colaterais promovidos por fármacos. Então, o presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o ciclo estral, a estrutura histológica e a imunomarcação para AR, ERα e ERβ em ovários de ratas androgenizadas submetidas ao tratamento com MLT. Ratas Wistar (n = 8/grupo) receberam óleo mineral (Controle), DN (7,5 mg/kg; via subcutânea, 15 dias) e o tratamento com MLT (10 mg/kg; via intraperitoneal, 7 dias) isoladamente, previamente ou concomitantemente ao esteroide. O ciclo estral foi monitorado. Os ovários foram coletados e preparados para a avaliação do tecido. Nas ratas androgenizadas, a MLT recuperou o peso e o tecido ovariano, mas não restabeleceu o ciclo estral. O número e área dos corpos lúteos dos animais que receberam MLT, previamente ou concomitantemente ao DN, foram similares ao controle, e apenas o tratamento prévio restabeleceu a quantidade de folículos saudáveis e atrésicos. Nos folículos, a MLT promoveu uma fraca expressão do ERα e ERβ, e nos corpos lúteos inibiu a diminuição na expressão de ERβ induzido pelo DN. O tratamento prévio com MLT atenuou o aumento na expressão do AR promovido pelo DN em folículos atrésicos e corpos lúteos. Em conclusão, a MLT apresentou efeito benéfico nos ovários androgenizados através da recuperação da foliculogênese e da luteogênese. O tratamento prévio com melatonina foi mais eficaz em relação ao tratamento concomitante. / Androgenic anabolic steroids are prescribed as treatment to several diseases, however, they present side effects even in therapeutic dosages. Among them, we highlight the nandrolone decanoate (ND) which acts on androgen receptors (AR) and estrogen receptors (ERα e ERβ). At the same time, melatonin (MLT) has raised attention in health area due to its antioxidant and prophylactic properties intending reduction or surpassing side effects caused by medicine. Thus, the present study aimed assess the estrous cycle, histological structure and AR, ERα and ERβ immunolocalization in androgenized rats ovaries undergone treatment with MLT. Wistar rats (n= 8/group) received mineral oil (Control), ND (7,5 mg/kg; subcutaneously, 15 days) and treatment with MLT (10 mg/kg; intraperitoneally, 7 days) singly, previously or concomitantly to steroid. Estrous cycle was monitored. The ovaries were collected and prepared for tissue assessment. In androgenized rats, MLT recovered weight and ovarian tissue, but it did not reestablish the estrous cycle. The number and area of corpus luteum of animals which received MLT, previously or concomitantly to ND, were similar to control, and only previous treatment reestablished the quantity of healthy and atretic follicles. In follicles, MLT promoted a weak expression of the ERα and ERβ, and in corpora lutea, it inhibited the decrease in the ERβ expression induced by ND. Previous treatment with MLT mitigated the increase in AR expression promoted by ND in atretic follicles and corporea lutea. In conclusion, melatonin presented a beneficial effect on the androgenized ovaries through the recovery of the folliculogenesis and luteogenesis. The previous treatment was the most effective.

Growth hormone (GH) stimulates growth and metabolism but also displays profound effects on the central nervous system (CNS). GH affects neurogenesis and neuroprotection, and has been shown to counteract drug-induced apoptosis in the brain. Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), mainly abused for their anabolic and performance-enhancing properties, can cause several adverse effects, such as cardiovascular complications, sterility, depression, and aggression. GH and AAS are both believed to interact with several signaling systems in the CNS. The aim of this thesis was to further investigate the impact of GH and AAS on neurochemistry and cognitive functions. Recombinant human GH (rhGH) and the steroid nandrolone decanoate (ND) were administered, separately and in combination with each other, to male rats. The results demonstrated that administration of GH improved spatial memory, assessed in a water maze test. Furthermore, GH induced alterations of the GABAB receptor mRNA expression, density, and functionality in the brain, for example in regions associated with cognition. GH also altered the mu opioid peptide (MOP) receptor, but not the delta opioid peptide (DOP) receptor functionality in the brain. Thus, some of the GH effects on cognition may involve effects on the GABAB receptors and MOP receptors. ND, on the contrary, seemed to induce impairments of memory and also altered the GABAB receptor mRNA expression in the brain. Furthermore, ND lowered the IGF-1 plasma concentrations and attenuated the IGF-1, IGF-2, and GHR mRNA expression in the pituitary. In addition, significant effects of GH and ND were found on plasma steroid concentrations, organ weight, as well as body weight. In conclusion, this thesis contributes with further knowledge on the cognitive and neurochemical consequences of GH and ND use. The findings regarding ND are worrying considering the common use of AAS among adolescents. GH improves memory functions and affects signaling systems in the brain associated with cognition, hence the hypothesis that GH can reverse drug-induced impairments is further strengthened.

The abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is becoming increasingly common and may result in a range of physiological as well as psychological effects such as altered behavior in terms of increased aggression, cognitive dysfunction and addictive behavior. AAS comprise testosterone and its derivatives, of which nandrolone is one of the more common. Previous studies have shown nandrolone-induced effects in male rats on peptide levels within the Substance P (SP) system and the dynorphinergic system; these effects may be linked to some of the reported behavior alterations. The studies presented in this thesis aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying these peptide alterations and also to further investigate neuropeptidergic effects attributed to nandrolone administration. The results display significant effects on the enzymatic conversion of SP and Dynorphin A into their bioactive metabolites SP(1-7) and Leu-enkephalin-Arg6, respectively, as a result of nandrolone treatment. More profound investigations on the dynorphinergic system displayed effects on the kappa opioid receptor density in various brain regions. There was also a significant increase in the expression of the gene transcript of prodynorphin in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with cognitive processes. In addition, impaired spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze task following nandrolone administration was encountered. The results provide further understanding regarding neuropeptidergic mechanisms underlying AAS-induced behavioral effects.

Submitted by VINICIUS AUGUSTO SIMÃO null (viniciusmorma@gmail.com) on 2016-02-17T17:02:19Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação de Mestrado pra depósito - Vinícius A. Simão.pdf: 6344619 bytes, checksum: a2f25a641fe15b2550f104d89a1e58b9 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-02-17T17:17:10Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 simao_va_me_assis.pdf: 6344619 bytes, checksum: a2f25a641fe15b2550f104d89a1e58b9 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-02-17T17:17:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 simao_va_me_assis.pdf: 6344619 bytes, checksum: a2f25a641fe15b2550f104d89a1e58b9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-01-26 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da UNESP (FUNDUNESP) / Embora sejam extensas as opções de aplicação terapêutica dos esteroides anabólicos androgênicos (EAA), é crescente na sociedade o uso destas drogas por razões estéticas e este consumo tem aumentado principalmente entre as mulheres nas últimas décadas. É amplamente relatado que os EAA comprometem a saúde e promovem efeitos adversos na reprodução, no entanto, pouca atenção é dada a respeito dos efeitos promovidos pelos EAA no ciclo estral, na morfologia ovariana e uterina e na regulação da função ovariana após os períodos de tratamento e de recuperação. Nenhum relato foi obtido na literatura, quanto à administração de diferentes doses de EAA e a possibilidade de reversibilidade dos efeitos colaterais. Assim, o objetivo do projeto é avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses do esteroide decanoato de nandrolona (DN) no ciclo estral e nos ovários e útero de ratas albinas com ênfase no controle da imunoexpressão do AR, ERs, CYP450 aromatase e Inibina-A do tecido ovariano e nos níveis hormonais sexuais, e também se há recuperação dos prejuízos reprodutivos após a interrupção do tratamento esteroidal. Ratas Wistar foram tratadas com DN nas doses de 1,87, 3,75, 7,5 e 15 mg/kg ou óleo mineral (grupos controle) por 15 dias via subcutânea. Os animais foram divididos em três procedimentos: (a) tratamento durante 15 dias; (b) tratamento seguido por recuperação de 30 dias; (c) tratamento seguido por recuperação de 60 dias. O ciclo estral foi monitorado diariamente e no final de cada período os animais foram sacrificados. Durante o período de tratamento com DN e no pós-recuperação de 30 dias, os animais exibiram diestro persistente, que manteve-se somente no grupo de 15 mg DN/kg no período de recuperação de 60 dias. O peso ovariano foi reduzido e o uterino aumentado na comparação com o controle em função do tratamento com DN e somente foi recuperado no 60 dias pós-tratamento nos grupos que restabeleceram o ciclo estral. Houve uma redução (p<0,05) no número de corpos lúteos, folículos antrais e em crescimento e diminuição da camada endometrial uterina, em contraste com um aumento (p<0,05) nos folículos atrésicos e das camadas do miométrio e perimétrio nas ratas DN de maneira dose e período-dependente. Alterações histopatológicas notáveis ocorreram nos ovários e útero de todos os grupos tratados com DN em função do período avaliado e estiveram relacionados aos níveis dos hormônios sexuais e de expressão dos receptores ovarianos alterados de maneira dose-específica. Concluiu-se que o tratamento experimental com DN promoveu toxicidade ovariana e uterina em ratas de maneira dose-dependente e que o período de recuperação de 60 dias foi suficiente para a reversibilidade dos efeitos colaterais apenas no tratamento com as menores doses do esteroide, de forma que os níveis hormonais e de expressão dos receptores ovarianos puderam se recuperar após marcante desregulação promovida pelo tratamento androgênico. / Although are extensive the options of therapeutic use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), the use of these drugs for aesthetic reasons is growing in society and this consumption has increased mainly among women in recent decades. It is widely reported that the AAS compromise the health and promote adverse effects on reproduction, however, little attention is given on the effects promoted by the AAS in the estrous cycle, in ovarian and uterine morphology and in the regulation of ovarian function after treatment periods and recovery. No report has been obtained from the literature regarding the administration of different doses of synthetic steroids and the possibility of reversibility of side effects. The objective of this project is to evaluate the effect of different doses of steroid nandrolone decanoate (ND) in the estrous cycle and ovaries and uterus of albino rats with emphasis on control of AR immunoexpression, ERs, CYP450 aromatase and inhibin-A in the ovarian tissue and sexual hormone levels, and evaluate if there is recovery of possible reproductive damages after cessation of steroid treatment. Female Wistar rats were treated with ND at doses of 1.87, 3.75, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg or received mineral oil (control groups estrus and diestrus) for 15 days subcutaneously. The animals were divided into three procedures: (a) treatment for 15 days; (b) treatment followed by recovery to 30 days; (c) treatment followed by recovery for 60 days. The estrous cycle was monitored daily and at the end of each period the animals were sacrificed. During the ND treatment period and after recovery for 30 days, all animals exhibited persistent diestrus, which was maintained only in the group of 15 mg ND/kg after the recovery period of 60 days. The ovarian weight has been reduced and the uterine has increased (p<0.05) in comparison with the control due to the treatment with ND and it was only recovered at 60 days post-treatment in the groups that reestablished the estrous cycle. There was a reduction (p<0.05) in the number of corpora lutea, antral and growing follicles and decreased in uterine endometrial layer, in contrast with an increase (p<0.05) in atretic follicles, myometrium and perimetrium in the androgenized rats in a dose and time-dependent manner. Remarkable histopathological changes occurred in the ovaries and uterus of all groups treated with ND depending on the period assessed and were related to the levels of sex hormones and expression of altered ovarian receptors in a dose-specific manner. It was concluded that the experimental treatment with ND promoted ovarian and uterine toxicity in rats in a dose-dependent manner and the 60-day recovery period was sufficient for the reversibility of side effects only in treatment with lower steroid doses in a way that hormonal levels and expression of ovarian receptors could recover after remarkable dysregulation promoted by the androgenic treatment. / FAPESP: 2013/14510-0 / FUNDUNESP: 2178/002/14