Chronic nandrolone decanoate administration effects on antioxidant parameters in Wistar rats

Chronic nandrolone decanoate exposure is associated with a modified redox status in the favor of oxidants. Paraoxonase and myeloperoxidase activities are considered sensitive biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, being also predictors for coronary artery disease. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of chronic nandrolone administration on paraoxonase and myeloperoxidase activities in Wistar rats. 16 Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n=8 for each of them): nandrolone decanoate (A) treated group and control group (C). After 12 weeks of nandrolone decanoate administration we analyzed several plasma oxidative stress parameters: TROLOX Equivalent Antioxidant Activity, paraoxonase and myeloperoxidase activities, total thiols, and advanced oxidation protein products. Our results showed a significant decreased total antioxidant activity in nandrolone treated group compared with controls, while paraoxonase activity and total thiols levels were significantly increased. Myeloperoxidase activity and advanced oxidation protein products were not significantly different between the two studied groups. In conclusion decreased plasma total antioxidant activity suggested increased oxidative stress induced by chronic high doses of nandrolone. Despite oxidative stress presence high doses of nandrolone induced also increased plasma paraoxonase activity.