Selenium Enriched Yeast Modifies the Effects of Methandienone in Male Rabbits on the HPA Axis and Adrenal Gland Oxidative Stress

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes caused by anabolic androgenic steroids (methandienone) in the hypothalamic adrenal axis (HPA) and oxidative status in adrenal glands and a protective role role by using organic selenium (high-selenium yeast) in adult male rabbits which treated with Methandienone in combination with selenium. A total of 20 intact male rabbits were divided into four equal groups (n = 5 for each group):a control group receiving distilled water, the AAS group (T1) receiving Methandienone (oral dose of 0.35 mg / kg.B.W.),the selenium group (T2) receiving high-selenium yeast (3 μg/ kg B.W orally)and the combination group (T3) getting both methandienone and selenium. The dosing every day for 60 days. . The hormones β-endorphin, ACTH and cortisone were measured in serum during two periods, 30 and 60 days of the experiment and the expression levels of Nuclear factor erythroid-2 and related factor-2 (Nrf2) and Translocater protein (TSPO) genes were measured in adrenal gland. a significant increase in beta-endorphin and ACTH and a decrease in cortisone were found in both 30 and 60 day periods in the AAS group (T1) compared with another groups (control, T2 and T3). On the other hand, T3 group shows a decrease in serum β-Endorphin and ACTH and no significant changes in cortisone in both periods .These changes were a compared with to AAS group. Moreover, there is a significant increased in revers transcription (mRNA) of Nrf2 factor and TSPO genes in AAS group(T1) as compared with other groups (T2 and T3). In addition, we observed a significant decrease in levels of Nrf2 and TSPO mRNA in the selenium-yeast group compared to the AAS group (T1). In conclusion, these results showed that organic selenium (high selenium yeast) has a positive effect (protective role) against oxidative damage to the adrenal gland caused by AAS with no effect on the adrenal steroidogenesis, which are affected by AAS.