The Medical Journal of Basrah University

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: The use of anabolic steroids among competitive athletes to enhance their physical performance is
widespread. Numerous reports have noted hepatotoxicity secondary to anabolic steroid use. Androgenic-anabolic
steroid will disturb the regular endogenous production of testosterone and gonadotrophins.
Objective: To study the effect of nandrolone decanoate on the number, the long diameter of hepatocytes, and the long
diameter of nucleus using morphometrical method.
Materials and Methods: Twenty eight rabbits were divided into 4 groups and each group includes 7 animals. Group
(1) was the normal control group that was injected with normal saline. Group (2) was injected with 2mg/kg body
weight of nandrolone decanoate. Group (3) was injected with 4mg/kg body weight of nandrolone decanoate. Group
(4) was injected with 6mg/kg body weight of the drug. The drug was administered weekly for three months by deep
intramuscular injection in the thigh. The number hepatocytes, their long diameter and the long diameter of the
nucleus were estimated by using Visopan Projection Microscope.
Results: The results showed that the number of hepatocytes in group (3) was significantly higher (28.43±7.83) at P<
0.05 compared to other groups. The long diameter of hepatocytes of group (2) which received the lowest dose was
normal, while group (3) and (4) showed significant increase in the long diameter of hepatocytes which was
(10.71±1.98) in group (3), and (12±1.91) in group (4) compared to normal control group which was (8.86+ 1.22).
Group (4) had the longest diameter of the nucleus of hepatocytes which was (4.57±1.13).
Conclusion: On the basis of these results, nandrolone decanoate may cause several morphometrical changes in the
hepatocytes of treated rabbits.