We aimed to investigate the effects of high doses of
nandrolone decanoate and
resistance training (RT) on the proteomic profile of the left ventricle (LV) of rats, using a label-free quantitative approach. Male rats were randomized into four groups: untrained vehicle (UTV), trained vehicle (TV), untrained
nandrolone (UTN), and trained
nandrolone (TN). Rats were familiarized with the exercise training protocol (jump exercise) for one week. Jump-exercise was performed five days a week for 6 weeks, with 30 s of inter-set rest intervals.
Nandrolone was administrated for 6 weeks (5 mg/kg, twice a week, via intramuscular). Systolic and diastolic arterial pressure and heart rate were measured 48 h post-training. LV was isolated and
collagen content was measured. The expression of cardiac
proteins was analyzed by ultra-efficiency liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry high / low collision energy (UPLC/MSE).
Nandrolone and RT led to
cardiac hypertrophy, even though high doses of
nandrolone counteracted the RT-induced arterial pressures lowering.
Nandrolone also affected the
proteome profile negatively in LV of rats, including critical
proteins related to biological processes (metabolism, oxidative stress,
inflammation), structural function and
membrane transporters. Our findings show physiological relevance since high doses of
nandrolone induced detrimental effects on the
proteome profile of heart tissue and hemodynamic parameters of rats. Furthermore, as
nandrolone abuse has become increasingly common among recreational athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts, we consider that our findings have clinical relevance as well.