Banca de DEFESA: ANTHONY MARCOS GOMES DOS SANTOS

Uma banca de DEFESA de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : ANTHONY MARCOS GOMES DOS SANTOS
DATE: 23/02/2026
TIME: 08:00
LOCAL: Sala 202 do Departamento de Biologia
TITLE:

EFFECT OF MELATONIN ON STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF THE TESTICLES, LIVER, AND KIDNEYS IN ADOLESCENT RATS TRAINED AND SUPPLEMENTED WITH NANDROLONE AND/OR CREATINE

KEY WORDS:

Anabolic steroids. Creatine. Hepatotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity. Melatonin. Testicular toxicity

PAGES: 76
BIG AREA: Ciências Biológicas
AREA: Morfologia
SUBÁREA: Histologia
SUMMARY:

The abusive use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), often associated with creatine supplementation aiming to maximize physical performance, represents a serious public health risk, especially among adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate, systemically, the effects of the association of nandrolone decanoate and creatine on the testicular, hepatic, and renal histophysiology of adolescent rats submitted to physical training, as well as to investigate the cytoprotective potential of melatonin. To this end, Wistar rats (40 days old) were divided into three experimental groups submitted to swimming: Trained Control (GT); Nandrolone associated with Creatine (GTNC); and Nandrolone associated with Creatine and Melatonin (GTNC+Mel). The experimental protocol lasted six weeks, with the administration of nandrolone decanoate (5 mg/kg/week), creatine (0.5 g/kg/day), and melatonin (200 µg/100g/day). Histomorphometric, immunohistochemical (VEGF, PCNA, AR), and biochemical analyses of oxidative stress and organ function were performed. The results revealed that the association of nandrolone and creatine (GTNC) promoted severe multisystem toxicity. In the reproductive system, intense testicular degeneration was observed, characterized by atrophy of the seminiferous tubules, reduction in the height of the germinal epithelium, and population decrease of Sertoli and Leydig cells, indicating interruption of spermatogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a reduction in the expression of AR, PCNA, and VEGF. Concurrently, in the metabolic organs, the GTNC group showed profound damage: the liver presented a picture of steatohepatitis with ballooning and increased transaminases, while the kidneys exhibited nephrotoxicity marked by glomerular congestion, reduction of the capsular space, elevation of urea/creatinine, and albuminuria. Mechanistically, these damages were mediated by a systemic redox imbalance (increased TBARS and GSH depletion). In contrast, melatonin therapy (GTNC+Mel) demonstrated remarkable protective efficacy, preventing testicular atrophy, restoring the expression of molecular markers, and preserving hepato-renal architecture and function. It is concluded that the co-administration of nandrolone and creatine during adolescence induces acute systemic toxicity via oxidative stress, with melatonin being a potent pleiotropic agent capable of preserving the morphofunctional integrity of these organs.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - ALVARO AGUIAR COELHO TEIXEIRA
Externo ao Programa - 1342787 - ANDERSON RODRIGUES BALBINO DE LIMA - nullExterna à Instituição - FERNANDA DAS CHAGAS ÂNGELO MENDES TENÓRIO - UFPE
Externo à Instituição - JAIURTE GOMES MARTINS DA SILVA - UFAL
Externo à Instituição - LEUCIO DUARTE VIEIRA FILHO - UFPE