Anabolic steroid-induced endocrine disruption: A histological study on the ovary and vagina of the albino rat. Protective role of propolis.
The current study aimed to analyze the histological and endocrine changes caused by long-term administration of Boldenone (an anabolic steroid) on the ovaries and vagina of adult female albino rats, as well as the role of propolis. Forty adult female rats were divided into five groups: the Boldenone group received alternative injections (5 mg/kg b.wt/i.m.) once a week/8weeks; the Propolis group was given oral doses (100 mg/kg b.w. /daily) /8weeks, dissolved in distilled water; two control groups received vehicles; and the fifth group was co-treated with Boldenone and Propolis. After eight weeks, samples were collected for assessment, including hormonal assay, antioxidant biomarkers, Histomorphology, immunohistochemical reactivity, and histomorphometry. Boldenone significantly decreased the gonadosomatic index, serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol, as well as tissue total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Testosterone levels showed no difference, while Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and rat final body weight increased significantly. The treatment also resulted in significantly reduced ovarian cortical diameter, vaginal wall thickness, number of primordial and developing follicles, an increase in the number of atretic follicles, and the interstitial gland area. Propolis mitigated the Boldenone-induced alterations, though it didn't significantly affect testosterone levels or vaginal mucosal thickness. Overall, Boldenone disrupted the endocrine hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and impaired female rat fertility, ovarian reserve, and caused vaginal atrophy. Cotreatment with propolis demonstrated strong, powerful protective antioxidant effects.