Androgen anabolic steroids changed transcriptional profile of MAPK genes and transiently increased apoptosis of testicular Leydig cells

• DOI: 10.7490/f1000research.1092747.1
• Publication Date: 2012-12-03
• Authors: Srdjan J. Sokanovic; Marija M. Janjic; Natasa J. Stojkov; Maja M. Bjelic; Aleksandar Z. Bab...; Aleksandar I. Mih...; Silvana A. Andrić; Tatjana S. Kostic

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone predominantly taken as drugs abuse. Using in vivo treatment adult male rats we investigated the effects enanthate (TE) a wide abused AAS, on apoptosis Leydig cells. Increased and decreased luteinizing hormone levels serum intra-testicular content were found 2 10 weeks treated groups. Two TE-treatment mitochondrial membrane potential increased prevalence cell apoptosis. The incidence returned to control after but testes contained fewer stimulated androgen receptor (AR) expression cells which was followed with changed transcriptional pattern genes related mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. TE Mapk2k1 Mapk11 (also known p38 b). This prevented by administration blocker, suggesting involvement AR associated Additionally, results showed extracellular signal-regulated 1 (Erk1), Mapk7 Mapk8 both significantly Mapk2k2 from rats. dual specificity phosphatase (Dusp1) while Erk2 Erk3 p53 gene not affected.