Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on Renal Morphology in Rats

Aim: To investigate the long-term effects of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on renal status in rats.Methods: Twenty Wistar rats were distributed into 2 groups: AAS or placebo, for 3 months.The animal received 10mg/kg body weight of Stanozonol once a week by intramuscular injection in the gluteus, or saline solution as placebo.Results: Urinary pH was more acidic in the AAS compared to the placebo group (p<0.05).Kidney weight was 15% higher in the AAS compared to the placebo group (p<0.001).Renal glomerular area was 12% higher in the AAS compared to the placebo group (p=0.001).Animals injected with AAS also displayed a no signifi cant but clinically relevant ~20% higher kidney interstitial connective tissue, glomerular tufts and mesangiums.Conclusion: Overall, AAS negatively affected urinary pH and kidney morphology leading to a worse renal status.More attention should be taken to the use of AAS among populations at high risk for kidney disease.