Anti-apoptotic effects of resistance training and tribulus terrestris consumption in the heart tissue of rats exposed to stanozolol

Abstract

Objective: Nowadays, the use of energetic substances has become a complex problem in sports, such that the role of anabolic-androgenic steroids is undeniable. This study aimed to investigate the antiapoptotic effect of resistance training and Tribulus terrestris in the heart tissue of rats exposed to stanozolol. Materials and Methods: 35 rats divided into 7 groups including (1) sham, (2) stanozolol-treated, (3) stanozolol+50 mg/kg Tribulus terrestris-treated, (4) stanozolol+100 mg/kg Tribulus terrestris-treated, (5) stanozolol+resistance training-treated, (6) stanozolol+resistance training+50 mg/kg Tribulus terrestris-treat-ed, and (7) stanozolol+resistance training+100 mg/kg Tribulus terrestris-treated. During 8 weeks, groups 2-7 received 5 mg/kg stanozolol per day peritoneally; groups 5-7 performed resistance training for 3 sessions per week; and groups 3, 4, 6 and 7 received daily doses of Tribulus terrestris peritoneally. Results: Stanozolol administration significantly increased the BAX, BCL-2, P53, and caspase 3 and BAX/BCL-2 ratio (P < .001). Conclusion: Resistance training and Tribulus terrestris administration alone appear to have antiapoptotic ef-fects; however, resistance training combined with Tribulus terrestris administration, especially at higher doses, have more desirable effects than resistance training or Tribulus terrestris administration alone on the apoptosis markers.