Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key compound for induction of angiogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) administration on VEGF mRNA expression in the rat soleus muscle after jumping training. Wistar rats were grouped into: sedentary (S); nandrolone decanoate-treated sedentary (AAS); trained without AAS (T) and trained and treated with AAS (AAST). Exercised groups performed a 7-weeks water-jumping program. Animals killed immediately after the last exercise bout showed significantly increased VEGF mRNA expression; however, the AAS treatment completely inhibited this effect. These results suggest that the AAS may be strongly prejudicial to muscle remodeling and performance at least partially due to an impaired angiogenesis.
(c) Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart . New York.