Cross Talk Between Down Regulation of Steroidogenic Genes Expression, Oxidative and Apoptotic Biomarkers in Testes Induced by Administration of Tramadol and Boldenone and Their Combination in Male Albino Rats

Background: The testis is the male reproductive gland or gonad having two vital functions - to produce both sperm and androgens, primarily testosterone. Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the effect of tramadol and boldenone injected alone or in combinatio for 2 months in rats on testicular function. Methods: Group 1; normal control, Group 2; tramadol Hcl (TRAM) (20 mg/kg bwt.) (i.p). Group 3; boldenone undecylenate (BOLD) (5 mg/kg bwt) (i.m). Group 4; combination of TRAM (20 mg/kg bwt.) and BOLD (5 mg/kg), respectively for 2 months. Results: TRAM and BOLD alone and in combination rats showed deteriorated testicular functions, lowered serum steroid levels (FSH, LH and testesterone), elevation in oxidative biomarkers (MDA & NO) and reduction in GSH and SOD, downregulation of StaR and HSD17B3 as well as assessment of testicular histopathological using H&E staining, PAS stain for histochemical assessment of polysaccharides and glycoproteins in the testes and Masson trichrome stain to assess the changes in the collagen fibers. Conclusion: The study illuminated the hazard of administration of these drugs for a long period as well as the prominent deleterious effects reported on concurrent use of both drugs.