Comparing the Effects of Consuming Propolis and Chicory for Eight Weeks and Resistance Training on Histopathological and Morphometric Changes of Uterine Tissue in Rats Treated With Testosterone Enanthate

Background: The illegal use of anabolic and androgenic steroids is a public health problem and their side effects in women are different from the side effects observed in men. Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of consuming propolis and chicory for 8 weeks and resistance training on histopathological and morphometric changes of the uterine tissue in rats treated with testosterone enanthate. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=8): control (placebo), sham (resistance training), resistance training plus testosterone enanthate (20 mg/kg body weight), resistance training plus testosterone enanthate+chicory (6 g/kg body weight), and resistance training plus testosterone enanthate plus propolis (400 mg/kg body weight). The resistance training protocol was performed 5 sessions per week in 4 rounds with an intensity of 40% to 160% of the body weight of the mice for 8 weeks. After weighing and dissection, the uterine tissue was examined histologically. Results: The thickness of the endometrial layer in the sham, testosterone, and propolis groups showed a significant decrease compared to the control group (P<0.05). There was a significant decrease in the thickness of the functional layer in the sham, testosterone, chicory, and propolis groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). The thickness of the basal layer showed a significant decrease in the testosterone and propolis groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Glands in the testosterone, chicory, and propolis groups showed a significant decrease compared to the control group (P<0.05). The thickness of the myometrial layer showed a significant decrease in the testosterone group compared to the control, sham, chicory, and propolis groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that high-intensity resistance training combined with the use of testosterone enanthate causes histopathological changes in the uterus of female rats. Meanwhile, the use of propolis and chicory can improve the effects of testosterone enanthate as a treatment option.