Journal of research in sport medicine and technology

Effects Of Propolis On Oxidative Stress Markers In Female Rats Under Resistance Training And Testosterone Enanthate

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Khadijeh Molaei 1
Sanaz Mirzayan Shanjani 2
Ali Gorzi 3
Yaser Kazemzadeh 4
Abdolali Banaeifar 5

1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Exercise Physiology/ Islamshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology/ Islamshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Sport Sciences/ University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor/ graduate of kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

5 Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology/ South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/jsmt.2026.7732
Abstract
Background and Aim: Testosterone enanthate increases muscle growth and athletic performance but is associated with oxidative stress and tissue damage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of propolis on oxidative stress markers induced by testosterone enanthate in the kidney tissue of female Wistar rats undergoing resistance training.
Methods: In this experimental research, twenty-two 8-week-old female rats, weighing 208.22±14.17 gr, were randomly divided into three groups: 1) resistance training + placebo (n=6), 2) resistance training + testosterone enanthate (n=8), and 3) resistance training + testosterone enanthate + propolis (n=8). The rats underwent an 8-week resistance training protocol involving ladder climbing. Testosterone enanthate was administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight per injection, and propolis was administered at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight by gavage (each three times a week). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney tissue were measured by spectrophotometry. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Testosterone supplementation significantly decreased GPX and SOD and significantly increased MDA levels compared to the placebo group (P<0.001). At the end, GPX and SOD levels significantly increased and MDA significantly decreased in the exercise + testosterone + propolis group compared to the exercise + placebo group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Although, testosterone enanthate significantly decreased GPX and SOD and increased MDA levels. Propolis consumption led to a relative reduction in these oxidative stress markers, demonstrating its potential antioxidant effects.

Keywords

Propolis
oxidative stress
Kidney tissue
Testosterone enanthate
Subjects
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Journal of research in sport medicine and technology
Volume 24, Issue 31 - Serial Number 47
October 2026
Pages 217-235

  • Receive Date 21 April 2026
  • Revise Date 09 June 2026
  • Accept Date 20 June 2026
  • First Publish Date 20 June 2026
  • Publish Date 01 July 2026