Background & aim: Nandrolone decanoate is one of the most drug Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). On the other hand, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) induce secretion of testosterone and increased androgen production. The main aim of this study investigated the effects of mentioned hormone on destructive effects of drug AAS in cells and tissues of male reproductive system.

Methods: In the present laboratory-experimental study, male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of three. Treated groups received 10 mg/kg/weekly of Nandrolone (Nd) for eight weeks, hormone group (H) rats received 500 IU weekly (IM or intra muscular)  of hCG for 8 weeks, Nandrolone plus hCG group (Nd – H) received Nandrolone solvent or peanut oil as a vehicle or sham (Sh) and Control (CO) without any injection. Sperm parameters such as motility, count and morphology were evaluated after 8 weeks by light microscopic. In addition, percentage of sperm viability was prepared using Eosin-nigrosin. Moreover, testes, Epydidim tail, prostate and seminal vesicle were weighted by laboratory scales. Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way ANOVA.

Results: The percentage of progressive motile sperm was decreased in Nd and Nd - H groups in comparison to the control and sham groups. The percentage of normal sperm morphology was not significantly decreased in treated groups compared to the control and sham groups. In addition, the results of sperm morphology indicated that a high percentage of abnormal sperm morphology (Tailless and Coil) was seen in the Nd experimental group. Additionally, the viability percentage was significantly decreased in the Nd group in comparison to the other groups. The testes weight was significantly decreased in the Nd group compared to the control and sham groups.

Conclusion: The hCG had positive effects on the destructive effects of Nandrolone on sperm parameters of adult rats and decreased negative effects of Nandrolone.