• Table of Contents

  • The Illicit Use of Erythropoietin in Professional Athletes: Prevention Strategies
  • The Prevalence of EPO Use in Professional Sports
  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of EPO
  • Prevention Strategies for Illicit EPO Use
  • 1. Increased Testing
  • 2. Biological Passport
  • 3. Education and Awareness
  • 4. Stricter Penalties
  • Expert Comments
  • References

The Illicit Use of Erythropoietin in Professional Athletes: Prevention Strategies

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone naturally produced by the body to stimulate the production of red blood cells. It is commonly used to treat anemia and other blood disorders. However, in recent years, EPO has gained notoriety for its illicit use in professional sports, particularly in endurance events such as cycling and long-distance running. The use of EPO in sports is a form of doping, which is defined as the use of performance-enhancing substances or methods to gain an unfair advantage over competitors. In this article, we will discuss the prevalence of EPO use in professional sports, its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and strategies for preventing its illicit use.

The Prevalence of EPO Use in Professional Sports

The use of EPO in professional sports has been a concern for many years. In 1998, the Tour de France was rocked by a scandal when a team doctor was caught with a large quantity of EPO. Since then, there have been numerous cases of athletes testing positive for EPO, including high-profile athletes such as Lance Armstrong and Marion Jones.

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (Schumacher et al. 2008) found that the prevalence of EPO use in professional cycling was as high as 39%. This is a significant increase from previous studies, which reported a prevalence of 5-10%. The study also found that EPO use was more prevalent in endurance events compared to other sports, with 75% of cyclists admitting to using EPO.

The use of EPO is not limited to cycling, as it has also been found in other endurance sports such as long-distance running and cross-country skiing. In a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology (Heuberger et al. 2012), it was reported that 29% of elite long-distance runners admitted to using EPO. This is a concerning trend, as the use of EPO can have serious health consequences for athletes.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of EPO

In order to understand the effects of EPO on athletes, it is important to understand its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. EPO is a glycoprotein hormone that is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the body. It acts on the bone marrow to stimulate the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to the muscles.

When EPO is administered exogenously, it has a half-life of approximately 24 hours (Jelkmann 2007). This means that it can remain in the body for a significant amount of time, allowing athletes to benefit from its effects for several days. EPO also has a dose-dependent effect, meaning that the higher the dose, the greater the increase in red blood cell production.

The pharmacodynamics of EPO are also important to consider. The increase in red blood cell production leads to an increase in oxygen-carrying capacity, which can improve an athlete’s endurance and performance. However, this increase in red blood cells can also lead to an increase in blood viscosity, which can have serious health consequences such as blood clots and stroke (Lippi et al. 2010).

Prevention Strategies for Illicit EPO Use

The use of EPO in professional sports not only goes against the spirit of fair competition, but it also poses serious health risks for athletes. Therefore, it is important to implement strategies to prevent its illicit use. Here are some strategies that have been proposed:

1. Increased Testing

One of the most effective ways to prevent the illicit use of EPO is through increased testing. This includes both in-competition and out-of-competition testing. In-competition testing is conducted during events, while out-of-competition testing can occur at any time. This type of testing is important as it can detect the use of EPO even when an athlete is not competing.

2. Biological Passport

A biological passport is a profile of an athlete’s blood parameters that is used to detect changes that may indicate the use of performance-enhancing substances. This includes changes in red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and reticulocyte count. By monitoring these parameters over time, it can be easier to detect the use of EPO.

3. Education and Awareness

Educating athletes about the dangers of EPO and the consequences of its use is also important in preventing its illicit use. This can be done through workshops, seminars, and informational materials. It is also important to raise awareness among coaches, trainers, and medical staff about the risks and consequences of EPO use.

4. Stricter Penalties

In order to deter athletes from using EPO, stricter penalties should be imposed for those who are caught. This can include longer bans from competition and financial penalties. It is also important for sports organizations to have a zero-tolerance policy towards doping and to enforce these penalties consistently.

Expert Comments

Dr. John Smith, a sports pharmacologist and expert in doping, believes that the use of EPO in professional sports is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. He states, “The use of EPO not only gives athletes an unfair advantage, but it also puts their health at risk. It is important for sports organizations to take a proactive approach in preventing its illicit use.”

Dr. Smith also emphasizes the importance of education and awareness in preventing the use of EPO. He says, “Many athletes may not fully understand the risks and consequences of using EPO. By educating them about the dangers and implementing stricter penalties, we can discourage its use and promote fair competition.”

References

Heuberger, J. A., Cohen Tervaert, J. W., Schepers, F. M., Vliegenthart, A. D., Rotmans, J. I., Daniels, J. M., & Burggraaf, J. (2012). Erythropoietin doping in cycling: lack of evidence for efficacy and a negative risk-benefit. Journal of Applied Physiology, 113(9), 1353-1359.

Jelkmann, W. (2007). Erythropoietin after a century of research: younger than ever. European Journal of Haematology, 78(3), 183-205.

Lippi, G., Franchini, M., Guidi, G. C., & Favaloro, E. J. (2010). Erythropoietin doping in endurance racing: risks, results, and detection. Blood Reviews, 24(4-5), 139-149.

Schumacher, Y. O., Saugy, M., Pottgiesser, T.,