Detection of manipulation in doping control urine sample collection: a multidisciplinary approach to determine identical urine samples

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2007 Aug;388(7):1539-43. Epub 2007 Jan 27.
Thevis M, Geyer H, Mareck U, Sigmund G, Henke J, Henke L, Schanzer W.
Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Carl-Diem-Weg 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
PubMed ID & Record: 17260133

Manipulation of urine sampling in sports drug testing is considered a violation of anti-doping rules and is consequently sanctioned by regulatory authorities. In 2003, three identical urine specimens were provided by three different athletes, and the identity of all urine samples was detected and substantiated using numerous analytical strategies including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with steroid and metabolite profiling, gas chromatography-nitrogen/phosphorus detector analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography-UV fingerprinting, and DNA-STR (short tandem repeat) analysis. None of the respective athletes was the donor of the urine provided for doping analysis, which proved to be a urine sample collected from other unidentified individual(s). Samples were considered suspicious based on identical steroid profiles, one of the most important parameters for specimen individualization in sports drug testing. A database containing 14,224 urinary steroid profiles of athletes was screened for specific values of 4 characteristic parameters (ratios of testosterone/epitestosterone, androsterone/etiocholanolone, androsterone/testosterone, and 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol/5beta-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol) and only the three suspicious samples matched all criteria. Further metabolite profiling regarding indicated medications and high-performance liquid chromatography-UV fingerprinting substantiated the assumption of manipulation. DNA-STR analyses unequivocally confirmed that the 3 urine samples were from the same individual and not from the athletes who provided DNA from either buccal cell material or blood specimens. This supportive evidence led to punishment of all three athletes according to the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Application of a new multidisciplinary strategy employing common and new doping control assays enables the detection of urine substitution in sports drug testing.

Detraining and tapering effects on hormonal responses and strength performance.

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J Strength Cond Res. 2007 Aug;21(3):768-75.
Izquierdo M, Ibanez J, Gonzalez-Badillo JJ, Ratamess NA, Kraemer WJ, Hakkinen K, Bonnabau H, Granados C, French DN, Gorostiaga EM.
Studies, Research and Sport Medicine Center, Government of Navarra, Navarra, Spain.

This study examined the impact of 4 weeks of either complete cessation of training (DTR) or a tapering period (TAP; short-term reduction of the strength training volume, while the intensity is kept high), subsequent to 16 weeks of periodized heavy resistance training (PRT) on strength/power gains and the underlying physiologic changes in basal circulating anabolic/catabolic hormones in strength-trained athletes. Forty-six physically active men were matched and randomly assigned to a TAP (n = 11), DTR (n = 14), or control group (C; n = 21), subsequent to a 16-week PRT program. Muscular and power testing and blood draws to determine basal hormonal concentrations were conducted before the initiation of training (T0), after 16 weeks of training (T1), and after 4 weeks of either DTR or TAP (T2). Short-term DTR (4 weeks) results in significant decreases in maximal strength (-6 to -9%) and muscle power output (-17 and -14%) of the arm and leg extensor muscles. However, DTR had a significant (p < 0.01) larger effect on muscle power output more than on strength measurements of both upper and lower extremity muscles. Short-term (4 weeks) TAP reached further increases for leg (2%) and arm (2%) maximal strength, whereas no further changes were observed in both upper and lower muscle power output. Short-term DTR resulted in a tendency for elevation resting serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 concentrations, whereas the corresponding TAP experienced elevation in resting serum insulin-like binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). These data indicated that DTR may induce larger declines in muscle power output than in maximal strength, whereas TAP may result in further strength enhancement (but not muscle power), mediated, in part, by training-related differences in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentrations.

PubMed ID and Record

Procedures for monitoring recombinant erythropoietin and analogues in doping control

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2007 Aug;388(7):1521-9. Epub 2007 May 22
Segura J, Pascual JA, Gutierrez-Gallego R.
Pharmacology Research Unit, Municipal Institute for Medical Research, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
PubMed ID & Record: 17516052

The present report summarizes the main analytical strategies developed to identify the presence of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) administered as a doping agent. Indirect evidence is based on the analysis of blood parameters (haemoglobin, haematocrit, reticulocytes, macrocytes, etc.) and serum markers (concentration of EPO and serum transferrin receptors, etc.). The problem of intertechnique comparison for reliable results evaluation is emphasized, especially for serum markers. Charge differences between isoforms of recombinant EPO and native urinary EPO are the grounds for the isoelectric focusing-double blotting-chemiluminescence detection method presently approved for doping control. Works addressing its advantages and limitations are presented and commented on. The chemical bases of the differential detection are highlighted and some future approaches for detection are also presented. The appearance and detectability of EPO analogues and mimetics susceptible for abuse are also addressed.

Bayesian detection of abnormal hematological values to introduce a no-start rule for heterogeneous populations of athletes

Haematologica. 2007 Aug;92(8):1143-1144.
Robinson N, Sottas PE, Mangin P, Saugy M.
Laboratoire Suisse d'Analyse du Dopage, Institut Universitaire de Medecine Legale, Chemin des Croisettes 22, 1066 Epalinges, VD, Switzerland
PubMed ID & Record: 17650448

Sports authorities exclude athletes with abnormal levels of blood parameters. Here, the consideration of longitudinal blood profiles together with heterogeneous factors such as ethnicity and age produces a model with enhanced sensitivity to detect blood doping. Sports disciplines with heterogeneous populations now have a general method to introduce the no-start rule.

Should Drug Testing be Banned?

Doping Journal 4, 1 (8 August 2007)
Anthony P Millar
Lewisham Sports Medicine Institute, 1 West St, Petersham NSW 2049, Australia
Free FullText

Drug testing has been an abject failure in its aim of eliminating the use of performance enhancing substances in sport. Their use has continued and money has been wasted in fruitless efforts to improve the situation. Positive results have been excused by sporting bodies and athletes cleared on the flimsiest grounds. The only people penalised have been athletes when most of the decisions not to accept results have been by officials and they have not been penalised for breaking the rules. When advances in equipment can be used it is difficult to understand why chemical and pharmacological advances cannot be used. The arguments on the grounds of unfairness cannot be sustained and the dangers of drug use have been greatly exaggerated. Drug testing is controlled by WADA and there are many objections to its constitution. Until a more rational and honest approach is taken to the use of Performance Enhancing Substances, injustices will continue.