NOTEWORTHY ARTICLES 2004

Doping Journal 'Noteworthy' section alerts interested readers about the selected noteworthy original research and selected review articles, book reviews, and meeting reports (published in other journals) on the subject of the Doping Journal scope.

The reference to each article may be accompanied by the referee name (a member of the journal editorial board or a journal reader), the authors' key note comments, the date of the 'noteworthy' alert, letter to the editor link, and links to related articles (if any).

Please note that 'Noteworthy articles' section of the Doping Journal does not make a claim to being most comprehensive and does not aim to substitute other bibliography databases (such as PubMed, for example). We may inadvertently omit certain articles due to a lack of information. If you notice an omission, please contribute your own selection.

Also please note that we aim to bring to your attention uncensored  information related to a particular article, to minimize possible associated bias, and to point you to a fair discussion by providing links to related articles. We request you to critically evaluate information and ground your own opinion on a deep analysis of all available literature. The appearance of a noteworthy article below is not an endorsement or approval of an article experimental approach, content, discussion, conclusion, and/or media interest. Patents/company alert may indicate a competing interest of an author or a commentator.

We welcome readers to actively participate in the discussion of any noteworthy article on the journal scope by publishing in DJ letters to editor. We will not only publish your letter in about two weeks, but may also offer it (in case of a contributor interest) as a communication arizing correspondence item to a journal where an article under discussion was published. To submit letter click here. Also, see letters recently published at the Doping Journal.

Document navigation menu and related items:

DJ NOTEWORTHY 2005

SUBMIT LETTER2EDITOR

DOAJ SEARCH

PUBMED SEARCH

DJ PATENTS

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

DJ Noteworthy pages readership 1 September 2004 - 31 August 2005: 4129

Urinary insulin-like growth factor-I measurement in an actual sport competition, an additional approach in laboratory antidoping tests
Elio F De Palo, Rosalba Gatti, Federica Lancerin, Enrico Cappellin, Carlo B De Palo, Paolo Spinella
Clin Chim Acta (1 Jan 2004) 351(1-2): 73
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

Abstract: "BACKGROUND: The insulin-like growth factor hormone (IGF-I) is an important protein hormone under investigation with physical exercise and for doping detection. Urinary IGF-I level in fact represents a relevant measurement when the postexercise proteinuria is under analysis. To verify the IGF-I level variation in the circulation and in urinary excretion in the occasion of a competition, the plasma and urine IGF-I in athletes before and after an actual competitive event were measured. METHODS: Twenty well-trained cyclists took part in a competition (102 km) and concluded the intense physical exercise in approximately 2(1/2) h. Urine and blood samples were collected from each athlete 10-20 min before and at the end of the competition. Plasma and urine total IGF-I (pIGF, uIGF), total urinary proteins (uPr), and creatinine (uCr) concentrations were measured. RESULTS: The uIGF [from 76.2+/-15.8 to 256.9+/-29.1 ng/l (p<0.001)], uPr [from 29.4+/-6.7 to 325.9+/-95.1 mg/l (p<0.005)], and uCr [from 6.3+/-1.0 to 10.0+/-0.8 mmol/l (p<0.005)] significantly increased. The pIGF was 262.6+/-14.3 and 247.3+/-11.8 microg/l before and end-exercise, respectively. A statistical correlation between uIGF and uPr was demonstrated (p<0.001). The pIGF/uIGF ratio was significantly (p<0.05) decreased comparing the end with before the competition. CONCLUSIONS: The pIGF/uIGF significantly decreased at the end, compared with before the competition, suggesting a changed uIGF excretion. This increment appeared to be increased, although not significantly, considering the ratio with uCr."

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Sports injuries: recognition and management, 3rd edn
Humphries, D
Br J Sports Med. (2005) 39(1): 47a-48a
[Abstract/FullText] [Authors contact]

Book Review Leading Text: "Sports injuries: recognition and management is now in its third edition. It has a single major author and some specialist chapters written by other authors either independently or in collaboration with the major author. According to the preface: "This book is not an encyclopaedia of medical conditions associated with sport. It is designed primarily for the clinician who requires a method of learning a suitable approach towards the musculoskeletal problems encountered in sport". Unfortunately this approach means the book has come out "neither fish, flesh nor fowl". On one hand it does not provide a comprehensive listing of possible pathologies, and at times the lists given neglect some important and relatively common problems such as labral tears of the hip joint, while giving prominence to rather more obscure diagnoses..."

M A Hutson, Oxford University Press, 2001, £34.50, soft cover, pp 251. ISBN 0192632728

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Development of Miniaturized Competitive Immunoassays on a Protein Chip as a Screening Tool for Drugs
Hongwu Du, Moutian Wu, Weiping Yang, Gu Yuan, Yimin Sun, Yuan Lu, Shan Zhao, Qingyun Du, Jun Wang, Sheng Yang, Mangen Pan, Ying Lu, Shan Wang, and Jing Cheng
Clin Chem. (24 Nov 2004) doi: 10.1373/clinchem.2004.036665
[PubMed] [FullText] [Authors contact]

Abstract: "Background: Doping in sports has become a serious problem. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) serves as an effective reference method, but it is limited by low throughput and is therefore not suitable for large-scale screening. Use of protein chips for high-throughput screening of all athletes for prohibited substances could become an important complementary tool to GC-MS. Methods: We developed a protein chip based on an aldehyde-activated glass slide containing 10 physically isolated arrays. The chip was used to screen urine from 1347 athletes for prohibited substances and to screen a negative control group consisting of 200 females and 120 males. Urine samples from 66 individuals known to be abusers, provided by the China Doping Control Center (CDCC), and 129 standard prohibited substances were tested as positive controls. Results: All 1347 urine samples screened by means of the protein chips were also subjected to reference analysis by GC-MS at the CDCC. There was no qualitative difference between the results obtained with the two methods. The correlation coefficient (r2) for the quantitative results obtained with the protein chip and GC-MS was 0.991. Conclusions: The protein chip could be used to screen for a series of 16 prohibited drugs in urine samples. This system has the potential to become an effective screening method to test substances prohibited by the International Olympic Committee."

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Abnormally high serum ferritin levels among professional road cyclists
Zotter H, Robinson N, Zorzoli M, Schattenberg L, Saugy M, Mangin P
Br J Sports Med. (2004) 38(6): 8704-708
[PubMed] [FullText] [Authors contact]

Abstract: "Objective: To evaluate the importance of elevated ferritin values among professional cyclists, their relationship with age and nationality, and their evolution over 3 years. Methods: Over 1000 serum ferritin values were collected. Other parameters were included in order to exclude conditions which might have increased ferritin levels without changing body iron stores. Results: In 1999, over 45% of riders displayed ferritin values above 300 ng/ml and one fourth levels over 500 ng/ml. These percentages had decreased to 27% and 9%, respectively, 3 years later, while the overall average, which was above the normal limits in 1999, had decreased by 33% in 3 years. Older cyclists had higher ferritin values than younger cyclists. There was also a relationship between ferritin levels and the nationality of the cyclists. Analysis of 714 riders in 2000 and 2002 showed only a slight and insignificant decrease in the mean ferritin value although those with initially elevated iron stores had a much greater decrease. Conclusion: Professional road cyclists used excessive iron supplementation leading to high serum ferritin levels correlating with increased body iron stores. Although the situation progressively improved over 3 years, it remains worrying as increased body iron stores are related to health complications. Therefore, prevention in addition to the fight against doping should be a main goal of the UCI. Aggressive therapy for athletes with excessive ferritin values should be carried out at or before the end of their careers."

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Dying to win
Clisby, E
Br J Sports Med. (2004) 38(6): 792a-793a
[Abstract/FullText] [Authors contact]

Book Review Leading Text: "Dying to win gives an eye opening account of the extent to which drugs play a major role in sport. Doping is not new and has been used in sport since ancient Olympic times; it is just that drug use in modern times is at such a level of sophistication, it is now an industry in its own right. The book describes the privileged position sport holds in society, having appeal for both the participant and the spectator. This has led to the massive media interest, commercialism, professionalism, and governmental regulation and manipulation. Economic pressure in the industrialised world and governmental propaganda in the former East Germany, and more recently China, paved the way for the increasing pharmaceutical intervention in sport. With the fall of the GDR, the world saw for the first time what..."

Edited by B Houlihan. Council of Europe Publishing, 2002, £17.95, softcover, pp 247. ISBN 9287146853

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Doping in sports: A perspective
Beotra, Alka
Indian Journal of Pharmacology (1995) 27(2): 83-88
[FullText] [Authors contact]

Abstract: "Sports is the play of the spirit, the challenge of the mind and the perfection of the body not a contest in pharmacology. Drugs are used by athletes to produce a wide variety of effects leading to improved performance, increased aggressiveness, increased physical strength, delayed fatigue, increased mental concentration, increased body weight and to desensitize themselves to pain etc. Most athletes ultimately pay a heavy price for these benefits, often with their own life. To protect athlete's health and to avoid unfair means, International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned certain drugs which can be divided into five different groups like stimulants, narcotics, androgenic-anabolic steroids, diuretics and peptide hormones and analogues..."

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

A Race to the Starting Line
Vogel, Gretchen
Science magazine (30 July 2004) 305(5684): 632-635
[FullText] [Erratum] [Related articles in Science] [Author contact]

Abstract: "Scientists are scrambling to devise new methods for snaring athletes who cheat with steroids, hormones, and, someday, even extra genes..."

Article key words: Doping Analysis; Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative ( BALCO ) nutrition center in Burlingame, California; banned steroids and hormones; hormone erythropoietin ( EPO ); red blood cell counts; Marion Jones; Chryste Gaines; world-record sprinter; Tim Montgomery; privileged world of elite sports; olympic team; dopers; ability to build muscle, carry oxygen; doping with genes; Don Catlin; Olympic Analytical Laboratory; International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) medical commission; Wyeth androgen; norbolethone; muscle builder; masculinizing side effects; U.S. Anti-Doping Agency; track coach; tetrahydrogestrinone ( THG ); professional athletes; gestrinone; endometriosis; trenbolone; veterinary medicine; steroid anabolic effects; urine samples; designer agents; mass spectrometry substance profile; Lawyers for athletes; David Handelsman of the ANZAC Research Institute in Concord, Australia; Dwain Chambers; supplement; drug bioassay; testosterone; tested positive; living at high altitude; training at high altitudes; recombinant EPO; doping epidemic; EPO test; hematocrit; red blood cells; combined blood and urine test for EPO; hemoglobin; reticulocytes; illegal drug; performance enhancing chemical non-chemical agent; World Anti-Doping Agency ( WADA ); Olivier Rabin, WADA's scientific director; blood doping; blood transfusions; donors red blood cells; human growth hormone ( hGH ); muscle buildup; fat shedding; insulin-like growth factor-1 ( IGF-1 ); collagen; performance- enhancing effects; antidoping officials; muscle-building gene; IGF-1; tracing retrovirus vectors; gene boosting; blood chemistry biological passport; top-level sports; uncaught dopers; elite athletes

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Mighty Mice: Inspiration for Rogue Athletes?
Vogel, Gretchen
Science magazine (30 July 2004) 305(5684): 633
[FullText] [Related articles in Science] [Author contact]

Leading text: "The mice seem indestructible. First described in 2001, the Schwarzenegger mice, as they were dubbed by the press, have twice as much muscle as normal mice, live longer, and can recover from injuries that kill their weaker cousins. They build muscle without exercising, and they seem to defy the aging process. "As they age, they don't get weaker," says Nadia Rosenthal, a developmental geneticist at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Monterotondo, Italy, who created the mighty mice. Rosenthal and her colleagues are hoping that the animals, which carry an extra copy of a gene that codes for a protein called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), will help them understand and treat muscle-wasting diseases such as muscular dystrophy. The mice may also provide insights into wound healing and the mysterious process of regeneration. But sports authorities are worried: Can the technique that makes supermice be used in humans to create superathletes?..."

Article key words: Genentech; Tercica of South San Francisco, California; clinical trials of growth hormone and IGF-1; doping tester; gene-therapy technique; doped-up IGF-1 gene

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Editorial: Here come the Olympics
Kennedy D.
Science magazine (30 July 2004) 305(5684): 573
[PubMed] [FullText and suggested reading] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Designer androgens in sport: when too much is never enough
Handelsman DJ.
Science STKE (27 July 2004) (244): pe41
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Tainted glory--doping and athletic performance
Noakes TD.
N Engl J Med (26 Aug 2004) 351(9): 847-849
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Doping, gene transfer and sport
Verma IM.
Mol Ther. (Sep 2004) 4(3): 405
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Contamination of supplements: an interview with professor Ron Maughan by Louise M. Burke
Maughan R.
Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab (Aug 2004) 14(4): 493
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Occasional Piece: Gene manipulation and improvement of athletic performances: new strategies in blood doping
Lippi G, Guidi GC.
Br J Sports Med (Oct 2004) 38(5): 641
[PubMed] [Abstract] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Editorial: Contemporary issues in the fight against blood doping in sport
Ashenden M.
Haematologica (Aug 2004) 89(8): 901-3
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Unique Tryptic Peptides Specific for Bovine and Human Hemoglobin in the Detection and Confirmation of Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers
Guan F, Uboh C, Soma L, Luo Y, Driessen B.
Anal Chem 1 Sept 2004 76(17): 5118-5126
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Detection of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers in human serum for doping analysis: confirmation by size-exclusion HPLC
Varlet-Marie E, Ashenden M, Lasne F, Sicart MT, Marion B, de Ceaurriz J, Audran M.
Biophysical & Bioanalysis Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Montpellier I, Montpellier, France.
Clin Chem (February 2004) ePub 3 February 2004 50(4): 723-731 doi: 10.1373/clinchem.2003.026591
[PubMed] [FullText] [Authors contact]

Abstract: "BACKGROUND: Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are being developed as potential substitutes for the oxygen-carrying functions of erythrocytes, but athletes may obtain and experiment with HBOCs as an illicit means of enhancing oxygen transport. An electrophoretic technique has been developed to screen for the presence of HBOCs in blood samples (Lasne et al. Clin Chem 2004;50:410-5). Interest has focused on complementary methods that can provide legally defensible scientific evidence for the presence of HBOCs in blood samples collected for doping control. METHODS: The aim of this research was to develop a size-exclusion SEC-HPLC technique to identify in plasma or serum samples the presence of HBOCs that are currently under development. This method was also used to detect a polymerized bovine hemoglobin (Hemopure) after infusion in 12 healthy males. RESULTS: The chromatograms of all HBOCs tested were clearly separated from the 54-min peak associated with human hemoglobin dimers. It was possible to differentiate between the different HBOC products based solely on their chromatographic profiles, provided they were at high concentrations. Differences were discernible not only based on the presence (or absence) of peaks, but also the separation between respective peaks. The profiles for serum samples collected from the men immediately after infusion of Hemopure showed a distinctive profile. The shape of the chromatographic profile remained consistent for at least 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: Under the analytical conditions reported here, SEC-HPLC was able to separate native hemoglobin from the modified hemoglobin molecules present in each of the HBOC products studied. In tandem with electrophoretic screening, SEC-HPLC provides evidence of the presence of HBOCs and can therefore be regarded as a method that satisfies the criteria for use in an antidoping control setting."

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Detection of isoelectric profiles of erythropoietin in urine: differentiation of natural and administered recombinant hormones
Lasne F, Crepin N, Ashenden M, Audran M, de Ceaurriz J.
National Antidoping Laboratory, Chatenay-Malabry, France.
Clin Chem (February 2004) ePub 21 November 2003 50(2): 410-415
[PubMed] [FullText] [Authors contact]

Abstract: "BACKGROUND: Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) have recently been included in the International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency lists of substances and methods prohibited in sports. To enforce this rule and deter abuse of HBOCs in elite sports, it is necessary to develop HBOC-specific screening and confirmation tests that are the usual steps in antidoping control analysis. METHODS: We developed a screening method based on electrophoresis of serum samples cleared of haptoglobin (Hp). Four successive steps (immunoprecipitation of Hp, electrophoresis of the cleared serum, Western blotting of the separated proteins, and detection of hemoglobin-related molecules based on the peroxidase properties of the heme moiety), provided electropherograms that could be easily interpreted in terms of the presence of HBOCs. This method was tested with serum samples enriched with various types of HBOCs: polymerized, conjugated, and cross-linked hemoglobins. It was also applied to blood samples collected from 12 healthy volunteers who had been infused with either 30 or 45 g of Hemopure, a glutaraldehyde-polymerized bovine hemoglobin. RESULTS: The method clearly detected the presence in serum of the various types of HBOCs tested and demonstrated no possible confusion with endogenous hemoglobin that may be present in cases of hemolysis. The test was able to detect Hemopure for 4-5 days after administration of 45 g to healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The electrophoretic method is a simple, fast, and sensitive procedure that appears to fulfill the criteria of a screening test for the presence of HBOCs in antidoping control samples."

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Strengths and weaknesses of established indirect models to detect recombinant human erythropoietin abuse on blood samples collected 48-hr post administration
Connes P, Caillaud C, Simar D, Villard S, Sicart MT, Audran M.
Haematologica July 2004 89(7): 891-892
[PubMed] [Related articles: 1 | 2] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Detection of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers in human serum for doping analysis: confirmation by size-exclusion HPLC
Varlet-Marie E, Ashenden M, Lasne F, Sicart MT, Marion B, de Ceaurriz J, Audran M.
Clin Chem Apr 2004 50(4): 723-731
[PubMed] [Related articles: 1 | 2] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Analytical strategies for the detection of non-labelled anabolic androgenic steroids in nutritional supplements
Parr MK, Geyer H, Reinhart U, Schanzer W.
Food Addit Contam 1 Jan 2004 21(7): 632
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Athens 2004 doping case documentation: International Olympic Committee Executive Board decision regarding Mr. Robert Fazekas, born on 18 August 1975, athlete, Hungary, men’s discus throw
Dr Rogge, Jacques, IOC President, Lacotte, Urs, Director General, On behalf of the IOC Executive Board
International Olympic Committee (24 August 2004)
[Original Adcrobat .PDF] [HTML FullText] [Author contact]

Leading text: "1. On the evening of Monday 23 August 2004, Mr Robert Fazekas competed in the men’s discus throw event, in which he placed first. 2. Immediately following the competition, he was requested to provide a urine sample for a doping control. 3. Pursuant to Article 7.2.1 of the IOC Anti-Doping Rules Applicable to the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad in Athens in 2004 (the “Rules”), Dr Patrick Schamasch, IOC Medical Director and representative of the Chairman of the IOC Medical Commission, was informed at approximately 1.45 hours on the morning of Tuesday 24 August 2004, by the Head of the Doping Control Station at the Olympic Stadium (Mr Tsarouchas Panagiotis) and by the representative of the IAAF (Mr Gabriel Dollé), that Mr Robert Fazekas had apparently committed an anti-doping rule violation (refusing or failing to submit to sample collection)..."

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Effects of pubertal anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) administration on reproductive and aggressive behaviors in male rats
Farrell SF, McGinnis MY.
Behav Neurosci Oct 2003 117(5): 904-911.
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Androgenic/Anabolic steroid-induced toxic hepatitis
Stimac D, Milic S, Dintinjana RD, Kovac D, Ristic S.
J Clin Gastroenterol Oct 2002 35(4): 350-352
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Chronic administration of anabolic steroids disrupts pubertal onset and estrous cyclicity in rats
Clark AS, Kelton MC, Whitney AC.
Biol Reprod Feb 2003 68(2): 465-471.
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Hepatatis in growth promoter treated cows
Groot MJ.
J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med Nov 2002 49(9): 466-469.
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Effects of stanozolol on bone mineral density and bone biomechanical properties of osteoporotic rats
Liao JM, Wu T, Li QN, Hu B, Huang LF, Li ZH, Yuan L, Zhong SZ.
Di Yi Jun Yi Da Xue Xue Bao Nov 2003 23(11): 1117-1120.
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL

Effects of acute stanozolol treatment on puberty in female rats
Whitney AC, Clark AS.
Biol Reprod May 2001 64(5):1460-5
[PubMed] [Authors contact]

selected by Alexei Koudinov | DJ Global Newsstand | This item permanent URL