What is EPO?
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. It is naturally produced by the peritubular cells of the kidney and plays a crucial role in the body's oxygen transport system.
Where was EPO developed?
EPO was developed and first synthesized for medical use in the early 1980s by pharmaceutical companies.
What is the role of EPO in medicine?
EPO has important medical uses and is primarily used in the treatment of conditions involving impaired red blood cell production, such as kidney failure, chemotherapy-induced anemia, and certain other types of anemia.
What is the status of EPO in anti-doping regulations?
EPO is prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. It falls under the category of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, and Related Substances (S2.1).
Can anti-doping tests detect the use of EPO?
Yes, anti-doping tests have the ability to detect the use of EPO. Urine tests are commonly used for direct detection of recombinant EPO, and the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is used for longitudinal monitoring of blood-based biomarkers, which can indicate the use of EPO.
How many doping cases involving EPO have been registered?
According to the Anti-Doping Database, there have been 53 doping cases involving EPO.
Which sports have seen doping cases involving EPO?
Doping cases involving EPO have been registered in various sports, with notable cases in cycling, track and field, and triathlon.
What are the sanctions for EPO doping violations?
Sanctions for EPO doping violations vary depending on the circumstances and the athlete's history. They can range from a two-year suspension to a four-year suspension, with three-year suspensions also being imposed in some cases.
How does EPO function as a performance-enhancing substance?
EPO enhances performance by increasing the number of red blood cells in the body, resulting in an increased capacity to transport oxygen to the muscles. This can improve an athlete's aerobic capacity, endurance, and recovery.
Why do athletes use EPO?
Athletes use EPO to gain a competitive advantage by increasing their oxygen-carrying capacity and improving their endurance. EPO has been shown to enhance performance in endurance sports.
Are inadvertent or nonconscious uses of EPO common in doping cases?
Inadvertent or nonconscious use of EPO is not common in doping cases. The misuse of EPO is typically a deliberate act by athletes seeking to enhance their performance.
How has research supported the investigation of cases related to EPO?
Research has played a vital role in developing and validating detection methods for EPO. Advances in both direct and indirect detection methods, including the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), have improved the ability to detect EPO use in athletes.
Are there any known athletes who have tested positive for EPO?
While specific names are not mentioned, the Anti-Doping Database registers numerous doping cases involving EPO, indicating that athletes from various sports have tested positive for this substance.
Sources:
- US Anti-Doping Agency: Blood Doping and EPO: An Anti-Doping FAQ
- US National Library of Medicine
- Antidoping Norway (in Norwegian)
When using this information, please ensure proper attribution to the Anti-Doping Database.