Administration of recombinant human
erythropoietin (Epo) improves endurance performance. Hence Epo is allegedly
frequently subject to abuse by athletes, although the use of Epo is prohibited
by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
In order to develop new improved testing methods to detect Epo abuse, a previous WADA founded project took place at the University of Glasgow between 2010-2012. We successfully found gene blood markers which have the potential to add a new dimension to the detection of Epo doping. Given the very promising results, we will now validate this new blood genetic approach using a "double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover" trial* in this new WADA founded project.
In order to develop new improved testing methods to detect Epo abuse, a previous WADA founded project took place at the University of Glasgow between 2010-2012. We successfully found gene blood markers which have the potential to add a new dimension to the detection of Epo doping. Given the very promising results, we will now validate this new blood genetic approach using a "double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover" trial* in this new WADA founded project.
*
In
a "double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover" trial, the volunteers are
assigned in two groups. The groups each have the different treatments in turn
(Epo or placebo). A placebo is a dummy treatment which looks like the real
thing but is not. It contains no active ingredient. Finally, both the
volunteers and the experimenters will not know in which treatment group you
are in until the end of the entire
study.
Jérôme Durussel | PhD Student | University of Glasgow
contact: j.durussel.1@research.gla.ac.uk | 0141 330 7377
contact: j.durussel.1@research.gla.ac.uk | 0141 330 7377
Related links:
- The World Anti-Doping agency: http://www.wada-ama.org/
- The University of Glasgow: http://www.gla.ac.uk/
- UK Anti-Doping: http://www.ukad.org.uk/
- The World Anti-Doping agency: http://www.wada-ama.org/
- The University of Glasgow: http://www.gla.ac.uk/
- UK Anti-Doping: http://www.ukad.org.uk/