The Risks of Gene Doping by Danny Mackey

Danny Mackey

November 6, 2008

The Risks of Gene Doping

(3^rd in a 4 part series looking at gene doping)

By Danny Mackey M.S.

(note: that picture heading for the article is a classic one of a rat’s muscle composition before and after taking a PED)

Since I post my training log on the site, I will start out with a little about my running. I just go to my blood tests back yesterday and my red blood cell count is almost “normal” but my testosterone is double what is was in May (but still on the low end of normal). Also, my body composition is changing back to normal and I have lost about 10 lbs since July. The interesting application relating to the blood work and weight is I am not as sore the day after a hard workout, my heart rate at a given workload is lower, and I actually shave my face more than once a week. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the past 1 ½ weeks have been the best running I have had in 2 years. Which is not something to brag about (it’s almost more sad than anything) but a positive slope is positive, not negative so I’ll take it. Cross Nationals is December 13^th, I have 2 races between now and then (8k XC next weekend and 5k road race on Thanksgiving), and about 5 weeks to bust my ass to get a little more fit.

So what we are going to look at here is focus on the risks of gene doping. I only give 2 specific examples as to not overload the information, but that take home point should be evident.

Gene doping to potential athletes may look like the instant ticket to the victory stand. As inviting and easy as gene doping may seem, there are risks (there always consequences). Gene doping is a major concern in athletics, but for gene doping to work a complete understanding of the human genome needs to be met. As a human map of performance related genes and disease related genes are drawn up, so is the scientist’s understanding of the role of various genes in targeting athletic performance. The increased knowledge also expands the potential targets for gene doping (14). The major problem with gene doping is that even though there is a wide variety of phenotypes that are associated with human fitness and performance, the gene map is still very young. Furthermore, human studies have not shown positive results. Despite lack of complete understanding of gene doping, it is expected that athletes will attempt gene doping without waiting for full approval of gene delivery trials for therapeutic purposes (14). Another hazard for the athletes is that gene doping likely to be done in secret, with limited protective actions since it is illegal. This lack of understanding leads to potential risks for the athletes who are daring enough to try gene doping.

The vector (remember the previous articles) used for gene doping poses an immediate limitation and risk. The adenoviruses used as vectors are powerful virus which can trigger a systematic auto-immune response which may eventually kill an athlete. The integration of viral vectors into the human increases the risk of mutagenesis (15). Unregulated cell growth, toxicity due to chronic over expression of the growth factor protein and the development of a malignancy are possible. Manipulating HIFs can have problems because they stimulate genes that encode angiogenetic molecules and proteins involved in cell growth and division which may promote cancer growth and spread (16).

A specific limitation in gene doping used to increase EPO levels in already healthy, fit athletes will increase the red blood cell count and their already high hematocrit. These high levels will make the blood more viscous and increase the risk of heart attack and paralysis. Injecting the gene for EPO production has not shown a way to be regulated, so an athlete may not be able to decrease production when needed. Gene doping for EPO can mean continuous production of red blood cells (17). In 1998 scientist transferred EPO genes into monkeys and baboons and the animals red blood cell count doubled within 10 weeks causing the doctors to remove blood in order to keep the animals’ hearts from failing (9). So as a possible solution, the athletes will use blood thinning drugs, which can lead to other health problems (see… there are always consequences).

The genes used to improve skeletal muscle strength and size may not kill an athlete but other injury rates may increase as another possible risk. Gene doping with IGF-1 or myostatin may lead to large muscles that may overload ligaments, tendons and bones. The human body needs time to adapt to different stresses, if one part of the body, like skeletal muscle, adapts faster then other parts of the body damaging injuries may result.

We may hope this would deter cheating but as we well know that is not the case. In terms of comments and discussion below, I would be interested to hear what people think the mental perspective of a potential gene doping cheater would take?

Post a Comment

#9	Anonymous Coward November 12, 2008 at 11:22am those are disgusting pictures not good for children im gunna call the cops reply
#8	Unknown November 12, 2008 at 11:21am eeewwwwwwwwwww reply
#7	Danny Mackey November 9, 2008 at 9:16pm I don't think young people are being educated well enough on even science and math etc. The negative impacts of cheating, no way. Part of the problem is the people helping them cheat do not care enough to tell them. Why would they? Also, ignorance is huge. People would rather pretend this is not an issue verses take it head on. Look at our major pro-sports, football, basketball? If the fans stopped going to the events, similar to a strike then the governing bodies would be encouraged to deal with cheating. Until then why would they spend the money? Rocking One day as a Lion (not that good but have emotional bias) and Saul Williams' new album. I'll check the Virgins. reply
#6	Ryan Hall November 9, 2008 at 6:42pm we just want to know what music you are listening to. Check out the Virgins. No, JJ is not in the band. reply
#5	Leo November 8, 2008 at 11:21am Do you think enough is being done to educate young people? As the sports offers more and more financial opportunities - that will simply provide athletes with the motivation to increase their risk. reply
#4	Danny Mackey November 6, 2008 at 7:29pm Mitch, You are correct, I didn't explain that well in the article (thanks for catching that too). So, higher myostatin concentrations in the blood and lymph actually slow down muscle stem cell growth. What doctors would do than is mimic a mutation in the myostatin gene (like a base pair deletion or something along those lines), thus causing less myostatin and more muscle growth. Also, great insight and comments on the mindset of potential cheaters, I'm enjoying what you have to say! reply
#3	Mitch VanBruggen November 6, 2008 at 5:51pm Great series... however, don't myostatins prevent muscle growth? reply
#2	Karl November 6, 2008 at 11:37am Anabolic steroids have been used for decades. I don't think anyone who uses them is totally ignorant of negative side effects. People are willing to risk negative consequences as long as they come a while later. People's nature is to get what you want now. Once gene therapy has proven positive short term results, it's inevitable that athletes will start doing it. reply
#1	Jake November 6, 2008 at 11:27am great article my man! And to comment on the question, I think that the mental perspective of a doper doesn't change even with the new high-falutin ways to go about cheating. It's a win at all costs mentality that the well known gold-medal-and-die survey confirmed years ago. It's the same mentality that caused early marathoners to experiment with a cocaine and strychnine diet. And some might argue that doping is the greatest sacrifice an athlete can make...sport before life! reply