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Int J Sports Med 2006; 27(4): 257-266
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-923986
Physiology & Biochemistry/Review Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Gene Doping

H. J. Haisma1 , O. de Hon2
  • 1Department of Therapeutic Gene Modulation, Groningen University Institute for Drug Exploration, Groningen University, Groningen, The Netherlands
  • 2Netherlands Centre for Doping Affairs, Capelle aan den Ijssel, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: February 10, 2006

Publication Date:
29 March 2006 (online)

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Abstract

Together with the rapidly increasing knowledge on genetic therapies as a promising new branch of regular medicine, the issue has arisen whether these techniques might be abused in the field of sports. Previous experiences have shown that drugs that are still in the experimental phases of research may find their way into the athletic world. Both the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have expressed concerns about this possibility. As a result, the method of gene doping has been included in the list of prohibited classes of substances and prohibited methods. This review addresses the possible ways in which knowledge gained in the field of genetic therapies may be misused in elite sports. Many genes are readily available which may potentially have an effect on athletic performance. The sporting world will eventually be faced with the phenomena of gene doping to improve athletic performance. A combination of developing detection methods based on gene arrays or proteomics and a clear education program on the associated risks seems to be the most promising preventive method to counteract the possible application of gene doping.

Key words

Doping - gene therapy - Epo - IGF

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Prof. Dr. Hidde J. Haisma

Therapeutic Gene Modulation
Groningen University Institute for Drug Exploration
Groningen University

A. Deusinglaan 1

9713 AV Groningen

The Netherlands

Email: h.j.haisma@rug.nl

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