Erythropoietin - The wonder drug?

Abstract

Athletes and coaches are continuously looking for ways (both legal and illegal) to improve performance. Aerobic-based athletes rely heavily on a continuous supply of oxygen to the working muscles to generate ATP. Haemoglobin which is the blood's oxygen carrying pigment is situated on the r d blood cell, and therefore many athletes attempt to enl'Uillc their haemoglobin mass by in reasingtheir red cell \rolume. Most coaches and athletes use legalmeans to increase haemoglobin mass (e.g. altitude training) and thereby augment oxygen carnage and improve aerobic performance. However, some coaches and athletes use illegal methods to increase haemoglobin mass (blood reinfusion, recombinant human erythropoietin, continuous erythropoietin receptor activator, hypoxia-inducible factor agents). Probably the most convenient, common and easily accessible method is the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). In research studies, using either recreational or well-trained participants, injection of rHuEPO results in increases in haemoglobin mass (12-33%) and V02max (6-7% ), but was not always associated with substantially improved performance and in some cases can lead to adverse effects such as increased risk of thromboembolic events. This presentation will outline what rHuEPO is, how it works, who uses it, and what dangers it poses to athletes.