Consumo de sustancias estimulantes y drogas de abuso en el deporte: la experiencia italiana

Stimulant doping agents used in Brazil: prevalence, detectability, analytical implications, and challenges

This article presents the prevalence of stimulant doping among Brazilian athletes, the analytical approaches used, as well as a general evolution of the detectability of the stimulants being used. Results from the Brazilian accredited doping control laboratory are compared with the global statistics disclosed by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The high prevalence of stimulant doping in Brazil can be attributed to several reasons, including "self-administration," a "body-shaping" culture, and the use of nutritional supplements.

Modafinil-induced conditioned place preference via dopaminergic system in mice

Modafinil, a psychostimulant, is used in the treatment of narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that modafinil may have reinforcing effects. However, a possible rewarding property of modafinil has not been fully investigated. In this study, we assessed the potential rewarding property of modafinil using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in mice. Using radiolabeled ligands, we observed changes in dopamine, glutamate, and GABA receptor binding in the brains of mice after treatment with modafinil. Modafinil produced significant CPP in mice at an intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of 125 mg kg⁻¹ and prevented normal body weight gain of mice in a dose-dependent manner. A significant reduction in normal body weight gain was observed when mice were administrated 125 mg kg⁻¹ modafinil. In addition, there were widespread changes in receptor binding in the brains of modafinil-treated mice; Dopamine D₁ binding was increased in the caudate putamen, the accumbens, and the substantia nigra, while dopamine D₂ binding was decreased in the caudate putamen and the accumbens. Dopamine transporter (DAT) binding was increased in the prefrontal cortex, the caudate putamen, and the nucleus accumbens. No changes were observed in NMDA and GABA(A) receptor binding. These data indicate that modafinil had a significant rewarding property and could be abused as a recreational drug. Dopamine systems may play a key role in the rewarding property of modafinil.

Potentially fatal new trend in performance enhancement: a cautionary note on nitrite

BACKGROUND

Considerable interest has been shown by athletes and scientists in the potential for nitric oxide and associated vasodilators to enhance performance. This study aims to explore potential misuse of vasodilators by the athletes, and to highlight the growing concern over these agents.

METHODS

Retrospective analyses of anonymous inquiries recorded in the Drug Information Database (DID) between January 2006 and June 2008 (inclusive). In this 30-month period, the DID recorded 198,023 inquiries, of which 118,724 were UK Licensed Pharmaceutical products with a further 79,299 inquiries made for substance not found in the database.

RESULTS

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, dominated by Viagra(R), ranked 16th among the substance groups. The proportion of the inquiries made regarding PDE-5 inhibitors, especially in comparison to antibiotics, painkillers or alcohol, appears to be above the level that would normally be expected from medical need. No significant change in the months leading up to the Beijing Olympics was observed. On the contrary, the Nitric/Nitrate group showed a notable increase between 2006-2007 and 2008, suggesting a potential increase in interest in using nitric oxide among athletes.

CONCLUSIONS

With patents recently filed for the use of agents containing sodium nitrite/nitrate to enhance blood flow for performance enhancement in sport, coupled with anecdotal evidence from internet athlete forums and media, there is a concern that athletes may endanger their health by using vasodilators to enhance athletic performance. PDE-5 inhibitors or chemicals in the nitrate/nitrate group are currently not prohibited or tested for by the doping control agencies but some are highly dangerous to health and can lead to cardiovascular collapse, coma and death. Its promotion among athletes as a performance enhancing supplement is ethically and medically questionable.