Gene doping: Present and future

Eur J Sport Sci. 2020 Sep;20(8):1093-1101. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2019.1695952. Epub 2019 Dec 1.

Abstract

Being an elite athlete is an extremely coveted position, which can lead an individual to use doping. As knowledge is extended, doping techniques have become increasingly sophisticated, and the newest method of doping is gene doping. This article aims to present an updated bibliographic survey that addresses gene doping between 1983 and 2018. Anti-doping agencies have not yet approved any detection technique for this type of doping. The possibility of eradicating such doping is almost zero mainly because gene therapy advances rapidly. In this scenario, the future of gene doping must be discussed and decided before irreversible limits are exceeded.

Keywords: Doping in sports; gene doping; gene therapy; genes; sports.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Competitive Behavior
  • Doping in Sports / history
  • Doping in Sports / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Doping in Sports / methods*
  • Doping in Sports / trends*
  • Erythropoietin / genetics
  • Forecasting
  • Gene Editing*
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Substance Abuse Detection
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics

Substances

  • EPO protein, human
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Erythropoietin