Gene doping: the new frontier

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We have already talked about steroids and the negative effects associated with their use, and we will do so again.

Today, however, we are talking about the trend towards developing new artificial methods, which have been studied in recent years, to beat the anti-doping tests carried out at various sporting events and gain a competitive advantage. For example, the use ofgrowth hormone or similar compounds in the hope of stimulating an increase in muscle masshas become widespread.

Scientists predict that the new frontier will be gene doping, that is, gene therapy aimed at enhancing athletic performance. It could be used, for example, to promote the production of chemicals that increase muscle mass and are naturally present in the body, or to block the endogenous substances that can halt muscle growth.

Since these substances are naturally present in the body, detecting them will be far from easy, but the risks that may arise are high and still largely unknown.

 

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