Report on an anti‐doping operation in Guadeloupe: High number of positive cases and inferences about doping habits. Issue 11 (24th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marchand, A.; Buisson, C.; Martin, L.; Martin, J.‐A.; Molina, A.; Ressiot, D.
• Is Part Of: Drug testing and analysis. Volume 9:Issue 11/12(2017)
• Page Start: 1753
• Page End: 1761
• Publication Date: 2017-05-24
• Subjects: doping -- cycling race -- CERA -- GH -- stimulants; Drugs -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Drug testing -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; 615.1901
• DOI: 10.1002/dta.2185
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1942-7603

Abstract

Abstract : Anti‐doping controls in non‐major events are relatively infrequent and athletes that compete only in these events are less likely to be controlled. The French Anti‐Doping Agency carried out an anti‐doping operation during a regional cycling competition in Guadeloupe. The urine and serum samples were analysed by the French anti‐doping laboratory. Out of 42 athletes, 7 were positive for one or more substances prohibited by the World Anti‐Doping Agency. Four serum samples contained continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) and one a recombinant erythropoietin. However, no traces were found in the corresponding urines. One of the athletes positive for CERA was also positive for growth hormone (GH), identified using the GH isoform test. The same serum was negative with the GH biomarkers test, probably because of the brief interval between injection and control (less than a day). The stimulants heptaminol and dimethylbutylamine, as well as the glucocorticoid prednisone and its metabolite prednisolone, were also found. Strikingly, 16.6% of the controlled athletes were using one or more prohibited drugs. These findings indicate that doping is widespread in athletes competing regionally and that CERA is still a popular drug for endurance sports. They underline the need for more controls, particularly blood sampling during non‐major competitions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abstract : The results of an anti‐doping operation performed during a regional cycling race in Guadeloupe in March 2016 are presented. Serum and urine samples from 42 athletes were analysed. Four CERA, one rEPO and one GH were identified in serum samples. Stimulants heptaminol and DMBA and glucocorticoids prednisone/prednisolone were also found in some urines. Altogether, 7 of 42 athletes tested (16.6%) were reported with adverse analytical findings. Interestingly, CERA and rEPO were not retrieved in urine, and would have been missed without serum analyses.