Blood Doping, EPO, Altitude & HBOT Flashcards
What is blood doping?
The practice of artificially increasing the number of red blood cells to enhance athletic performance
Blood doping can involve methods like EPO injections or blood transfusions.
What hormone is primarily associated with blood doping?
Erythropoietin (EPO)
EPO stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
What is the effect of EPO on hematocrit levels?
EPO increases hematocrit by stimulating erythropoiesis
Higher hematocrit levels improve oxygen carrying capacity.
True or False: Lance Armstrong was infamous for blood doping.
True
He was called out by fellow cyclist Tyler Hamilton.
What is the primary stimulus for EPO release from the kidneys?
Low oxygen levels (hypoxia)
This triggers a negative feedback loop in erythropoiesis.
Fill in the blank: EPO stimulates ______ in the bone marrow.
erythropoiesis
What is a direct method of blood doping?
Transfusion of blood or concentrated red blood cells
This may involve removing RBCs, storing them, and reinfusing them before competition.
What are the risks associated with EPO use?
Increased blood viscosity, heart problems, higher risk of clots/DVT
These risks arise from elevated red cell counts.
What is the hematocrit limit for male competitors in certain sports?
50%
This limit is justified for health reasons.
What is a plasma expander?
A substance used to increase plasma volume to mask elevated hematocrit levels
Examples include saline infusions or high molecular weight expanders.
True or False: EPO can be detected in urine samples.
True
However, it has a short detection window of 1-2 days.
What is NESP?
A longer-lasting version of EPO known as darbepoetin
It requires fewer injections but is easier to detect.
What happens to ferritin levels when EPO is used?
Ferritin levels fall as red cell production increases
The soluble transferrin receptor levels rise to meet increased iron demand.
What is the effect of high altitude on red blood cell production?
It stimulates EPO release and increases red blood cell production
Living above 2000m can lead to significant increases in hemoglobin.
Fill in the blank: ‘Live High, Train Low’ refers to athletes living at ______ and training at ______.
altitude; sea level
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
A treatment that exposes patients to high oxygen levels and pressure
It is used to enhance healing and reduce hypoxia.
What physiological role does oxygen play in the body?
It acts as a cofactor for enzymes and is crucial for ATP production
Oxygen is also important for collagen synthesis and acts as an antioxidant.
What are current uses of HBOT?
- Wound healing
- Soft tissue healing
- Treatment of the bends (decompression sickness)
- Inflammation
- Delayed onset muscle soreness
The efficacy for some uses has not been substantiated.
What is the effect of high air pressure in HBOT?
It reduces the size of gas bubbles in the blood and increases oxygen delivery
This can aid in correcting hypoxia.
True or False: Athletes can use nitrogen tents to simulate altitude training.
True
This method allows for training at lower oxygen levels.
