Updated Evidence Report for the Anti-doping research: analysis from 2008 to 2018 for performance-enhancing drugs and gene doping test development

Abstract

Introduction: Since ancient times, man has always tried to overcome his skills through the use of substances and drugs whose nature has changed over time. From substances of natural origin to those produced in the laboratory up to the use of real methods. Unfortunately, the use of these substances causes harmful effects on health and alters the principle of fair competition in sports. Methods and Materials: We have analysed the antidoping controls (prohibited substances and methods) carried out by the Ministry of Health from 2008 to 2018 (www.salute.gov.it). The literature search was performed on PubMed and Scopus database and Italy Anti-doping official website. The authors have extrapolated test controls and combined the information on the consumption of doping substances in male and female athletes. Results: the years 2008 and 2018 recorded the lowest percentage with 2.1% of positives out of a total of 594 tests carried out in these years. From 2009 to 2018 the greatest number of doped athletes is male. Shifting the focus on the consumption of prohibited substances, the most assumed substances are the anabolic agents with an average of 15,4, followed by diuretic and masking agents – 10,3 – and stimulants – 8,5- The other substances have an average of consumption lower than 7. In particular, the lowest number of assumption is recorded for hormones and metabolic modulators – 1,2 - and betablocker - 2,7 -. Conclusion: The desire for victory has also led to the use of genes to change one's organism forever and irreversibly. Genetic doping is perhaps the most dangerous of methods and certainly the most difficult to discover. To date, in fact, there are no safe and ethical methods that allow to identify genetically modified athletes. In any case, science is attempting to discover new tests precisely to defeat all types of doping