Positive effects
The principle of gene therapy is based on the delivery to a cell, of a therapeutic gene which may compensate an absent or abnormal gene. The genetic material is mostly encapsulated and is introduced into the body by direct injection into the target organ. So far, gene therapy has been relatively safe and thousands of patients have been treated in well controlled trials and have shown very few side effects
Gene therapy for sports doping
Sports injuries usually involve tissues that display a limited capacity for healing. Treatment of various sports-related injuries, including muscle injuries, ligament and tendon ruptures, meniscal tears (knee injury) and delayed bone fracture healing is labour intensive and time consuming. Gene therapy using the transfer of defined genes encoding suitable growth factors into the injured tissue may potentially result in improved regeneration of tissue defects. In addition, athletes may be able to use gene therapy to re-engineer their bodies for better performance. Many genes with potential to enhance athletic performance are available. It is approximated that within five years gene doping will be entered into athletics. The most relevant genes are Erythropoietin (EPO), Growth factors, Myostatin and Endorphins.
Now athletes may be able to use gene therapy to re-engineer their bodies for better performances in their sports as many genes with potential to enhance athletic performance are available. These genes not only have potential to improve athletic performance of human athletes but also in animal used in sports such as horse racing.
Negative effects
With gene doping, gene transfer vectors may be produced in non-controlled laboratories can be easily and cheaply produced with materials available from suppliers. These equipments may be contaminated with chemicals and other impurities from the production and purification process. Virulent viral gene therapy vectors may be produced which poses a major safety concern. In the case of virulent viruses, these are not only harmful to the athlete, but also pose a health risk for the general population who might get infected. For example EPO delivered by gene therapy could result in sustained high EPO levels which would increase the chances of stroke and heart attack.
Other side effects from gene therapy that have been reported are mostly flu-like symptoms. There have been no reports on transfer of gene therapy vectors from treated patients to next of kin or to germ cells. However, if gene transfer vectors would be produced in non-controlled laboratories, the equipment may be contaminated with chemicals and other impurities. This can create a potential issue for generating new viruses, known as replication competent viruses which is a major safety concern.
Specific health risks
Health risks related to the specific proteins expressed in gene doping are similar to those of other doping forms. Healthy people who unnaturally boost their EPO levels increase their chances of stroke and heart attack because adding red blood cells makes the blood thicker. As it gets thicker, it becomes more difficult for the body to pump it successfully to all tissues of the body, causing clots wherever vessels cannot compensate for this increased density.
Environmental risks
Athletes that would have received gene therapy may have genetically modified cells that contain the gene transfer vector. This may potentially pose a risk for people in close contact with the athlete, because they may be exposed to the gene.
Legal status
In 2003, WADA decided to include a prohibition of gene doping within their , which is formalized in its 2004 World Anti-Doping Code.
Performer who benefit from its use
- Long distance cyclist
- Marathon Runners
- Long distance runners
- Any athlete with an injury
