Performance Enhancing Drugs and Methods of Doping: Mode of Action and Dope Testing Methodologies

Abstract

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) monitors each sport worldwide to ensure freedom from drug abuse. Abuse of Drugs or procedures specifically which are banned by WADA to artificially enhance the efficiency of sports-person is called DOPING.  The ban is imposed due to the side-effects of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), lack of fairness in sports, and the deterioration of sport for the public. The use of PEDs damaging the spirit of sport, and therefore banned, by WADA and the International Olympic Committee. Fair play is a prerequisite to promote clean and safe sports. Doping is the intentional use of banned PEDs by athletic competitors that may be overtly or covertly assisted by Athlete support personnel. Besides, athletes (or athletic programs) taking unambiguous actions to escape exposure make worse the fair disobedience with dishonesty and cheating. Immunoassay, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), Gel Electrophoresis, and Bio- /Chem-iluminescence technologies have been traditionally used in dope testing. There is a strong continuous requirement for further improving the quality of dope testing setups, processes, and procedures. Adoption of emerging technologies like metabolomics and the use of other omic technologies shall play a big role in continual improvements in dope testing. The present system in Doping Control is required to function in a more globally competitive, coordinated, and proactive manner. This review will outline a brief overview of the PEDs, their health impacts, history of their use, and their pharmacological impact. It also analyses comprehensive information on the Dope Testing Technologies available and in the offing.