The rapidly increasing knowledge on gene transfer technology have led to promising clinical applications to treat not only life-threatening disorders (inborn errors, cancer), but also to transfer genes to tissues specifically involved in conditions adversely affecting a patient's quality of life, such as neurodegenerative or cardiovascular diseases. Presently, genetic therapies represent a promising new branch of regular medicine, but the issue has arisen whether these techniques might be abused in the field of sports to overcome the natural limits of human performance. Previous experiences have shown that drugs that are still in the experimental phases of research may find their way into the athletic world, and, as a result, the method of gene doping has been included in the list of prohibited classes of substances and prohibited methods by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Human performance includes human task and environmental factors, all interrelated, and carefully matched to protect the integrity of the human organism under maximal effort. Many genes are readily available which may potentially have an effect on athletic performance. Candidate targets include the induction of muscle hypertrophy trough insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) or blockade of the action of myostatin, increasing oxygen delivery by raising the hematocrit through the use of erythropoietin (EPO), induction of angiogenesis with vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) or related molecules. Some of these potential genetic enhancements, particularly where the genetic modification and its action are confined to the muscles, may be undetectable using current tests. However, several hazards associated with gene transfer have been verified by clinical experience and others are predicted on theoretical grounds. Moreover, systemic or local supra-physiological concentration of hormones (GH, IGF-1) and growth factors (EPO, VEGF) may deeply interfere with the cellular mechanisms supporting tissue maintenance and regeneration, thus leading to short and long term risks for the athlete’s health.
Gene transfer technology: from benefits to problems
Caporossi D
2008-01-01
Abstract
The rapidly increasing knowledge on gene transfer technology have led to promising clinical applications to treat not only life-threatening disorders (inborn errors, cancer), but also to transfer genes to tissues specifically involved in conditions adversely affecting a patient's quality of life, such as neurodegenerative or cardiovascular diseases. Presently, genetic therapies represent a promising new branch of regular medicine, but the issue has arisen whether these techniques might be abused in the field of sports to overcome the natural limits of human performance. Previous experiences have shown that drugs that are still in the experimental phases of research may find their way into the athletic world, and, as a result, the method of gene doping has been included in the list of prohibited classes of substances and prohibited methods by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Human performance includes human task and environmental factors, all interrelated, and carefully matched to protect the integrity of the human organism under maximal effort. Many genes are readily available which may potentially have an effect on athletic performance. Candidate targets include the induction of muscle hypertrophy trough insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) or blockade of the action of myostatin, increasing oxygen delivery by raising the hematocrit through the use of erythropoietin (EPO), induction of angiogenesis with vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) or related molecules. Some of these potential genetic enhancements, particularly where the genetic modification and its action are confined to the muscles, may be undetectable using current tests. However, several hazards associated with gene transfer have been verified by clinical experience and others are predicted on theoretical grounds. Moreover, systemic or local supra-physiological concentration of hormones (GH, IGF-1) and growth factors (EPO, VEGF) may deeply interfere with the cellular mechanisms supporting tissue maintenance and regeneration, thus leading to short and long term risks for the athlete’s health.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
