Erythropoietin (Epo) belongs to the group of glycoprotein hormones and is produced in the kidney. From there it is transported via the blood to the red bone marrow, where it triggers the formation of new erythrocytes. In medicine, Epo is used in renal insufficiency (reduced erythrocyte concentration in the blood).
Epo can now be produced genetically. If there is not enough oxygen in the blood during sports performances, EPO biosynthesis (erythropoietin) is activated. Epo is mainly produced in the kidney.
In Epo doping, external supply leads to an increase in the erythrocyte concentration. This leads to an improved oxygen transport capacity and increased endurance performance. Actually, Epo serves patients with anemia to produce red blood cells.
The application of Epo doping has largely replaced blood doping. Especially in cycling Epo caused negative headlines. The increase in performance is similar to conventional blood doping.
In healthy athletes, the intake of Epo (erythropoietin) causes an increase in the hemoglobin value, as well as an increase in the hematocrit value. The heart rate at submaximal load was lowered and the maximum oxygen uptake improved. As a result, the exercise time until physical exhaustion increased.
Side effect
As with all other doping substances, the intake of Epo also leads to negative feedback, i.e. after treatment, performance is reduced below the initial level. This is due to the reduction of the body’s own Epo production. In order to be able to maintain endurance performance continuously, Epo must therefore be taken continuously.
Long-term use of Epo can lead to thrombosis, high blood pressure and increased blood viscosity. Epo has been on the doping list since 1988, but the detection procedure is still very difficult. Since Epo (erythropoietin) is fattened by the hemoglobin and hematocrit values, it is questionable to what extent an increased measured value was achieved by external administration.
In the meantime, measuring methods are available that can precisely determine Epo abuse. However, this test procedure is associated with a high technical effort. French researchers have succeeded in determining the differences in carbohydrate content, so that the body’s own carbohydrate content can be distinguished from external erythropoietin.
Both the urine sample and the concentration of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood are analyzed. This method was first used at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. First, hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood are measured.
If the values are conspicuously high, a urine sample is taken. In 2001, an erythropoietin-like substance called Darbepoetin alpha, whose chemical structure is similar to the Epo, was launched on the market. Shortly before the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, however, a method was developed to detect this active ingredient as well. In 1200 tests conducted, 7% of the athletes tested were positive, including gold medal winners.
