Gene doping: the hype and the harm

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2010 Jun;57(3):719-27. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2010.02.006.

Abstract

"Gene doping" is the term used to describe the potential abuse of gene therapy as a performance-enhancing agent. Gene doping would apply the techniques used in gene therapy to provide altered expression of genes that would promote physical superiority. For example, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a primary target for growth hormone; overexpression of IGF-1 can lead to increased muscle mass and power. Although gene doping is still largely theoretical, its implications for sports, health, ethics, and medical genetics are significant.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Athletic Performance*
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / genetics*
  • Doping in Sports / methods*
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Genetic Enhancement*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Human Growth Hormone / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I