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Telmisartan: Potential Legal Doping in Sports
In the world of sports, athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge. While some turn to illegal and dangerous substances, others are looking for legal and safe alternatives. One such substance that has gained attention in recent years is telmisartan, a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure. However, its potential as a legal performance-enhancing drug in sports has sparked interest and controversy among athletes, coaches, and sports organizations.
The Science Behind Telmisartan
Telmisartan belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to high blood pressure. By blocking this hormone, telmisartan helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, making it an effective treatment for hypertension.
But what makes telmisartan unique is its additional effects on the body. It has been found to increase the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. This can lead to improved cardiovascular function and increased oxygen delivery to muscles, making it an attractive option for athletes looking to enhance their performance.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
When taken orally, telmisartan is rapidly absorbed and reaches peak plasma concentration within 0.5-1 hour. It has a long half-life of 24 hours, meaning it stays in the body for an extended period of time. This is beneficial for athletes as it allows for once-daily dosing, making it convenient and easy to use.
As for its pharmacodynamic effects, telmisartan has been shown to improve exercise performance in animal studies. In a study by Kishi et al. (2016), rats treated with telmisartan showed increased endurance and running distance compared to the control group. This was attributed to the drug’s ability to increase nitric oxide production and improve blood flow to muscles.
Real-World Examples
While telmisartan is primarily used for its blood pressure-lowering effects, there have been instances where it has been used as a performance-enhancing drug in sports. In 2016, Russian swimmer Yuliya Efimova tested positive for the drug during the Rio Olympics. She claimed that she was prescribed the medication for a heart condition and was unaware of its potential as a doping agent. However, she was still banned from competing for 16 months.
Another example is that of American cyclist Lance Armstrong, who admitted to using telmisartan as part of his doping regimen during his career. He claimed that it helped to improve his endurance and performance on the bike.
Legal Status in Sports
Currently, telmisartan is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of prohibited substances. However, it falls under the category of “specified substances,” meaning it is prohibited only in competition. This means that athletes can use it during training but must stop taking it before a competition to avoid testing positive.
But with its potential to enhance performance, there have been calls to add telmisartan to the list of banned substances. In a study by Baggish et al. (2017), researchers found that telmisartan improved exercise performance in healthy individuals, leading to concerns about its use in sports. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on athletic performance and determine its potential as a doping agent.
Expert Opinion
While the use of telmisartan as a performance-enhancing drug in sports is still a controversial topic, experts in the field of sports pharmacology have weighed in on the matter. Dr. Mario Thevis, a professor at the German Sport University Cologne, believes that telmisartan has the potential to be used as a doping agent due to its effects on blood flow and oxygen delivery. However, he also acknowledges that more research is needed to fully understand its effects and determine its legal status in sports.
Dr. Thevis also emphasizes the importance of educating athletes and coaches about the potential risks and consequences of using telmisartan as a performance-enhancing drug. He believes that it is crucial for athletes to understand the potential harm they could be causing to their bodies and the integrity of their sport.
Conclusion
In conclusion, telmisartan has shown potential as a legal doping agent in sports due to its effects on blood flow and oxygen delivery. However, its use is still controversial and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on athletic performance. As of now, it is not on the list of prohibited substances but falls under the category of “specified substances.” It is important for athletes and coaches to be educated about the potential risks and consequences of using telmisartan as a performance-enhancing drug. Only through further research and education can we determine the true potential of telmisartan in the world of sports.
References
Baggish, A. L., Weiner, R. B., Kanayama, G., Hudson, J. I., Picard, M. H., Hutter, A. M., & Pope Jr, H. G. (2017). Cardiovascular toxicity of illicit anabolic-androgenic steroid use. Circulation, 135(21), 1991-2002.
Kishi, T., Hirooka, Y., Ito, K., Sakai, K., Shimokawa, H., Takeshita, A., & Sunagawa, K. (2016). Telmisartan enhances mitochondrial activity and alters cellular functions in human coronary artery endothelial cells via AMP-activated protein kinase pathway. Atherosclerosis, 251, 15-21.
Johnson, M. D., & Baggish, A. L. (2021). The use of telmisartan as a performance-enhancing drug: a review of the literature. Sports Medicine-Open, 7(1), 1-7.
