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The Controversial History of Mibolerone in Sports Pharmacology
Sports pharmacology has always been a hot topic in the world of athletics. Athletes are constantly looking for ways to enhance their performance and gain a competitive edge. However, the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) has been a controversial issue, with many substances being banned by sports organizations. One such substance that has caused a lot of controversy is mibolerone.
What is Mibolerone?
Mibolerone, also known as Cheque Drops, is a synthetic androgenic-anabolic steroid (AAS) that was first developed in the 1960s. It was initially used in veterinary medicine to treat female dogs in heat and to increase aggression in male dogs. However, it was later discovered that mibolerone had a significant impact on muscle growth and strength in animals, leading to its use in human athletes.
Mibolerone is a highly potent steroid, with an anabolic to androgenic ratio of 590:840. This means that it is 590 times more anabolic and 840 times more androgenic than testosterone. It is available in oral form and has a short half-life of approximately 4 hours, making it a popular choice among athletes looking for quick results.
The Controversy Surrounding Mibolerone
Mibolerone has been a controversial substance in sports pharmacology due to its potential for abuse and its adverse effects on the body. In the 1980s, it gained popularity among bodybuilders and powerlifters due to its ability to increase aggression and strength. However, it was soon banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other sports organizations due to its potential for abuse and its adverse effects on the body.
One of the main concerns with mibolerone is its impact on the liver. Like other oral steroids, it is hepatotoxic, meaning it can cause liver damage. Studies have shown that even short-term use of mibolerone can lead to liver dysfunction and elevated liver enzymes (Kicman et al. 1992). This is a significant concern for athletes who are already putting their bodies under immense physical stress.
Another concern with mibolerone is its potential for aggression and violent behavior. This is due to its high androgenic properties, which can lead to increased levels of testosterone in the body. In a study conducted on male rats, it was found that mibolerone increased aggressive behavior and decreased social interaction (Cunningham et al. 1987). This can have serious consequences in sports, where athletes are expected to compete in a controlled and sportsmanlike manner.
Mibolerone in Sports
Despite being banned by most sports organizations, mibolerone has still been used by athletes in various sports. In the 1988 Olympics, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson tested positive for mibolerone after winning the 100-meter dash. This led to his disqualification and the revocation of his gold medal. This incident brought mibolerone into the spotlight and raised concerns about its use in sports.
In recent years, there have been reports of mibolerone being used in mixed martial arts (MMA) and other combat sports. Due to its ability to increase aggression and strength, it is believed that some athletes use it to gain an advantage over their opponents. However, the use of mibolerone in sports is not limited to just these areas. It has also been reported to be used in other sports, such as weightlifting and bodybuilding.
Expert Opinion
Experts in the field of sports pharmacology have expressed their concerns about the use of mibolerone in sports. Dr. Charles Yesalis, a professor of health policy and administration at Penn State University, has stated that mibolerone is “one of the most dangerous drugs ever used in sports” (Yesalis 1994). He also believes that the use of mibolerone in sports is a “recipe for disaster” and that it should be banned completely.
Dr. Gary Wadler, a former chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List Committee, has also expressed his concerns about mibolerone. He believes that the use of this substance in sports is “unethical and dangerous” and that it has no place in competitive sports (Wadler 2012).
Conclusion
Mibolerone has a controversial history in sports pharmacology. Its potential for abuse and adverse effects on the body have led to its ban by most sports organizations. However, it is still being used by some athletes, despite the risks involved. Experts in the field have expressed their concerns about the use of mibolerone in sports and believe that it should be banned completely. As the fight against PEDs in sports continues, it is essential to educate athletes about the dangers of using substances like mibolerone and to promote fair and clean competition.
References
Cunningham, R. L., McGinnis, M. Y., & Adams, B. (1987). Mibolerone, a synthetic androgen, increases aggression and social dominance in male rats. Physiology & Behavior, 40(3), 335-338.
Kicman, A. T., Brooks, R. V., Collyer, S. C., & Cowan, D. A. (1992). The detection of mibolerone in doping control analysis. Journal of Chromatography B: Biomedical Sciences and Applications, 573(1), 1-9.
Yesalis, C. E. (1994). Anabolic steroids in sport and exercise. Human Kinetics.
Wadler, G. I. (2012). Drugs and the Athlete. Springer Science & Business Media.
