Definition and classification of performance-enhancing drugs (WADA). Overview on the regulatory aspects related to the use of doping substances and practices.
Major molecular pathways involved in cell signaling triggered by physical activity.
Cell targets of the following classes of doping substances and methods: stimulants (amphetamines, ephedrine, caffeine), narcotics (morphine, opiates), anabolic agents (androgen, beta2-agonists), diuretics, peptide hormones and glycoprotein (insulin, growth hormone, erythropoietin, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), corticotropin and gonadotropins). Main effects induced in cell targets.
Ergogenic substances and doping risk: vitamins, branched chain amino acids, creatine, carnitine.
Phenotypes and gene polymorphisms in athletic performance. Recombinant DNA and gene transfer methods. Gene doping: growth hormone (GH), IGF-1, alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3), angiotensin-converting enzyme I (ACE).