Testosterone threshold levels and lean tissue mass targets needed to enhance skeletal muscle strength and function: the HORMA trial / Fred Sattler, Shalender Bhasin, Jiaxiu He, Chih-Ping Chou, Carmen Castaneda-Sceppa, Kevin Yarasheski, Ellen Binder, E. Todd Schroeder, Miwa Kawakubo, Anqi Zhang, Ronenn Roubenoff, Stanley Azen. - (Journals of Gerontology: Series A 66A (2011) 1 (January); p. 122-129)

• PMID: 21059836
• PMCID: PMC3032430
• DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glq183

Abstract

Background: In the HORMA (Hormonal Regulators of Muscle and Metabolism in Aging) Trial, supplemental testosterone and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) enhanced lean body mass, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, muscle performance, and physical function, but there was substantial interindividual variability in outcomes.

Methods: One hundred and twelve men aged 65-90 years received testosterone gel (5 g/d vs 10 g/d via Leydig cell clamp) and rhGH (0 vs 3 vs 5 μg/kg/d) in a double-masked 2 × 3 factorial design for 16 weeks. Outcomes included lean tissue mass by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, one-repetition maximum strength, Margaria stair power, and activity questionnaires. We used pathway analysis to determine the relationship between changes in hormone levels, muscle mass, strength, and function.

Results: Increases in total testosterone of 1046 ng/dL (95% confidence interval = 1040-1051) and 898 ng/dL (95% confidence interval = 892-904) were necessary to achieve median increases in lean body mass of 1.5 kg and appendicular skeletal muscle mass of 0.8 kg, respectively, which were required to significantly enhance one-repetition maximum strength (≥ 30%). Co-treatment with rhGH lowered the testosterone levels (quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) necessary to reach these lean mass thresholds. Changes in one-repetition maximum strength were associated with increases in stair climbing power (r = .26, p = .01). Pathway analysis supported the model that changes in testosterone and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels are related to changes in lean body mass needed to enhance muscle performance and physical function. Testosterone's effects on physical activity were mediated through a different pathway because testosterone directly affected Physical Activity Score of the Elderly.

Conclusions: To enhance muscle strength and physical function, threshold improvements in lean body mass and appendicular skeletal muscle mass are necessary and these can be achieved by targeting changes in testosterone levels. rhGH augments the effects of testosterone. To maximize functional improvements, the doses of anabolic hormones should be titrated to achieve target blood levels.

Facts
The French Rugby Federation (Fédération Française de Rugby, FFR) charges respondent M50 for a violation of the Anti-Doping Rules. During a match on February 7, 2010, a sample was taken for doping test purposes. The sample tested positive on a metabolite of cannabis. Cannabis is a prohibited substance according the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list and is regarded as a specified substance.

History
The respondent didn't provide any information about how the prohibited substance had entered his body.

Decision
1. The sanction is a period of ineligibility of six months in which respondent can't take part in competition or manifestations organized or authorized by the FFR.
2. The period of ineligibility should be reduced by the period already served in voluntary suspension and by the decision (three months period of ineligibility) of April 29, 2010, by the disciplinary committee of the FFR.
3. The decision, dated April 29, 2010, by the disciplinary committee of the FFR should be modified.
4. The decision will start on the date of notification.
5. The decision will be published and sent to the parties involved.

The diagnostic dilemma of pathological appearance and performance enhancing drug use / Tom Hildebrandt, Justine K. Lai, James W. Langenbucher, Melanie Schneider, Rachel Yehuda, Donald W. Pfaff. - (Drug and Alcohol Dependence 114 (2011) 1 (1 March); p. 1-11)

• PMID: 21115306
• PMCID: PMC3039045
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.09.018

Abstract

Appearance and performance enhancing drug (APED) use includes the use of a range of pharmacologically distinct substances and concurrent investment in outward appearance or achievement, dietary control, and frequent exercise. A number of existing reviews and conceptual papers have defined pathological forms of APED use within the APED class of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) and using the framework of AAS dependence. We review published data on APED use including human studies of AAS users and identified three defining phenomenological features associated with increased health risk and pathology. These features included (1) polypharmacy or the concurrent use of several pharmacologically distinct substances used to change outward appearance or increase likelihood of personal achievement; (2) significant body image disturbance; (3) rigid practices and preoccupations with diet and exercise. Investigations into the latent structure of APED use suggest these features cluster together in a homogenous group of APED users who have the highest health risk and most psychopathology. These features are discussed in the context of AAS dependence and problems with defining classic tolerance-withdrawal symptoms among APED users. Suggestions for a resolution and outline for future research needed to determine the best system for identifying and diagnosing pathological APED use are discussed.

The Féderation Internationale de Natation (FINA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Swimmer for three whereabouts filing failures. The Swimmer has not or has not timely sent his whereabouts information to FINA for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter of 2010. The Swimmer was notified by FINA and heard for the FINA Doping Panel in September 2010.
The Swimmer stated in that period he had left Warsaw to take care of his seriously ill mother in Krakow. His physical and psychological condition did not allow him to send his whereabouts information to FINA and he did not have access to internet in that time.
The FINA Doping Panel finds Swimmer’s statement not convincing and decides to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Swimmer starting on 5 November 2010.

The Féderation Internationale de Natation (FINA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Swimmer for three whereabouts filing failures within an eighteen-month period.
After notification by FINA in August 2010 the Swimmer did not request a hearing neither made any submissions in regard to the case at issue. In September 2010 the Swimmer informed FINA his decision to retire from international competitions and asked his name to be removed from the FINA Out-of-Competition Programme Register.
Hereafter the FINA Doping Panel decides to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Swimmer starting on 5 November 2010.

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has reported and anti-doping rule violation against Francesco Bastini (the Driver) after he refused to submit a sample during a doping control on 2 October 2010. The FIA notified the Driver and ordered a provisional suspension.
On 8 December 2010 the Anti-Doping Committee - FIA Medical Commission (ACMC) decides to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Driver starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. 8 October 2010.

ANAD Comisia de Audiere 2010_42 ANAD vs Andras Berecz
November 2, 2010

In September 2010 the Agenţia Naţională Anti-Doping (ANAD), the National Anti-Doping Agency of Romania, has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Ionut Emil Iancu after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance stanozolol.
After notification the Athlete did not attend the hearing of the ANAD Hearing Commission, nor did he file a statement in his defence.
Therefore the ANAD Hearing Commission decides to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete.

In September 2010 the Agenţia Naţională Anti-Doping (ANAD), the National Anti-Doping Agency of Romania, has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Ionut Emil Iancu after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substances stanozolol, boldenone and furosemide.

The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and admitted the use of the prohibited substances.
The ANAD Hearing Commission decides to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete.

In September 2010 the Agenţia Naţională Anti-Doping (ANAD), the National Anti-Doping Agency of Romania, has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Ioan Cristian Costescu after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance methylhexaneamine (dimethylpentylamine).
The Athlete stated he suffered from acne vulgaris and therefore used the medication oxsorale, prescribed by his doctor. The leaflet of this medication did not mention the prohibited substance found in the Athlete’s sample.

The ANAD Hearing Commission decides to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete.

United Kingdom Anti-Doping Limited Annual Report 2009-10 / United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD). - London : UKAD, 2010