Administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (Epo) improves endurance performance. Hence Epo is allegedly frequently subject to abuse by athletes, although the use of Epo is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

In order to develop new improved testing methods to detect Epo abuse, a previous WADA founded project took place at the University of Glasgow between 2010 and 2012. We successfully found gene blood markers which have the potential to add a new dimension to the detection of Epo doping. Given the very promising results, we will now validate this new blood genetic approach using a "double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover" trial* in this new WADA founded project.

During this study, the volunteers will perform exercise performance tests and blood parameters profiling. This study would be a great opportunity to learn more about your physiological capabilities.

Maximal aerobic capacity test on bicycle or treadmill:

The “VO2max” test consists of pedalling on a bicycle or running on a treadmill while the load or speed is gradually increased until exhaustion. You will wear a mask during the test which will allow us to measure your gas exchanges. The following parameters will be measured:

- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)
- Maximal hear rate which can be used to define training zones
- Maximal “aerobic” power output (bicycle) or speed (treadmill)
- Ventilatory thresholds which can be used to define training zones

Repeated sprint ability test:

This test consists of 10 x 10 s all-out sprints on a bicycle separated by a 50 s rest interval. The ability to reproduce maximal performance in subsequent short-duration sprints separated by brief recoveries is a key fitness requirement in most team and racket sports.

- Peak power output (the highest power output during each sprint).
- Average power output over the 10 sprints
- Fatigue index
- Maximal blood lactate

Blood measurements:

The blood parameters assessment consists of taking a small amount of blood from your arm with a needle, which will then be analysed using blood analyser. Among others, the following parameters will be measured:

- Haematocrit: proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells
- Haemoglobin concentration: unit in red blood cells which transports oxygen
- Reticulocytes: proportion of young red blood cells

In addition, using the CO-rebreathing method which consists of breathing a small non-toxic dose of carbon monoxide through an equipment for measuring breathing, we are able to measure the following parameters:

- Total haemoglobin mass: total amount of haemoglobin which transports oxygen from lungs to muscles

- Blood volume: amount of blood in the circulatory system

- Plasma volume: amount of liquid portion of blood volume

These key blood parameters contribute to the blood oxygen carrying capacity and therefore to endurance performance.

What will happen to me if I take part in the study? Initially, you will be asked to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to obtain information related to your general health and to establish your suitability as a subject in the study.

If selected, you will be asked to participate in a trial over a 12-week period twice (2 x 12 weeks in total). You will be randomly assigned to group 1 or 2 in a cross-over trial. In a cross-over trial, the groups each have the different treatments in turn. Group 1 will receive subcutaneous injections of recombinant human Epo twice a week for 7 weeks during the first trial, while they will receive a placebo of saline solution during the second trial; In contrast, group 2 will first receive the placebo during the first trial, while they will receive the Epo injection during the second trial. A placebo is a dummy treatment which looks like the real thing but is not. It contains no active ingredient. You will self administer all injections (just under the skin in the abdomen area) using a small needle under the supervision of trained investigators. You will not know in which treatment group you are in until the end of the entire study. The Epo doses will vary during the administration from 20 to 40 units per kilogram body weight.

As the production of red blood cells require iron and because Epo will boost the production of your red blood cells, you will also receive daily iron tablets providing approximately 65 mg of iron during the 7 weeks of Epo administration to make sure that your iron stores are adequate throughout the study. Iron will be substituted by carbonate tablets during the placebo trial.

Overall, you will be asked to come to the lab on 25 occasions in total during each trial.

On 13 occasions (once a week – time ~25 min), we would like to take a small amount of blood (10 mls equivalent to 2 teaspoons) from your arm with a needle. You will be asked to provide a urine sample. Your resting heart rate and blood pressure as well as your body weight will be measured. You will be asked to fill up a small questionnaire to assess how you are feeling.

On 7 occasions (once every two week – time ~45min), we would like to take a small amount of blood (15 mls equivalent to 3 teaspoons) from an intravenous line in your arm. In addition to the measurements described above, you will be asked to breath a small non-toxic dose of carbon monoxide through an equipment for measuring breathing in order to determine your total amount of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is part of your red blood cell which transports oxygen from your lung to your muscles.

On 6 occasions (once a week during the injections – time 5 min), you will be asked to come to the lab to only receive your injection.

On 5 occasions (3 times before and twice after the injections – time ~45 min), you will be asked to perform exercise performance tests on a laboratory bicycle, including two maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) tests, two repeated sprint ability tests and one familiarisation of the latter test. Prior to each test, you will be asked to fill up a small questionnaire to assess how you are feeling. The VO2max test consists of pedalling on the bicycle or running on a treadmill while the load or speed is gradually increased until exhaustion. You will wear a mask during the test which will allow us to measure your gas exchanges. The repeated sprint ability test consists of 10 x 10 s all-out sprints separated by a 50 s rest interval. We would like to take a small amount of blood (15 mls equivalent to 3 teaspoons) from your arm before, during and after the repeated sprint ability test.

You could be compensated for travel expenses and loss of earnings according to verified documentation but you will receive no other payments.

What do I have to do? You will not be able to consume any alcohol 24 hours prior to each lab visit. You will be excluded from participating in this study if you take drugs (recreational or performance enhancing drugs).

Finally and importantly, you will be ineligible to compete during the 2 x 12 week duration of the study. However, the World Anti-Doping Angency, the sponsor of the study, will not restrict subsequent participation in sporting competitions.

If you are:

- a non-smoking healthy male
- aged 18-35 years
- who trains at least 3 sessions per week ~ >1.5 hours per session

if you are aware of the condition that:

- the volunteers are ineligible to compete during the 2 x 12 week duration of the study

and you are interested in taking part in the study,
or you wish to find out more about this investigation,

please contact:

Jérôme Durussel (BSc, MSc)
PhD student (3rd year),
Institute Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences
West Medical Building, Room 211
University of Glasgow
Glasgow, G12 8QQ
Phone: 0141 330 7377
e-mail: j.durussel.1@research.gla.ac.uk