WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 Nearly every major sport has been plagued by scandals involving the use of banned substances by athletes. In the wake of this growing problem, a group of researchers at the American Chemical Societys 230th national meeting in Washington, D.C., will discuss scientific and regulatory aspects surrounding the controversial topic of sports doping during a special half-day symposium on Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 8:55 a.m. 11:35 a.m. at the Washington Convention Center, Room 156. The symposium is entitled "Preventing Doping in Sports: A Herculean Task." Highlights of the symposium include:

"Gene doping" in sports: A future challenge 'Gene doping is defined as the non-therapeutic use of genes, genetic elements and/or cells that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency. Experts believe that these scientific advances, although still experimental, will some day be used by athletes to gain a competitive advantage. For example, certain growth factor compounds designed to treat muscle wasting disease might be used to boost muscle mass; erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that regulates red blood cell production, might be genetically engineered to increase endurance; and 'PGC-alpha, a gene involved in muscle signaling, could be used to activate specific muscle fibers to optimize performance. Rosario M. Isasi of the Universit de Montral in Canada will explore the cutting-edge issue of gene doping, including its scientific, regulatory and social implications. (CHAL 27, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 9:00 a.m.)

Designer steroids pose testing challenge Designer doping agents, including steroids, are available that allow athletes to gain a competitive advantage and evade normal testing controls. Christiane Ayotte of INRS-Armand-Frappier Institutes Doping Control Laboratory in Canada will discuss strategies for testing challenging steroids, identifying new
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30-Aug-2005