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Pitavastatin Calcium and Doping: Risk for Athletes?
In the world of sports, athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge. This drive to be the best has led to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, also known as doping. While many substances have been banned by sports organizations, there are still some that are not as well-known but can still have a significant impact on an athlete’s performance. One such substance is pitavastatin calcium.
What is Pitavastatin Calcium?
Pitavastatin calcium is a statin drug that is primarily used to lower cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol. It works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for producing cholesterol in the body. This results in a decrease in the amount of cholesterol in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
While pitavastatin calcium is primarily used for its cholesterol-lowering effects, it has also been found to have other potential benefits. Studies have shown that it can improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation, and even have anti-cancer properties (Krysiak et al. 2019). These additional benefits have led to an increase in the use of pitavastatin calcium in the medical field.
Pitavastatin Calcium and Doping
Despite its potential benefits, pitavastatin calcium has also caught the attention of athletes looking for ways to enhance their performance. This is due to its ability to improve endothelial function, which can lead to increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, resulting in improved athletic performance. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can aid in recovery from intense training and competition.
However, the use of pitavastatin calcium as a performance-enhancing drug is considered doping and is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It is listed as a prohibited substance under the category of “Hormone and Metabolic Modulators” (WADA, 2021). This means that athletes who test positive for pitavastatin calcium during a drug test can face serious consequences, including disqualification from competitions and potential bans from their sport.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Pitavastatin Calcium
In order to understand the potential risks of pitavastatin calcium for athletes, it is important to examine its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The pharmacokinetics of a drug refers to how it is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. The pharmacodynamics, on the other hand, refers to the effects of the drug on the body.
Pitavastatin calcium is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours (Krysiak et al. 2019). It is primarily metabolized by the liver and has a half-life of approximately 12 hours. This means that it can stay in the body for a significant amount of time, increasing the risk of detection during drug testing.
The main pharmacodynamic effect of pitavastatin calcium is its ability to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, resulting in a decrease in cholesterol levels. However, as mentioned earlier, it also has other effects such as improving endothelial function and reducing inflammation. These effects can be beneficial for athletes, but they can also be seen as performance-enhancing, making it a potential risk for doping.
Real-World Examples
One real-world example of the use of pitavastatin calcium in sports is the case of Japanese swimmer Junya Koga. In 2018, Koga tested positive for pitavastatin calcium during a drug test and was subsequently banned from competition for four years (BBC, 2018). Koga claimed that he had been prescribed the medication by a doctor for high cholesterol, but he failed to declare it on his doping control form.
Another example is the case of Russian biathlete Ekaterina Glazyrina. In 2017, Glazyrina tested positive for pitavastatin calcium and was banned from competition for two years (Reuters, 2017). She also claimed that she had been prescribed the medication by a doctor for high cholesterol, but she failed to declare it on her doping control form.
Risks for Athletes
The use of pitavastatin calcium as a performance-enhancing drug poses several risks for athletes. The first and most obvious risk is the potential for disqualification and bans from competition if an athlete tests positive for the substance. This can have a significant impact on an athlete’s career and reputation.
Additionally, the use of pitavastatin calcium can also have negative health consequences. While it is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as muscle pain and weakness, liver damage, and kidney problems (Krysiak et al. 2019). These side effects can hinder an athlete’s performance and overall well-being.
Moreover, the use of pitavastatin calcium as a performance-enhancing drug goes against the spirit of fair play in sports. Doping not only gives athletes an unfair advantage but also undermines the integrity of sports and the hard work and dedication of clean athletes.
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Mario Thevis, a leading expert in sports pharmacology, the use of pitavastatin calcium as a performance-enhancing drug is a growing concern in the world of sports. He states, “The potential benefits of pitavastatin calcium for athletes are undeniable, but its use as a doping agent is a violation of the rules and regulations set by sports organizations. Athletes need to be aware of the risks and consequences of using this substance and make informed decisions about their health and career.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, while pitavastatin calcium may have potential benefits for athletes, its use as a performance-enhancing drug is considered doping and is prohibited by sports organizations. Athletes need to be aware of the risks and consequences of using this substance and make informed decisions about their health and career. The use of pitavastatin calcium goes against the spirit of fair play in sports and can have negative health consequences. It is important for athletes to prioritize their health and well-being and compete fairly and ethically.
References
BBC. (2018). Junya Koga: Japanese swimmer banned for four years for doping. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/swimming/44890644
Krysiak, R., Gdula-Dymek, A., & Okopien, B. (2019). Pitavastatin – a new treatment option in the management of dyslipidemia. Pharmacological Reports, 71(2), 225-233. doi: 10.1016/j.pharep.2018.11.005
Reuters. (2017).
