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A multi-parametric approach to remove the influence of plasma volume on the athlete biological passport during a Union Cycliste Internationale cycling stage race
Lewis, Laura Lobigs, Louisa M. Equey, Tristan Goebel, Catrin Agon, Vanessa McCowan, Andrew Speers, Naomi Schumacher, Yorck
Lewis, Laura
Lobigs, Louisa M.
Equey, Tristan
Goebel, Catrin
Agon, Vanessa
McCowan, Andrew
Speers, Naomi
Schumacher, Yorck
Abstract
Fluctuations in plasma volume (PV) present potential confounders within the concentration-based markers of the haematological athlete biological passport (ABP). Here, a multi-parametric approach involving a simple blood test is applied to the current ABP adaptive model in an attempt to remove the influence of PV expansion, induced by a cycling stage race. Blood samples were obtained from 29 professional cyclists (14 male, 15 female) before, during and after 4–5 consecutive days of racing. Whole blood was analysed in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency ABP guidelines for haemoglobin ([Hb]) concentration and platelets. Serum and plasma were analysed for transferrin, albumin, calcium, creatinine, total protein and low-density lipoprotein. PV variation (Z-scores) was estimated using a multi-parametric model (consisting of the biomarkers mentioned earlier) and compared against calculated variations in PV (measured via CO-rebreathing). Significant reductions in [Hb] and the OFF-score were observed in female cyclists after 3 and 4 days of racing, with accompanying increases in PV, which returned to baseline values 4 days post competition. Similarly, a significant increase in PV was observed in male cyclists after 3 and 5 days of racing. When individual estimations of PV variance were applied to the adaptive model, the upper and lower reference predictions for [Hb] and the OFF-score were refined such that all outliers consistent with racing-induced PV changes were removed. The PV model appears capable of reducing the influence of PV on concentration-dependent markers during competition. This is an important step towards the inclusion of the PV correction in the ABP haematological module.
Keywords
adaptive model, blood doping, blood volume, endurance exercise
Date
2020
Type
Journal article
Journal
Drug Testing and Analysis
Book
Volume
12
Issue
9
Page Range
1252-1263
Article Number
ACU Department
Centre for Exercise and Nutrition
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
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Files
Relation URI
DOI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Open
Controlled
Controlled