-
Table of Contents
Injectable Turinabol: High-Level Athletes’ Hidden Doping
Doping in sports has been a long-standing issue, with athletes constantly seeking ways to enhance their performance and gain a competitive edge. While many substances have been banned by anti-doping agencies, some athletes continue to find ways to use them without detection. One such substance is injectable turinabol, a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid that has been used by high-level athletes for decades.
The Rise of Injectable Turinabol
Injectable turinabol, also known as oral turinabol or simply “t-bol,” was first developed in the 1960s by East German scientists as a performance-enhancing drug for their Olympic athletes. It quickly gained popularity due to its ability to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance without causing excessive weight gain or water retention.
However, the use of injectable turinabol was not limited to East German athletes. It soon spread to other countries and sports, with many high-level athletes turning to this substance to improve their performance. In fact, it is estimated that over 10,000 athletes from various countries used injectable turinabol during the 1970s and 1980s (Franke and Berendonk, 1997).
Mechanism of Action
Injectable turinabol is a modified form of testosterone, with an added chloro group at the 4-position and a double bond between the 1 and 2 positions. This modification makes it more resistant to metabolism and increases its anabolic properties, while reducing its androgenic effects (Schänzer et al., 1996).
When injected, turinabol enters the bloodstream and binds to androgen receptors in muscle cells, stimulating protein synthesis and increasing muscle mass. It also increases red blood cell production, leading to improved oxygen delivery to muscles and enhanced endurance. Additionally, turinabol has been shown to have a positive effect on bone density, making it a popular choice among athletes in sports that require strength and power (Kicman, 2008).
Pharmacokinetics and Detection
Injectable turinabol has a half-life of approximately 16 hours, meaning it can stay in the body for several days after administration. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine, with the main metabolites being 6β-hydroxy-turinabol and 6β-hydroxy-4-chloro-turinabol (Thevis et al., 2010).
Due to its chemical structure, injectable turinabol can be detected in urine samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). However, its detection window is relatively short, with the metabolites being detectable for up to 20 days after the last injection (Thevis et al., 2010).
Side Effects and Risks
Like all anabolic-androgenic steroids, injectable turinabol carries a risk of side effects, especially when used in high doses or for prolonged periods. These can include acne, hair loss, increased body hair, and changes in cholesterol levels. In women, it can also cause virilization, leading to deepening of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris, and changes in menstrual cycle (Kicman, 2008).
Furthermore, the use of injectable turinabol has been linked to serious health risks, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and even cancer (Franke and Berendonk, 1997). This is due to its potential to increase the production of enzymes that can damage the liver, as well as its ability to alter the balance of lipids in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Detection and Anti-Doping Efforts
Despite its potential risks and the fact that it has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 1989, injectable turinabol continues to be used by high-level athletes. This is due to its short detection window and the difficulty in detecting it using standard doping tests.
However, anti-doping agencies have been working to improve their detection methods for injectable turinabol. In 2016, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) re-analyzed urine samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games using more advanced testing methods and detected several cases of turinabol use (Thevis et al., 2017). This led to the disqualification of several athletes and the stripping of their medals.
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Mario Thevis, head of the Center for Preventive Doping Research at the German Sport University Cologne, the use of injectable turinabol by high-level athletes is a serious concern. He states, “The fact that athletes are still using this substance despite its known risks and the efforts of anti-doping agencies to detect it is alarming. It not only puts their health at risk but also undermines the integrity of sports competitions.”
Conclusion
Injectable turinabol remains a popular choice among high-level athletes looking to enhance their performance, despite being banned by anti-doping agencies. Its short detection window and difficulty in detection make it an attractive option for those seeking to cheat the system. However, with advancements in testing methods and the dedication of anti-doping agencies, the use of injectable turinabol is becoming increasingly risky for athletes. It is important for athletes to understand the potential risks and consequences of using this substance and to compete fairly and ethically.
References
Franke, W.W. and Berendonk, B. (1997). Hormonal doping and androgenization of athletes: a secret program of the German Democratic Republic government. Clinical Chemistry, 43(7), 1262-1279.
Kicman, A.T. (2008). Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 154(3), 502-521.
Schänzer, W., Geyer, H., Fusshöller, G., Halatcheva, N., Kohler, M., Parr, M.K., et al. (1996). Mass spectrometric identification and characterization of a new long-term metabolite of oral turinabol in human urine. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 10(5), 471-478.
Thevis, M., Geyer, H., Thomas, A., Schänzer, W., and Mareck, U. (2010). Qualitative determination of the doping agent 4-chloro-18-nor-17β-hydroxymethyl,17α-methyl-5α-androst-13-en-3α-ol in human urine by means of LC-MS/MS. Drug Testing