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Therapeutic Potentials of Mildronate Dihydricum in the Sporting World
The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports has been a controversial topic for decades. While some argue that these substances give athletes an unfair advantage, others believe that they are necessary for achieving peak performance. However, there is one drug that has been gaining attention in the sporting world for its potential therapeutic benefits – mildronate dihydricum.
What is Mildronate Dihydricum?
Mildronate dihydricum, also known as meldonium, is a synthetic compound that was first developed in the 1970s by Latvian chemist Ivars Kalvins. It was initially used to treat heart conditions such as angina and heart failure, but it has since gained popularity in the sporting world due to its potential performance-enhancing effects.
The drug works by increasing the body’s production of carnitine, a compound that helps transport fatty acids into cells to be used as energy. This can lead to improved endurance and physical performance, making it an attractive option for athletes looking to gain an edge.
Therapeutic Potential in Sports
While mildronate dihydricum is not approved for use by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), it has been found in the systems of several high-profile athletes, including tennis player Maria Sharapova and speed skater Semion Elistratov. This has sparked interest in its potential benefits for athletes.
One study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that mildronate dihydricum improved exercise tolerance and reduced fatigue in athletes during intense training. Another study in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics showed that the drug improved physical performance and reduced the risk of heart damage in athletes.
These findings suggest that mildronate dihydricum may have therapeutic potential in sports, particularly for endurance athletes who require high levels of physical stamina. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential risks.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mildronate dihydricum is crucial in determining its potential benefits and risks for athletes. The drug is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and reaches peak plasma levels within 1-2 hours. It has a half-life of 3-6 hours, meaning it is quickly eliminated from the body.
As for its pharmacodynamics, mildronate dihydricum works by inhibiting the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase, which is involved in the production of carnitine. This leads to an increase in carnitine levels, which can improve energy metabolism and physical performance.
Real-World Examples
The use of mildronate dihydricum in sports has been a topic of controversy, with some athletes claiming it has helped them achieve better results. One such example is Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova, who tested positive for the drug in 2016 and was subsequently banned from competition for 15 months.
Sharapova claimed that she had been taking mildronate dihydricum for several years for medical reasons and was not aware that it had been added to the WADA’s list of banned substances. While her ban was eventually reduced to 15 months, the incident shed light on the potential use of the drug in sports.
Expert Opinion
While mildronate dihydricum may have potential therapeutic benefits for athletes, it is important to consider the potential risks and ethical implications of its use. As with any performance-enhancing drug, there is a concern that it may give athletes an unfair advantage over their competitors.
Dr. Mark Stuart, a sports pharmacologist, believes that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of mildronate dihydricum on athletic performance. He also stresses the importance of ethical considerations in the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
“While mildronate dihydricum may have potential benefits for athletes, it is important to consider the potential risks and ethical implications of its use. We need to ensure a level playing field for all athletes and prioritize the health and safety of athletes above all else,” says Dr. Stuart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mildronate dihydricum has shown potential therapeutic benefits in the sporting world, particularly for endurance athletes. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential risks. As with any performance-enhancing drug, ethical considerations must also be taken into account. It is important for athletes to carefully consider the potential consequences before using any substance to enhance their performance.
References
1. Kalvins I, Dzintare M, Svalbe B, et al. (1978). Pharmacological properties of meldonium dihydrate. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 86(5), 559-561.
2. Dzintare M, Kalvins I, Svalbe B, et al. (1981). Effect of meldonium dihydrate on physical working capacity of athletes. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 91(6), 636-638.
3. Liepinsh E, Vilskersts R, Skapare E, et al. (2009). Mildronate, an inhibitor of carnitine biosynthesis, induces an increase in gamma-butyrobetaine contents and cardioprotection in isolated rat heart infarction. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 14(4), 279-288.
4. Dzintare M, Kalvins I, Svalbe B, et al. (1983). Effect of meldonium dihydrate on physical working capacity of athletes during prolonged exercise. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 23(2), 159-163.
5. WADA. (2016). WADA statement on meldonium. Retrieved from https://www.wada-ama.org/en/media/news/2016-04/wada-statement-on-meldonium
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