Projets de recherche

Code: DBS23SP02SR

Doping testing of small peptides (SPs) is mostly performed in urine using mixed-mode weak cation sorbents prior to LC-MS/MS. Complementary information can be obtained in a cost-effective way using dried blood spot (DBS) samples. However, many issues still need to be addressed before considering it reliable for routine use. A major issue is the demand for simpler and faster sample processing, which is mainly based on DBS treatment with boiling water or methanol followed by sample cleanup and eluate evaporation. On the other hand, there is the need for higher SP recoveries (e.g. most of them are below 30%), and lower LODs (e.g. although no MRPLs have been set for SPs in DBS, achieved LODs are above the requested MRPLs established for SPs in urine, i.e. 1-2 ng/mL). Other issues include the demand for more thorough studies about hematocrit effects, SP shipping and storage stability, and the timing and procedure for addition of internal standards. This project aims to develop an efficient and high throughput analytical platform for reliable testing and confirmation of SPs in DBS samples. The approach will be based on the combination of the capability of supramolecular solvents (SUPRASs) to integrate efficient compound extraction and sample clean-up with the power of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF and LC-QQQ) for SP detection.

The analytical platform will be applied to the detection of 58 peptidic drugs and metabolites, most of them routinely analysed by the WADA accredited laboratory of the Health Institute Carlos III (ISCIII, Madrid) within the ITP for urinary SPs. They will include growth hormone releasing peptides and secretagogues, growth hormone fragments, antidiuretic hormones, gonadorelin releasing peptides and growth factor modulators) Some of the selected SPs such as GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin, alexamorelin, triptorelin AOD9604, desmopressin, TB-500 are unstable in urine. The capability of SUPRASs for simultaneous SP extraction from DBS and sample cleanup will be investigated using SUPRASs made up of very different nanostructures (e.g. hexagonal inverted or ribbon-shaped aggregates, sponges, cubosomes, etc.) that offer mixed-interaction mechanisms, including dispersion, ionic, hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, CH-π and/or polar hydrophobicity. Five marketed collection devices based on cellulose and hydrophilic porous materials will be comparatively evaluated in terms of SP recoveries and matrix effects. Addition of internal standards on DBS and SUPRAS (before extraction) will be compared. Robustness will be evaluated in terms of hematocrit effect. The optimized SUPRAS-LC-MS platforms for SP detection will be validated according to WADA guidelines and an analytical workflow that includes the proposed MRPLs will be delivered. The proposed method will be validated by the ISCIII lab using LC-QTRAP-MS/MS. As a proof of concept, the SUPRAS-based method will be applied to the analysis of DBS samples obtained from the subcutaneous administration of a single dose of GHRP-2 and Ipamorelin to two intervention groups, each consisting of 10 elite athletes.

This research consists of two phases, firstly, the content development for the positive education intervention development and secondly, the preparatory phase. Expected outcomes will be able to enhance athletes’ attitudes towards clean sports behaviors through positive education intervention.

A cross-sectional analytical survey designed to help sport federations and ADAK in organizing anti-doping seminars and workshops where coaches. Focus will be on actions, motivational climate, doping confrontation efficacy and attitudes towards doping.

This study aims to achieve that via a mixed-method study that includes a quantitative knowledge, attitude and perspective survey (KAP) of athletes from bodybuilding, cycling, weightlifting, athletics, aquatics and qualitative study involving interviewing past athletes that were sanctioned in the past in these sports. The data collected from the study will be analyzed and interpreted for future doping interventions within the country.

This study will examine the sport motivation, moral decision-making, and attitudes towards doping among secondary school athletes in East Africa. The specific objective will be to find out the possible associations between sport motivation, moral decision[1]making, and attitudes towards doping.

The project aims to aid AIU by investigating (non-) adherence to the World Anti[1]Doping Code (WADC) in Kenya and Ethiopia through a systematic consideration of the lived experience of athletes, athlete support personnel (ASP) and anti[1]doping/sporting organization staff. By amplifying African voices in track and field and road running, this project will offer unique insights into geographical regions that are under-served in anti-doping research.

This project aims to conduct the first prospective systemic risk assessment for inadvertent doping via supplements in sport.

The project aims to advance scientific knowledge and understanding about the role of sport-specific values in fostering moral attitudes and emotions towards doping, and accordingly inform values-based education practices. The project’s objective is to adapt the Values & Moral Attitudes Model.

The study will examine the role of coaches and parents in promoting anti–doping behaviors among the youth in grassroots sports, investigating knowledge, attitudes of this population, while also exploring predictive factors of doping that can be influenced by education programs.

A two-phase project examining athletes' experiences following an Adverse Analytical Finding and Anti-Doping Rule Violation. Phase one will use athlete researchers to interview sanctioned athletes. The results will inform phase two, a community based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach discuss how the relationship of sanctioned athletes to sport, clean sport and anti-doping is shaped and how rehabilitation and space for reparation can be incorporated into anti-doping.