The use of gene therapy in athletes for reasons other than the treatment of disease. Genetic enhancement includes manipulation of genes or gene transfer by healthy athletes for the purpose of physically improving their performance. Genetic enhancement includes gene doping and has potential for abuse among athletes, all while opening the door to political and ethical controversy.
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Reasons
Athletes may choose to pursue certain genetic therapies in order improve their athletic prowess. Current interest lies in somatic cell doping, therapy that effects the individual. However, germ line cells can be genetically modified and those modifications can be passed down to subsequent generations. Genetic modification within the body can lead to increased muscle mass, improved endurance, and decreased perception to pain. Genes such as insulin-like growth factor IGF1 and myostatin are targets for therapy due to their direct involvement with muscle mass. Endurance athletes could potentially use gene therapy to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of their blood. In addition neurological responses can be managed by varying the amount of endorphins released into the nervous system, potentially inhibiting pain reception. Genetic enhancement may also be incorporated after surgical procedures to expedite healing processes and alleviate associated side effects.
Ethical implications
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) determined that non therapeutic form of genetic manipulation for enhancement of athletic performance is not allowed in sport. The WADA code implemented guidelines to determine if said technology should be prohibited in sport. If two of the three conditions are met, then the technology is prohibited in sport; harmful to one's health, performance enhancing, and/or against the "spirit of sport". The high risks associated with gene therapy can be outweighed by the potential save the lives of individuals with diseases. However, for healthy individuals, "Using gene therapy for doping is ethically unacceptable and scientifically stupid." As seen with past cases, including the steroid tetrahydrogestrinone THG, athletes may choose to incorporate risky genetic technologies into their training regimes.
Future
Scientific manipulation of genes has shown significant results in animal trails but products that bring benefits to athletes are not yet developed. One concern that the existing prohibition for gene therapy in athletes may prevent them from benefiting the developing methods could treat disease or improve healing processes. Another concern is that potential for scientists and athletes to abuse these new technologies, since ethical lines can be easily crossed when monetary incentives are involved.