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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Gene doping in horse racing and equine sports: Current lands...
Equine veterinary journal2024; 57(2); 312-324; doi: 10.1111/evj.14418

Gene doping in horse racing and equine sports: Current landscape and future perspectives.

Abstract: Gene doping, the use of gene therapy or genetic manipulation to enhance athletic performance, has emerged as a potential threat to the integrity and welfare of equine sports, such as horse racing and equestrian sports. This review aims to provide an overview of gene doping in horses, including the underlying technologies, potential applications, detection methods, ethical concerns and future perspectives. By understanding the current landscape of gene doping in horses, stakeholders can work together to develop strategies to safeguard the integrity of equine sports.
© 2024 The Author(s). Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2024-09-12 PubMed ID: 39267222PubMed Central: PMC11807943DOI: 10.1111/evj.14418Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Gene doping in horse racing and equine sports involves the use of genetic technologies to enhance the performance of horses, posing challenges to fair competition and animal welfare. This article reviews the technologies, potential uses, detection methods, ethical issues, and future directions related to gene doping in horses.

Introduction to Gene Doping in Equine Sports

  • Gene doping refers to the use of gene therapy techniques or other genetic modifications to artificially enhance athletic performance.
  • It has recently emerged as a new threat in equine sports, including horse racing and equestrian competitions.
  • The manipulation may affect traits such as muscle mass, endurance, or recovery times, giving some horses an unfair advantage.

Underlying Technologies

  • Gene therapy vectors such as viral vectors (adeno-associated virus, lentivirus) are commonly used to deliver genetic material.
  • Genome editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 allow precise modifications to DNA sequences within the horse’s genome.
  • Potential modifications could target genes regulating muscle growth, oxygen transport, or pain sensation to improve performance.

Potential Applications in Horses

  • Enhancement of muscle strength and size to increase speed and power.
  • Improving aerobic capacity and endurance through better oxygen utilization and cardiovascular function.
  • Accelerating recovery from injury by enhancing tissue repair mechanisms.
  • Reduction of fatigue or pain to enable longer or more intense training and competition.

Detection Methods

  • Direct detection involves identifying foreign genetic material or vector DNA/RNA in blood or tissue samples.
  • Indirect methods include monitoring abnormal gene expression profiles or protein markers that suggest genetic modification.
  • Advanced molecular techniques such as next-generation sequencing and PCR assays are critical tools.
  • Challenges include the sensitivity needed to detect low levels of gene doping and distinguishing natural variation from modification.

Ethical and Regulatory Concerns

  • Gene doping compromises the fairness and integrity of competition, violating principles of equal opportunity in equine sports.
  • Animal welfare concerns arise because genetic modifications may have unforeseen negative health impacts on horses.
  • There is a need for clear regulations and enforcement policies addressing gene doping in racing and equestrian authorities.
  • Stakeholders must consider the moral implications of genetic enhancement versus traditional training and breeding.

Future Perspectives

  • Development of more sensitive, rapid, and affordable detection methods will be a priority to combat gene doping.
  • Education and cooperation among breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and regulatory bodies are essential.
  • Research into the long-term effects of gene doping on equine health and performance is needed.
  • Policy development must evolve as gene editing technologies advance, balancing innovation with ethical responsibility.

Conclusion

  • Gene doping represents a significant emerging challenge for horse racing and equine sports.
  • Understanding the technological, ethical, and regulatory landscape is critical to safeguarding the integrity of these competitions.
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration can help develop effective strategies to detect and prevent gene doping, ensuring fair play and animal welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Puchalska M, Witkowska-Piłaszewicz O. (2024). Gene doping in horse racing and equine sports: Current landscape and future perspectives. Equine Vet J, 57(2), 312-324. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14418

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 57
Issue: 2
Pages: 312-324

Researcher Affiliations

Puchalska, Maria
  • Department of Large Animals Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
Witkowska-Piłaszewicz, Olga
  • Department of Large Animals Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses / genetics
  • Doping in Sports / ethics
  • Sports
  • Genetic Therapy / veterinary

Grant Funding

  • The publication was (co)financed by Science Development fund of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW)
  • 2021/41/B/NZ7/03548 / Narodowe Centrum Nauki

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared no conflicting interests.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
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