EXSC 670
Physiological
Interactions of
Performance Enhancing
Substances
COMPLETED EXAM
2024
, 1. What are the main types of performance enhancing substances (PES) and how do they affect the body?
Provide examples of each type.
Answer: The main types of PES are anabolic agents, peptide hormones, stimulants, diuretics, and masking
agents. Anabolic agents increase muscle mass and strength by stimulating protein synthesis and reducing
muscle breakdown. Examples include steroids, testosterone, and human growth hormone. Peptide hormones
regulate various physiological processes such as metabolism, growth, and blood cell production. Examples
include erythropoietin, insulin, and human chorionic gonadotropin. Stimulants increase alertness, energy,
and endurance by enhancing the activity of the central nervous system. Examples include caffeine,
amphetamines, and cocaine. Diuretics increase urine output and reduce body weight by altering the balance
of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Examples include furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and
spironolactone. Masking agents hide the presence of other PES in urine or blood samples by interfering with
detection methods or altering the chemical composition of the samples. Examples include probenecid,
epitestosterone, and plasma expanders.
Rationale: This question tests the students' knowledge of the classification, mechanisms, and examples of
PES.
2. What are the potential benefits and risks of using anabolic agents for athletic performance? Explain how
the benefits and risks may vary depending on the type, dose, duration, and mode of administration of the
agents.
Answer: The potential benefits of using anabolic agents for athletic performance are increased muscle mass
and strength, improved recovery and healing, enhanced bone density and hematocrit, and reduced body fat.
The potential risks are cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart failure; liver
damage such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and tumors; hormonal imbalances such as acne, gynecomastia,
infertility, and impotence; psychological effects such as aggression, mood swings, depression, and
addiction; and adverse effects on growth and development in adolescents. The benefits and risks may vary
depending on the type, dose, duration, and mode of administration of the agents. For example, oral steroids
are more hepatotoxic than injectable ones; higher doses and longer durations increase the risk of side effects;
and different agents have different affinities for different receptors and tissues.
Rationale: This question tests the students' understanding of the pros and cons of using anabolic agents for
athletic performance and how they depend on various factors.
3. What is erythropoietin (EPO) and how does it enhance endurance performance? What are the possible
side effects of using EPO?
Answer: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a peptide hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells (RBCs)
in the bone marrow. RBCs carry oxygen from the lungs to the muscles and other tissues. By increasing the
number of RBCs in the blood, EPO enhances endurance performance by improving oxygen delivery and
utilization. The possible side effects of using EPO are polycythemia (excessive RBCs), which increases
blood viscosity and risk of thrombosis (blood clots); hypertension (high blood pressure), which strains the
heart and blood vessels; dehydration (loss of water), which impairs thermoregulation (body temperature
Physiological
Interactions of
Performance Enhancing
Substances
COMPLETED EXAM
2024
, 1. What are the main types of performance enhancing substances (PES) and how do they affect the body?
Provide examples of each type.
Answer: The main types of PES are anabolic agents, peptide hormones, stimulants, diuretics, and masking
agents. Anabolic agents increase muscle mass and strength by stimulating protein synthesis and reducing
muscle breakdown. Examples include steroids, testosterone, and human growth hormone. Peptide hormones
regulate various physiological processes such as metabolism, growth, and blood cell production. Examples
include erythropoietin, insulin, and human chorionic gonadotropin. Stimulants increase alertness, energy,
and endurance by enhancing the activity of the central nervous system. Examples include caffeine,
amphetamines, and cocaine. Diuretics increase urine output and reduce body weight by altering the balance
of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Examples include furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and
spironolactone. Masking agents hide the presence of other PES in urine or blood samples by interfering with
detection methods or altering the chemical composition of the samples. Examples include probenecid,
epitestosterone, and plasma expanders.
Rationale: This question tests the students' knowledge of the classification, mechanisms, and examples of
PES.
2. What are the potential benefits and risks of using anabolic agents for athletic performance? Explain how
the benefits and risks may vary depending on the type, dose, duration, and mode of administration of the
agents.
Answer: The potential benefits of using anabolic agents for athletic performance are increased muscle mass
and strength, improved recovery and healing, enhanced bone density and hematocrit, and reduced body fat.
The potential risks are cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart failure; liver
damage such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and tumors; hormonal imbalances such as acne, gynecomastia,
infertility, and impotence; psychological effects such as aggression, mood swings, depression, and
addiction; and adverse effects on growth and development in adolescents. The benefits and risks may vary
depending on the type, dose, duration, and mode of administration of the agents. For example, oral steroids
are more hepatotoxic than injectable ones; higher doses and longer durations increase the risk of side effects;
and different agents have different affinities for different receptors and tissues.
Rationale: This question tests the students' understanding of the pros and cons of using anabolic agents for
athletic performance and how they depend on various factors.
3. What is erythropoietin (EPO) and how does it enhance endurance performance? What are the possible
side effects of using EPO?
Answer: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a peptide hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells (RBCs)
in the bone marrow. RBCs carry oxygen from the lungs to the muscles and other tissues. By increasing the
number of RBCs in the blood, EPO enhances endurance performance by improving oxygen delivery and
utilization. The possible side effects of using EPO are polycythemia (excessive RBCs), which increases
blood viscosity and risk of thrombosis (blood clots); hypertension (high blood pressure), which strains the
heart and blood vessels; dehydration (loss of water), which impairs thermoregulation (body temperature
