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Mildronate Dihydrate: A Promising Drug for Sports Pharmacology

Sports pharmacology is a rapidly growing field that aims to enhance athletic performance through the use of various drugs and supplements. While there are many substances that have been used for this purpose, one that has gained significant attention in recent years is Mildronate dihydrate. This drug, also known as Meldonium, has been touted as a potential game-changer in the world of sports. In this article, we will explore the pharmacological properties of Mildronate dihydrate and its potential benefits for athletes.

The Pharmacokinetics of Mildronate Dihydrate

Mildronate dihydrate is a synthetic compound that was first developed in the 1970s by the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis. It is a structural analogue of the amino acid gamma-butyrobetaine, which is involved in the biosynthesis of carnitine. Mildronate dihydrate is primarily used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, but it has also been found to have potential benefits for athletes.

When taken orally, Mildronate dihydrate is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. It has a half-life of approximately 3-6 hours, which means it is quickly eliminated from the body. This short half-life makes it an ideal drug for athletes who may be subjected to drug testing, as it can be cleared from the body within a few days.

Studies have shown that Mildronate dihydrate is extensively metabolized in the liver, with the main metabolite being Meldonium acid. This metabolite is then excreted in the urine, making it detectable in drug tests. However, the detection window for Mildronate dihydrate is relatively short, and it is not included in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances.

The Pharmacodynamics of Mildronate Dihydrate

The main mechanism of action of Mildronate dihydrate is its ability to inhibit the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase, which is involved in the biosynthesis of carnitine. This leads to a decrease in the levels of carnitine in the body, which in turn affects the metabolism of fatty acids. This results in an increase in the utilization of glucose as an energy source, which can improve athletic performance.

Additionally, Mildronate dihydrate has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This can be beneficial for athletes, as intense physical activity can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. By reducing these processes, Mildronate dihydrate may help athletes recover faster from training and competitions.

Potential Benefits for Athletes

There have been several studies that have investigated the potential benefits of Mildronate dihydrate for athletes. One study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that athletes who took Mildronate dihydrate for 10 days had improved exercise tolerance and reduced levels of lactate in their blood (Kalvins et al. 2016). This suggests that the drug may improve endurance and delay the onset of fatigue.

Another study published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance found that Mildronate dihydrate supplementation improved the performance of elite male cyclists during a 40 km time trial (Kulikov et al. 2018). The researchers also noted a decrease in markers of muscle damage and inflammation, indicating that the drug may have a protective effect on the body during intense exercise.

These findings are supported by a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, which concluded that Mildronate dihydrate may have a positive effect on physical performance and reduce the risk of exercise-induced damage (Seene et al. 2016). This suggests that the drug may be beneficial for athletes looking to improve their performance and recovery.

Real-World Examples

Mildronate dihydrate gained widespread attention in 2016 when Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova tested positive for the drug during the Australian Open. Sharapova claimed that she had been taking Mildronate dihydrate for several years for medical reasons, but the drug had only recently been added to the list of prohibited substances. This incident sparked a debate about the use of Mildronate dihydrate in sports and its potential benefits for athletes.

Since then, several other athletes have also tested positive for Mildronate dihydrate, including Russian biathlete Eduard Latypov and Ukrainian biathlete Olga Abramova. Both athletes claimed that they were unaware that the drug was prohibited and were using it for medical reasons. These cases highlight the need for education and awareness among athletes about the use of Mildronate dihydrate and other substances in sports.

Expert Opinion

Dr. Michael Joyner, a sports medicine expert at the Mayo Clinic, believes that Mildronate dihydrate has the potential to improve athletic performance. In an interview with CNN, he stated, “It’s not a magic bullet, but it could be a useful tool for athletes who are looking to improve their performance.” However, he also cautioned that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of the drug on athletic performance and its potential side effects.

Conclusion

Mildronate dihydrate is a promising drug for sports pharmacology, with potential benefits for athletes in terms of improving endurance, reducing fatigue, and protecting against exercise-induced damage. While there have been some controversies surrounding its use in sports, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential risks. As with any drug, it is important for athletes to use Mildronate dihydrate responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

References

Kalvins, I., et al. (2016). The effect of Mildronate dihydrate on exercise tolerance in healthy volunteers. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 56(9), 981-987.

Kulikov, A., et al. (2018). The effect of Mildronate dihydrate on physical performance in elite male cyclists. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 13(3), 319-325.

Seene, T., et al. (2016). Mildronate dihydrate: an anti-ischemic drug with multiple indications. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 19(12), 931-936.

CNN. (2016). Mildronate dihydrate: What is it and why did Maria Sharapova take it? Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/08/tennis/meldonium-mildronate-sharapova-doping/index.html