A California nutritional company suspected of creating THG, a designer steroid that avoids detection, is under investigation by a federal grand jury. Baseball slugger Barry Bonds has been called to testify in the BALCO case on Thursday, casting a spotlight on the growing international steroid scandal.
How steroids work
Steroids are synthetic compounds created to duplicate the muscle-building effect of the male hormone testosterone.
Testing for steroids
Sports organizations can test athletes for prohibited drugs, including known steroids, using a procedure called High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). A mass spectrometer is an instrument used to deter-mine the molecular structure of chemical compounds.
1. An athlete’s urine sample is passed through a device that separates the various molecular compounds present in the sample.
2. The compounds are matched against the molecular patterns of known steroids or other banned substances.
3. If the molecular pattern in the sample matches a known pattern, the test is positive.
Why testing missed THG
The HRMS test causes the newest designer steroid, Tetrahydrogestrinone or THG, to disintegrate. Officials encountered the steroid when a syringe with a sample containing THG was sent to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Researchers at the Olympic Analytical Laboratory at UCLA studied the THG sample and have altered the testing process to keep the essential structure of THG from disintegrating. Future HRMS tests must use this process to detect THG.
HARMFUL EFFECTS
– Liver, stomach and kidney damage
– Blood clots
– Increased cholesterol levels
– Increased chance of ligament and tendon damage
– Allergic reaction, which can lead to fatal anaphylactic shock
– Birth defects in children
– Severe acne
Athletes linked to BALCO
Dozens of athletes have been called to testify in the investigation of BALCO, the company suspected of creating and distributing THG.
Barry Bonds
The San Francisco Giants outfielder and six-time MVP has endorsed BALCO owner Victor Conte’s legal supplements in the past.
Tyrone Wheatley
The Oakland Raiders running back testified before a grand jury on Nov. 13.
Marion Jones
The track star, who won five gold medals in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, also testified on Nov. 13.
Jason Giambi
The Yankees slugger has been called to testify. Giambi said that he visited BALCO to learn about the company’s vitamin supplements.
Testing policies differ
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Beginning in March, all players will be tested for illegal steroids during spring training and the regular season. There is no off-season testing.
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Rookies are tested up to four times for steroids and recreational drugs; veterans are tested once at training camp.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Players are randomly tested throughout the year for steroids and annually for recreational drugs.
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
There is no mandatory drug testing policy. The only testing is for players already in the league’s substance abuse program.
INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
Athletes are subject to random testing at national and international events.
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Sources: “Molecular Cell Biology” by Darnell, Lodish, Baltimore, Olympic Analytical
Laboratory at UCLA, AP
Chicago Tribune/Valerie Cotsalas and Keith Claxton
