The Effect of Micro-doses Erytropoietin on Exercise Capacity in Male and Females

Plasma and Exosome Proteomic Changes Associated With Augmented Erythropoiesis and Muscle Contractions.

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) regimen enhances maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), but the effect of micro-doses on maximal and submaximal performance is not clear and detection of micro-doses is difficult with current methods. This study investigated whether micro-doses of rHuEPO enhances maximal and endurance performance in males and females.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 48 trained adults (24 females, 24 males) receive either recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO; epoetin-β, 9 IU/kg, n = 24, (12 females, 12 males)) or placebo (0,9% NaCl, n = 24, (12 females, 12 males)) three times per week for four weeks. Before the intervention, time trial performance and maximal oxygen uptake will be assessed. Three and five days after the last injection, time trial performance and maximal oxygen uptake will be determined to assess the effect of the rHuEPO administration. In addition, total hemoglobin mass and intravascular volumes will be determined via the carbon monoxide rebreathing method in duplicate measures.

Participants receive intravenous injections of 9 International Units per kg bodyweight epoetin-β (NeoRecormon, Roche, Mannheim, Germany) three times per week for four weeks on non-consecutive days. Subjects receive tablets with 80mg iron (Tardyferon, Pierre Fabre Pharme GmbH, Freiburg, Germany) to ensure sufficient iron stores for the expected increase in erythropoeisis.

Participants receive intravenous injections of ~0,5 mL saline (NaCl 0,9%) three times per week for four weeks on non-consecutive days.

Change from baseline maximal aerobic capacity 5 days after last injection. Measured via an exhaustive incremental cycle ergometer test.

Change from baseline endurance exercise performance 3 days after last injection. Measured via a preloaded 400 kcal time-trial.

Change from baseline total hemoglobin mass 3 days after last injection. Measured by the carbon monoxide rebreathing method.

Inclusion Criteria: Relative maximum oxygen uptake (VO2-max) of at least 50 ml O2/min/kg for male participants and 45 ml O2/min/kg for female participants Exclusion Criteria: Age Insufficient fitness level Blood donation 3 months prior to enrollment Altitude exposure 2 months before enrollment Hypertension