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DNA typing: an accessory evidence in doping control
Marlice Aparecida Sípoli Marques1, Lucia Meneses Pinto Damasceno, Henrique Marcelo Gualberto Pereira
1LABDOP-LADETEC, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil-21949-900.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|June 4, 2005
Summary
Anabolic steroid doping was questioned due to alleged urine tampering. DNA analysis revealed the urine sample contained both the athlete's mitochondrial DNA and foreign nuclear DNA, suggesting sample manipulation.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Forensic Genetics
- Anti-Doping
Background:
- Anabolic steroid doping cases are critical in sports integrity.
- Chain of custody is paramount in doping control procedures.
- Athletes may allege sample tampering to contest positive results.
Observation:
- A urine sample positive for anabolic steroids was collected.
- The athlete claimed the urine sample was not hers and requested DNA analysis.
- Nuclear DNA in the sample did not match the athlete's, but mitochondrial DNA did.
Findings:
- The presence of foreign nuclear DNA suggests exogenous admixture.
- Identical mitochondrial DNA sequences indicate a potential donor match with a maternal relative.
- Both scenarios point towards possible tampering of the urine sample by the athlete.
Implications:
- DNA analysis can reveal complex doping control scenarios beyond simple chain of custody flaws.
- Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA analysis provide complementary evidence in forensic investigations.
- This case highlights the sophisticated methods that may be employed in doping and the challenges in detection.