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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
11:17
Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
Published on: January 7, 2016
Detecting growth hormone abuse in athletes.
Martin Bidlingmaier1, Jenny Manolopoulou
1Endocrine Research Laboratories, Medizinische Klinik-Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany. martin.bidlingmaier@med.uni-muenchen.de
Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America
|February 4, 2010
Summary
Detecting human growth hormone (GH) doping in athletes is difficult due to its identical structure to endogenous GH. New marker and isoform approaches offer improved detection methods for anti-doping efforts.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biochemistry
- Anti-doping
Background:
- Human growth hormone (GH) abuse by athletes presents a significant challenge for anti-doping agencies.
- The identical chemical structure of recombinant GH (rGH) to endogenous pituitary GH complicates detection via standard biochemical tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline and evaluate novel approaches for detecting GH doping in athletes.
- To enhance the effectiveness of anti-doping strategies against GH abuse.
Main Methods:
- The 'marker approach' involves measuring GH-dependent proteins that show abnormal elevations post-rGH injection.
- The 'isoform approach' focuses on detecting alterations in the circulating GH isoform profile after rGH administration.
Main Results:
- Both the marker and isoform approaches provide viable methods to distinguish between endogenous and exogenous GH.
- These methods offer improved sensitivity compared to traditional detection techniques.
Conclusions:
- Wider implementation of these advanced GH detection tests, particularly in out-of-competition controls, is crucial.
- Enhanced detection capabilities will significantly increase the likelihood of identifying athletes engaging in GH doping.
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