Actovegin
Actovegin is a highly filtered extract obtained from calf blood which enhances aerobic oxidation in mammals.[1] This improves absorption of glucose and oxygen uptake in tissue,[1] which may enhance physical performance and stamina.
Actovegin made headlines from 2009 to 2011 when Canadian sports doctor Anthony Galea was charged with illegally providing professional athletes with a number of performance-enhancing drugs, including Actovegin.[2][3] As revealed by later testimony by riders, it was also regularly used by Lance Armstrong and the members of his U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team on the 2000 Tour de France to enhance their performance.[4]
Contents
Mechanism of action
According to Gulevsky, et al., Actovegin "is highly purified hemodialysate extracted from vealer blood by ultrafiltration."[1]
Actovegin has been shown to improve the transport of glucose over a plasma membrane and the uptake of oxygen by tissues.[1] This can lead to aerobic oxidation, which provides a cell with access to more energy and potentially enhances its function.[1] Actovegin has large amounts of superoxide dismutase enzymes and magnesium.[5]
Uses and side effects
Nycomed, a Swiss drug company which manufactures Actovegin,[6] claims it can be used for circulation and nutrition disturbances, skin grafting, burns, and wound-healing impairment.[7] Actovegin has also been used as a performance enhancer.[8]
It has been investigated for use in treatment of polyneuropathy in diabetes,[9] and for stroke.[10] One study found that when tissues suffer from hypoxia caused circulation abnormalities, Actovegin helps capillaries improve circulation by enhancing the neogenic mechanism in blood vessels.[5]
Counterindications
Anaphylactic shock has been observed in at least one patient treated with Actovegin [11] but was likely due to infection, i.e. septic shock instead of anaphylactic shock, unrelated to actovegin administration.
Market approvals
As of July 2011, the drug was not approved for sale, importation, or use in the United States.[12] It is an unapproved drug in Canada as well.
References
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<references />, or <references group="..." />- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Gulevsky, Alexander Kirillovich; Abakumova, Yelena Sergeevna; NikolaevnaMoiseyeva, Natalya; and Ivanov, Yevgeniy Gennadievich. "Influence of Cord Blood Fraction (below 5 kDa) on Reparative Processes During Subchronic Ulcerative Gastropathy." Ulcers. 2011, p. 1. Accessed 2011-09-16.
- ↑ Doheny, Kathleen. "FAQ on Actovegin: An Expert Explains How the Drug May Enhance Athletic Performance." WebMD Health News. December 16, 2009. Accessed 2011-09-16.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ USADA v. Armstrong, Reasoned decision, section IV B 3.e (pp. 42–45) (USADA 10 October 2012). Text
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Nordvik, B. "Actovegin. New Aspects of Clinical Application." In Collected Book of Research and Practice Articles. S. A. Rumyantseva, ed. St. Petersburg, Russia: MAPO, 2002, p. 280.
- ↑ "Nycomed May Invest 35 Million Euros in Ukrainian Production Capacities." The Pharma Letter. 3 May 2011. Accessed 2011-09-16.
- ↑ "Actovegin." Nycomed. 2011. Accessed 2011-09-16.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Kovaleski, Serge. "Canadian Doctor Tied to Professional Athletes Guilty of Drug Charge." New York Times. July 6, 2011. Accessed 2011-09-16.
