Effective Communicator
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150 Sm 62
#62 Samarium (Sm) |
Common Uses: ·
Used for carbon-arc lighting in the motion
picture industry ·
Used in optical glass to absorb infared ·
SmCo3 is
being used in making permanent magnetic material with the highest
resistance to demagnetization of any known material ·
Used to dope calcium fluoride in optical and
regular lasers Interesting
Information: ·
Silvery-white color ·
Melting point: 1074 degrees Celsius ·
Boiling point: 1794 degrees Celsius ·
150.4 amu ·
There are 21 isotopes of Samarium ·
Named in honor of a Russian mine official,
Col. Samarski
Reflection: Effective Communicator
At the beginning of the year, my chemistry class was each assigned an element on the periodic table, and we were to make a one-pager about it. I was assigned samarium and went to work. While many of the students in the class did mediocre jobs, mine was excellent, complete with tables and pictures. With the resources the internet provides, and my knowledge of my way around the internet (yeah, right), I had easy time finding information about my assigned element. I found pictures of the element and of items that the element is used in. I also found interesting information on this element. Because samarium is not a well known element, I had to communicate to the class, through my one-pager, what it was, and what it was used for. I was intrigued by the uses of this element, and information relating to it. I think I brilliantly demonstrated that I could communicate an obscure element and make it understandable, and think I have earned the title of effective communicator.
Effective Communicator
Performance Enhancing Drugs in Athletics
Vince Lombardi, the heralded coach, the man with the NFL championship trophy that bears his name, said, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” (Galas 1). This belief echoes what every serious athlete feels. Athletic excellence is an idea that almost every person, young and old, dreams of; whether it be winning the sprint, lifting the most weight, scoring the winning touchdown, or hitting the monster homerun. However, the drive for this excellence, the yearning for being the best can possess some, pushing them beyond hard work, making them feel that through the use of performance enhancing drugs, their hard work will pay off, and they will be able to compete with and dominate the rest. After all, “second place is only the first loser.”(ESPN, from the motion picture “3”)
Early Uses of
Performance Enhancing Drugs
The issue of
performance enhancing drugs is not a new one, but one that dates back to
ancient
What Are
Performance Enhancing Drugs, Why Are They Used, and
What is Their Affect on the Body?
Performance enhancing drugs are just what they sound like, drugs used to enhance performance, usually in athletics. They are artificial substances put into the body by either swallowing a pill, injecting something with a needle, or rubbing a balm on. (Freudenrich 1). Most are illegal (unless prescribed by a doctor) because the use of them gives unfair advantages to the user, and they can cause severe health problems. Despite these reasons, some athletes still use these for a variety of reasons, as follows, to:
- Build mass and strength of muscles and/or bones
- Increase delivery of oxygen to exercising tissues
- Mask/endure pain
- Stimulate or relax the body (Freudenrich 2).
These four main categories will be discussed.
Building Mass and
Strength in Muscle and/or Bones
The performance enhancing drugs used to build muscle and bone mass and strength that will be discussed are:
· Anabolic steroids
· Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists
· Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
· Human Growth Hormone (hGH)
· Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) (Freudenrich 2).
· THG (Assael 1)
Anabolic Steroids
The dictionary defines a steroid as an organic fat-soluble compound composed of four joined carbon rings formed naturally or synthetically, and including bile acids, adrenocortical and sex hormones, sterols, and vitamin D. (MSN Encarta 1). The two major male steroids are cortisol and testosterone; the two major female steroids are estrogen and progesterone. Anabolic steroids are those that build up tissue, catabolic break tissue down. Athletes use anabolic steroids to build muscle and bone mass by stimulating muscle and bone cells to make new protein faster. (Freudenrich 3).
Figure 1.
Basic
composition of steroid in body
(Zack
1).
Anabolic steroids are much like
testosterone in structure; in fact they are synthetic modifications of
testosterone, so they give all the male characteristics of testosterone. (CNN 1). Evidence has
shown that anabolic steroids have positive effects in “retaining and increasing
lean body through the stimulation of protein synthesis and/or the reduction of
protein breakdown”. (Evans 1). They
basically let someone train harder for longer (obviously an advantage). They also may help to reduce the effects of
strenuous workout on your muscles, making them recover faster. (CNN 1). Though these
drugs may seem to have positive consequences, the side effects are
serious. They include for men and women:
liver damage because of increased numbers of liver enzymes, increased
aggression, and tendon damage because of a change in the collagen structure of
the tendon. (Evans 1). In just men, side
effects may include baldness, infertility, and breast development. (Freudenrich
3). In women side effects
may include male patterned balding, lowering of the voice, menstrual
irregularities, excessive body hair, and decreased breast size; many of these
are irreversible. (Galas 35).
|
Table 1 |
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Laboratory Abnormalities in
Anabolic-Androgenic |
|
Steroid (AAS) Users(a) |
|
|
|
Complete
blood count Increased red blood
cells, hemoglobin, |
|
hematocrit |
|
|
|
Cholesterol
levels Increased HDL-C |
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Hormone
levels Decreased luteinizing
hormone, follicle- |
|
stimulating
hormone |
|
Increased
testosterone (using AAS) |
|
Decreased
testosterone (during |
|
withdrawal) |
|
|
|
Urine
analysis Positive for AAS and
other drugs |
|
of abuse |
|
|
|
Semen
analysis Decreased sperm count
and motility, |
|
abnormal morphology |
Courtesy
(Evans 1).
Beta-2
Adrenergic Agonists
These drugs, when inhaled relax the smooth
muscle in the airway of those with asthma. (Freudenrich 3). But, when injected into the bloodstream act
as anabolic steroids, increasing muscle mass, and have a catabolic effect of
reducing body fat. (Freudenrich 3).
In Women’s Sports and Fitness,
it was written that a beta-2 adrenergic agonist known as clenbuterol,
“has… muscle building properties, acts as a stimulant, and increases lung
capacity.” (Galas 46).
It, though originally used in livestock in
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
This is a peptide hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland. It is responsible for maintaining testosterone levels in men, and estrogen levels in women. A surge of LH in women is a sign of ovulation, thus natural. However in men, artificial LH, sometimes in the form of tamoxifen, increases levels of testosterone, acting as an anabolic steroid. LH has no general side effects. (Freudenrich 4). However, abnormally high or low LH levels can point to an inability to produce sperm or eggs. (Web MD Heath 1).
Human Growth Hormone (hGH)
A naturally occurring protein hormone produced by the pituitary, hGH is important in growth. (Freudenrich 4). Thus, low hGH levels when developing results in low growth. (Freudenrich 4). High hGH levels in children developing results in large children, or giants. (Galas 44). Athletes with hGH levels in excess experience many of the same positive effects as anabolic steroids because the drug stimulates protein synthesis, breaks down fat cells, and stimulates bone growth; also the drug is hard for testers to detect. (Freudenrich 4). However, recently, a preliminary test has been achieved by British researchers that can identify the use of hGH up to 84 days after it was used; it will probably be used retrospectively to test samples after the Olympics. (MSNBC 1). This drug is obviously very popular for good reasons; however, it has very serious side effects which include: acromegaly (overgrowth of hands, feet, and face) because of muscle development there, enlargement of internal organs, and heart problems. (Freudenrich 4). The side effects of hGH are very dangerous.
Insulin-Like Growth
Factor (IGF-1)
This drug is a naturally occurring protein that aids in the action of hGH. It also has the same effects of protein stimulation and fat reduction as hGH. Known side effects are hypoglycemia and others alike to those of hGH. (Freudenrich 4). However, claimed positive effects such as anti-aging, athletic performance, and joint protection have no credible support. (PDR Health 1).
THG (tetrahydrogestrinone)
THG is the newest and most controversial performance
enhancing drug. Four
Increasing Delivery
of Oxygen to Exercising Tissues
In this section, drugs that increase delivery of oxygen to exercising tissues will be discussed. This is a hot topic recently because of the recent blood doping accusations put upon Lance Armstrong. Oxygen delivery is most prominent among endurance athletes. The two types of oxygen delivery to be discussed are the following:
· Protein Hormones
· Blood Doping
Protein Hormones
EPO (Erythropoietin) is a protein that is naturally secreted by the kidney in low oxygen conditions. It calls the bone marrow tissues into action, causing them to make red blood cells, which in turn carry oxygen to the kidney. An increase in this drug in the system greatly affects endurance athletes, increasing their oxygen supply 7 to 10 percent, a staggering amount. It is also very difficult to detect in drug tests. Side effects of EPO can be as serious as heart attack because of the red blood cell density causing thicker blood, causing the heart to work harder. (Freudenrich 4, 5). In the 1998 Tour de France, members of Team Festina admitted to taking EPO to enhance performance; Belgian cyclist Eddy Planckaert also admitted to taking EPO during his career and added that many cyclists were involved in its use. (Pfitzinger 1). Clearly EPO is a problem.
Blood Doping
Blood doping, the act of injecting someone else’s blood into your bloodstream for more oxygen, is a very controversial topic now in the world of cycling. Recently, Lance Armstrong, as well as many other cyclists, has been involved in blood doping allegations. Many have claimed the success of endurance athletes is due to blood doping; however, an affect almost the same as blood doping can be attained by training at high altitudes. Those who partake in blood doping may end up contracting AIDS, or other blood related problems. (Freudenrich 5).
Masking and Enduring
Pain
Because of the physical demand placed on athletes, mental, emotional, and physical injuries are bound to happen. In these cases, sometimes athletes turn to drugs. The three to be discussed are as follows:
- Narcotics
- Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)
- Cortisone (a type of ACTH)
Narcotics
Narcotics are illegal drugs that some athletes may turn to for temporary stress relief and pain relief. The athletes turning to them feel that the “high” they will receive. These drugs, which include morphine and heroine are extremely addictive, and cause severe health risks that may lead to death. (Freudenrich 5).
Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)
ACTH is a natural hormone used to start the production of adrenal cortex hormones that reduce inflammation in muscles. By using artificial ACTH, athletes could stimulate enough adrenal cortex hormones to let them play through an injury. Side effects of excess ACTH include stomach and mental irritation, and long term effects of weakening bones and muscles. (Freudenrich 5).
Cortisone
Cortisone is probably the word you have most heard of in the world of injury masking. It is usually administered in a shot form to reduce pain and inflammation. It is a type of adrenal cortex hormone, and thus has the same side effects. (Freudenrich 5). Many athletes receive these shots before games to ensure they are able to play.
Stimulating and
Relaxing the Body
There are many substances around that are used to stimulate and relax the body. Many of the substances athletes use to do this are very common.
Stimulants
Stimulants are used to do just what it says, stimulate the body. They all increase heart rates and awareness. Common stimulants include caffeine, amphetamines, and cocaine. All have a negative effect on the body, leading to irregular heartbeats, convulsions, and may also lead to sudden death. (Freudenrich 6). Do not worry though, an occasional chocolate bar or soda will not hurt, but too much might.
Relaxants
Relaxants are substance which relieve and relax. Many athletes use them to “get away from it all”. Alcohol is the most common form of relaxant. It reduces brain activity, but has negative effects on coordination. It is restricted in the Olympics. Beta blockers are used to cause the heart to slow down, making things much steadier. This type of drug is used in athletic events where steadiness is paramount. They have many of the same side effects as alcohol. (Freudenrich 6). Relaxants’ positives are generally outweighed by their negatives.
How Do Athletes
Get Away With Using Performance Enhancing Drugs?
One may ask how athletes get away with performance enhancing drugs in competition. There are tests, right? Indeed there are, but many are not comprehensive enough, and the body is so complicated that it is not possible to identify every thing that has been put into it. Discussed in this section will be two main ways in which athletes mask their drug use. They are as follows:
- Epitestosterone
- Diluting
Epitestosterone
Epitestosterone is a form of biological testosterone that does not affect performance. Often times, drug tests measure the ration of testosterone to epitestosterone. By injecting more epistesterone, the t/e ratio is lowered. Even more amazing, epitestosterone has no known side effects making it an easy choice. (Freudenrich 6). However, athletes with abnormally high t/e ratios can be suspected of performance enhancing material, as Mary Slaney was after the 1996 Olympic trials; she was banned from competition because she provided a t/e test that was very high. (Nawrocki 1).
Diluting
To dilute, according to Encarta is to make something thinner or weaker by adding water or another liquid, or to become thinner or weaker by the addition of water or another liquid. (MSN 1). Athletes get around drug tests through this practice. Athletes who inject drugs into their bloodstream use substances used to increase fluid parts of their blood, called plasma expanders, making it so the drugs in their system are more diluted. (Freudenrich 6). Allergic reactions can occur through this practice and are the most common side effect. (Freudenrich 6). Also, because many blood tests require urination, athletes may take secretion inhibitors, which block the proteins that gather organic acids to be removed from the body. (Freudenrich 6, 7). Thus the testers will not be able to find trace of a particular drug. Kidney problems can come as a result of this. (Freudenrich 7).
Testing for
Performance Enhancing Drugs
With today’s technology, there are ways to test athletes for performance enhancing drugs. The tests require either blood or urine samples. In one type of test, mass spectrometry, the samples are blown apart with an electron beam and shot down a tube to a detector. Many drug substances can be identified by their own “fingerprint” in this mass spectrometer. Also, in the immuno-assay test, substances are put in a solution containing antibodies that are specific to a drug. They attach, and because the antibodies are usually made fluorescent or radioactive, the amount of the light or radioactivity can be measured, and compared to the whole sample. Unfortunately, there are no stable tests for hGH, IGF-1, and EPO. But, a test which compares the size of red blood cells is in the works to test EPO. It has been found that synthetic EPO produces smaller red blood cells, and binds more iron. With this analysis, an athlete may in the future be able to be found guilty of taking EPO. (Freudenrich 7).
Hard Work
In the end it all comes down to choices. Some people despite the health risk, despite the testing, will want to win so bad that they will do whatever it takes. Unfortunately, that person may not get caught, and honest athletes’ hard work will not fulfill itself. Hopefully athletes will see that hard work, not performance enhancing drugs make them the winner, even if they are second.
Reflection: Effective Communicator
In chemistry, at the end of the first semester, I was assigned to write a research paper. We could choose our topic, but obviously it had to be about chemistry. I chose to write about performance enhancing drugs in athletics. I was especially interested in this topic because I am an athlete (I don’t juice up), and because of all of the baseball allegations. In doing research for this topic, I was astonished in my findings. PED’s, as they are called, seem to hurt more than they help. Looking at some of the information was terrifying, especially when seeing what things such as steroids can do to you. However, the information found was very interesting, especially the specifics on how the different drugs affect the muscles. I learned why they are used, but despite the advantages, I was not convinced that they should be used. I communicated to my class this point in a power point presentation, and in this essay, synthesizing mountains of research into only 11 pages. I learned a ton from this assignment, and enjoyed it.