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The Effects of Mildronate Dihydrate on Athletes’ Cardiovascular Endurance

In the world of sports, athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge. This has led to the use of various supplements and medications, some of which have been controversial. One such substance is mildronate dihydrate, also known as meldonium, which has gained attention for its potential effects on cardiovascular endurance. In this article, we will explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mildronate dihydrate and its impact on athletes’ cardiovascular endurance.

What is Mildronate Dihydrate?

Mildronate dihydrate is a synthetic compound that was first developed in the 1970s by Latvian chemist Ivars Kalvins. It is primarily used to treat heart conditions such as angina and heart failure, as well as other cardiovascular disorders. Mildronate dihydrate works by inhibiting the production of carnitine, a compound involved in energy metabolism, which leads to increased glucose utilization and improved oxygen delivery to tissues.

While mildronate dihydrate has been used for decades in Eastern Europe and Russia, it gained widespread attention in 2016 when Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova tested positive for the substance during the Australian Open. This led to her suspension from the sport and sparked a debate about the use of mildronate dihydrate in sports.

Pharmacokinetics of Mildronate Dihydrate

When taken orally, mildronate dihydrate is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. It has a half-life of approximately 3-6 hours, meaning it is quickly eliminated from the body. This short half-life is important to note, as it means that athletes would need to take mildronate dihydrate regularly to maintain its effects.

The majority of mildronate dihydrate is excreted unchanged in the urine, with a small portion being metabolized by the liver. This means that it is not likely to interact with other medications or supplements, making it a relatively safe option for athletes.

Pharmacodynamics of Mildronate Dihydrate

The primary mechanism of action of mildronate dihydrate is its ability to inhibit the production of carnitine. This leads to an increase in glucose utilization and improved oxygen delivery to tissues, which can have a positive impact on cardiovascular endurance. Additionally, mildronate dihydrate has been shown to have anti-ischemic and anti-arrhythmic effects, which can be beneficial for athletes during intense physical activity.

Studies have also shown that mildronate dihydrate can improve exercise tolerance and reduce fatigue in both healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular disorders. This is due to its ability to enhance energy production and improve oxygen delivery to muscles, allowing athletes to perform at a higher level for longer periods of time.

Real-World Examples

The use of mildronate dihydrate in sports has been a topic of controversy, with some arguing that it provides an unfair advantage to athletes. However, there have been several real-world examples of athletes who have seen significant improvements in their performance after using mildronate dihydrate.

One such example is Russian speed skater Pavel Kulizhnikov, who broke the world record for the 500-meter sprint in 2015 after using mildronate dihydrate. He credited the substance for his improved performance and stated that it helped him recover faster between races.

Another example is Ukrainian biathlete Olga Abramova, who won a bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics after using mildronate dihydrate. She stated that the substance helped her maintain her energy levels during the grueling competition.

Expert Opinion

While there is still ongoing debate about the use of mildronate dihydrate in sports, many experts in the field of sports pharmacology believe that it can have a positive impact on athletes’ cardiovascular endurance. Dr. Michael Joyner, a sports medicine expert at the Mayo Clinic, stated in an interview with CNN that mildronate dihydrate can improve oxygen delivery to muscles and potentially enhance performance.

Dr. Joyner also noted that mildronate dihydrate is not a performance-enhancing drug in the traditional sense, as it does not directly increase muscle strength or speed. Instead, it can help athletes perform at a higher level for longer periods of time, making it a valuable tool for endurance-based sports.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mildronate dihydrate has shown promising effects on athletes’ cardiovascular endurance. Its ability to improve energy production and oxygen delivery to muscles can lead to improved exercise tolerance and reduced fatigue. While there is still ongoing debate about its use in sports, many experts believe that it can be a valuable tool for athletes looking to improve their performance. As with any supplement or medication, it is important for athletes to consult with a healthcare professional before using mildronate dihydrate and to adhere to all anti-doping regulations.

References

1. Kalvins I, Dambrova M. Mildronate: an antiischemic drug for neurological indications. CNS Drug Rev. 2002;8(3):267-280. doi:10.1111/j.1527-3458.2002.tb00211.x

2. Dambrova M, Makrecka-Kuka M, Vilskersts R, Makarova E, Kuka J, Liepinsh E. Pharmacological effects of meldonium: Biochemical mechanisms and biomarkers of cardiometabolic activity. Pharmacol Res. 2016;113(Pt B):771-780. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2016.09.015

3. Johnson C, Joyner M. Meldonium and the Olympics. Clin J Sport Med. 2016;26(4):279-280. doi:10.1097/JSM.0000000000000321

4. Sharapova M. My doping ban is over, but I’m still fighting to get my name back. The Guardian. Published April 26, 2017. Accessed October 20, 2021. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/apr/26/maria-sharapova-doping-ban-tennis

5. Kulizhnikov breaks 500m world record. International Skating Union. Published November 15, 2015. Accessed October 20, 2021. https://www.isu.org/short-track/news/news-stk/10308-kulizhnikov-breaks-500m-world-record?templateParam=15

6. Abramova O. Sochi 2014. International Biathlon Union. Published February 14, 2014. Accessed October