Mexidol, Cytoflavin, and succinic acid derivatives as antihypoxic, anti ‐ischemic metabolic modulators, and ergogenic aids in athletes and consideration of their potential as performance enhancing drugs

The lines between performance enhancement and therapeutic drugs have narrowed in modern times, and it is more difficult than ever to determine when substance crosses the line and is doping agents. Succinate-based drugs as Mexidol and Cytoflavin are antihypoxic, anti-ischemic aids – have similar biological effects as prohibited by WADA metabolic modulators, meldonium and trimetazidine. The role of Mexidol, Cytoflavin as antihypoxant agents is associated with impact on the Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production, expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) . AbstractEmoxypine (ethylmethylhydroxypyridine) is a synthetic derivative of vitamin B6. Emoxypine succinate is a registered drug in Russia and Ukraine under various trade names including Mexidol, Mexicor, and Armadin Long. Mexidol demonstrates antihypoxic and anti-ischemic effects and also modulates metabolism. The use of Mexidol by Russian athletes has been confirmed in the past. Current use by athletes is unknown as this drug is not monitored or included in drug testing protocol. Metabotropic and antihypoxic effects of Mexidol were compared to the effects of meldonium or trimetazidine, both of which are included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List in category S4.4. Metabolic Modulators. The conjugation of emoxypine with succinate elevates the therapeutic effectiveness of the Mexidol formulation as succinic acid itself has important impacts to consider despite being a common food add...
Source: Drug Testing and Analysis - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research