Analysis of Specific MicroRNAs Expressed after Intake of Cobalt and Xenon Preparations for Anti-Doping Control.

Xenon and cobalt are representatives of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activators stimulating erythropoiesis and are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The expression profiles of 84 microRNAs circulating in blood plasma and involved in the regulation of the HIF-1α transcription factor and its downstream signaling pathways were analyzed in volunteers before and after intake of cobalt (II) and xenon preparations using quantitative real-time PCR and certified miRCURY LNA miRNA Focus Panel (Qiagen) for analysis of microRNA expression profiles. Intake of cobalt aspartate increased the expression of hsa-miR-15b-5p, while inhalation of the Xe/O mixture significantly increased the plasma levels of hsa-miR-378a-3p and hsa-miR-491-5p. Thus, we for the first time revealed differential expression of microRNAs circulating in plasma in response to various HIF activators. Potential microRNA markers for identification of cobalt and xenon abuse for anti-doping control are proposed.