Another professional wrestler made headlines this week for possession of a substance banned by wrestling organizations. Former olympian and Wrestler Kurt Angle was arrested by the police for possessing HGH or human growth hormone and for violating an order of protection. The 2 vials of HGH Hygetropin which was found in his car together with a syringe were confiscated by the police and he is bound to appear in court to face charges. However, Angle claimed that he had a prescription for the said drug.

Rick Rockwell and Mark Satrang of the Examiner reported that it is not the first time Kurt Angle was involved in performance enhancing drugs. During his days in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Angle already violated the WWE Wellness policy. He was tested for steroid Deca-Durabolin. He was also linked to an Arizona Doctor who prescribed steroids to several professional wrestlers including those who allegedly died because of steroids complications. Based on the records, Angle was able to get prescriptions for Trenbolone and Nandrolone (Deca-Durabolin) from October 2004 to February 2005. He also used HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin and another steroid stanozolol which is more popular as Winstrol. Some of these steroids were also reported prescribed to the late Eddie Guerrero who died from enlargement of the heart caused by constant use of anabolic steroids. Dr. David Wilbirt prescribed steroids and other performance enhancing drugs to patients through the internet which reach more than 3,000 prescriptions.

Due to an increasing number of steroid related issues and deaths of pro wrestlers, the WWE intensifies its drug testing policy. Under its WWE Wellness program, they are conducting steroid tests up to 4 times a year. Violators of this policy were publicly announced to assure transparency. The Total Nonstop Action (TNA) on the other hand conducts drug test once a year and is less transparent on its testing program. Kurt Angle currently works for TNA.

The human growth hormone found on Angle’s car is considered illegal if obtained without a prescription. Online information on Hygetropin showed that it is commonly used to help the growth and development of muscles. Hygetropin is identical to the growth hormone secreted by the human pituitary gland. It is composed of 191 amino acid sequence which controls human growth and development, immunization and metabolism. It has a direct effect on the development of human organs, cells, bones, cartilage, muscles, skin, blood vessels, nerves, liver and kidneys.

Some of its benefits includes increased energy, metabolism and helps in the production of IGF-1 and other hormones in the body. It also improves bone density and results in a better skin tone. For bodybuilders, its most notable effect is having lean muscles because of its fat burning characteristics.

Hygetropin can also cause some side effects to user from mild to severe complications if not used under medical supervision. Common side effects include swelling and pain in the joints. This HGH increases water retention and can cause hypertension. Other side effects are carpal tunnel syndrome, acromegaly, rare form of diabetes and possible death if not used properly.

Jim Ross who had business dealings with Kurt Angle said that he hope Angle can recover from this HGH problem. “If regrouping requires Kurt to leave pro wrestling and moving to other endeavors such as acting full time then so be it. Perhaps the former Olympic Gold Medal winning Freestyle Wrestler in the ‘96 Games in Atlanta puts too much physical pressure on himself in an athletic setting and may be more relaxed and happier if movies were his focus is not being a “jock,” Ross added.

Angle was immediately released after posting a bond and expected to face trial on Tuesday.

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