The much needed improvement was stressed by Dr. Johnny Benjamin in an interview with Gorgeous Gorge of MMAJunkie Radio. He is a medical consultant and an outspoken observer on many health related issues in MMA, including performance-enhancing drugs and the dangers of weight-cutting.

The recent implementation of the UFC of a mandatory pre-screening for steroids before qualifying for a competition is considered a good development for the sports organization. Participation of players in the long-term study of brain trauma was also encouraged by UFC.

One of the most important concerns in mixed martial art is however left-out – the fighter safety issue.

Higher Safety Standard for UFC Fighters

Along with growing popularity of mixed martial arts, Dr. Benjamin believes that UFC should meet higher standard of handling safety issues at par with the first-tier sports in the world.

MMA is regarded by UFC President Dana White as the most regulated sport in the world. However, equally important things such as squashing out performance-enhancers in UFC and fighter-safety issues are considered by White out of his hands.

In dealing with the overall safety of athletes, Dr Benjamin noted that UFC had not been accepting the responsibility but rather hand down several key issues to the athletic commissions. “First-tier sports don’t go to the states and say, ‘You know what, guys? You implement this for us,’” he said. Major league sports in the country implements their own anti-doping policies. They also conduct their own drug testing especially for anabolic steroids.

Enhancements on their safety programs should be taken as a priority by the UFC. Cap on weight-cutting, random drug testing for performance enhancing drugs, a national health database for fighters and a thorough training for referees are some of the recommendations Dr. Benjamin stated on his interview.

UFC Fighters Classified as Independent Contractors

Major-league counterparts of UFC such as football and baseball have their own players association that represents the players union in collective-bargaining agreement in the league. Fighters in UFC however, do not have such agreements. They are classified as independent contractors rather than UFC employees. Unlike other major sports leagues, UFC dot not provide full medical insurance and pension for their fighters.

There were nevertheless efforts coming from the promotion that were often done behind closed doors that facilitates the granting of accident-insurance plus the management’s attempt to go beyond the commission-mandated fight-night insurance as a means to assist its fighters. Dr. Benjamin stays optimistic citing that UFC will someday emulate responsibilities toward their fighters just like how its major-league counterparts do.

Independent Lab will Test UFC144 Fighters

Meanwhile, an independent drug-testing laboratory will screen fighters in the upcoming UFC 144 fight in Japan. The UFC usually hires outside firms to conduct drug testing for international shows.

Lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and challenger Ben Henderson is the main card for the fight this coming February 25 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Co-main event fight is between former champ Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Ryan Bader. Online reports showed that more than 15,000 tickets were already sold for the show. Several Japanese fighters will also take part in the under card of UFC 144.

No Steroid Test after the Fight

But the most interesting issue right now is the complaint of Rubio’s camp prompting the World Boxing Council (WBC) to issue a statement defending their side. Some boxing writers, on the other hand, believe that the Texas Athletic Commission should also share in the blame. The three issues were the lack of post-fight steroid test for the main card events, the open scoring, and a bias referee.

Though it may look like that Rubio can’t just accept his loss, the complaints seems to be valid. State athletic commissions usually conduct pre and post fight drug test on all boxers especially those at the main card. It includes recreational and performance enhancing drugs like steroids. But in the case of Chavez vs Rubio event, there was no after fight testing.

The WBC blamed the commission for their failure to test the fighters claiming that it is not the duty of the boxing organization to test boxers. In the statement released to the media, the WBC urge Rubio’s camp to direct their complaint to the Texas Athletic Commission. “If a drug test was not performed, that is something that always corresponds to the local commissions - which in this case was the responsibility of the Texas commission and not the World Boxing Council.” They also said that the commission should explain these issues to the fighters. “The WBC can not get involved in the internal affairs of the commissions. It is up to Texas to respond to those claims.”

Who’s to Blame? WBC or Texas Athletic Commission

But who should really take the responsibility in conducting the steroid test. Is it the WBC or the commission? According to Rubio’s camp, the WBC told them that they forgot to conduct the post-fight test. However, the recent statement of the boxing organization points their finger at the commission. Online reports revealed that the Texas Athletic Commission failed to book a laboratory that will handle the post-fight steroid testing. Although, it is not surprising that this fiasco happened because the state of Texas is known for its lenient policy on drug testing. Their anti-doping policy is not comparable to the Nevada and California state athletic commissions

There was also a rumor that Chavez Jr was on PED’s. Rubio allegedly told his corner during the fight that Chavez’s power is unusual. According to a boxing site, Rubio should not be surprised if he received power punches from Chavez Jr because the latter is overweight. The middleweight champion failed to meet the catch weight which makes him 10 lbs heavier than Rubio.

On the other hand, if the commission conducted the test or the WBC insisted for the drug testing, there will be no accusations about the use of performance enhancing drugs in this event. It is a fact that the use of anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, and diuretics helps an athlete improve his performance. If they know that the commission will not be testing for PED’s then it is always tempting to take supplements that will boost their strength and stamina.

This will be a lesson both for the WBC and the Texas Athletic Commission. Since the issue of steroid use in boxing is still a hot topic, organizers and regulators should adopt policies that will prevent and catch cheating fighters.

It’s not surprising that Hollywood actors and actresses are into the latest anti-aging trend – the use of human growth hormone. The benefits of HGH enticed dozens of ageing Hollywood celebrities of spending almost $240 for a single HGH injection and approximately $ 11,000 a year. Human growth hormone has indeed become a fancy pursuit for most Hollywood personalities who are desperate to look young and feel young.

Effects of Injecting Human Growth Hormone that Lured Hollywood Celebrities

The appeal of human growth hormone to Hollywood actors and actresses is becoming widespread according to the Vanity Fair Magazine. In the interview of Ned Zeman of some Hollywood people, actors who are in their 50’s but still have the ripped abs are probably taking HGH.

A Hollywood film maker also imparted the benefits of HGH in his body. “My internal organs got healthier quickly. And I could feel it - the main impact of HGH. It very much imbues you with a sense of clarity and confidence.” he said.

Increased sex drive, tighter skin and the feeling of becoming 20 years younger are few of the most notable effect of HGH injection. The increasing demand is attributed to the idea that hormones wane as we age and if we replace them, we are also returning the levels of human growth hormones our body has when we’re still on our prime. Through the increased level of human growth hormone in our body, we are able to regain good health, energy levels and libido, just what we have in our younger days.

HGH users further claimed that they are able to sleep better after HGH injection. Rod Stewart’s ex-wife, Alana Stewart also revealed that she went through HGH injection to stop her hair from turning gray.

HGH is also used to build muscles by bodybuilders. Sylvester Stallone also took human growth hormone to get in shape for his role in Rocky IV. Reports even showed that he was caught by Australian custom agents with 48 vials of Jintropin a few years ago.

The benefits of HGH for Actor Nick Nolte seem to be very significant as he regard HGH as ‘a systems repair’ while TV Actress Suzanne Somers regards HGH supplements a ‘sex in a capsule’.

HGH is a rejuvenating force according to Dr. Uzzi Reiss, an advocate of HGH use. “I’ve been taking HGH for many years. I have the energy and vibrancy of a man half my age. I don’t get sick, don’t get jet-lagged,” he said. Dr. Reiss also performs HGH injections to his patients who would want to experience the benefits of HGH.

HGH Benefits for Cosmetic Purposes Not Yet Proven

Since 1990’s human growth hormone is used as a form of treatment for patients with rare condition of growth hormone deficiency. However, HGH supplements became popular to bodybuilders and now for actors and actresses. It is available in pill form, injectables or homeopathic remedies.

The theory behind HGH use is still unproven but its age defying properties are widely affirmed by HGH users. Dr. Andre Berger, a Los Angeles based expert even claimed that HGH injections were perfectly safe. But a quick research on the internet will lead you to stated facts of Mayo Clinic that there is still very little evidence to suggest human growth hormone can help healthy adults regain youth and vitality.

Side-effects including carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling in the limbs and enlargement of male breast tissue can also manifest. HGH users are also warned that they may suffer joint pain, muscle pain, increased risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and in men increased breast growth.

HGH advocates attested to the efficacy of the drug for anti-aging but further studies should be made to understand how it really works.

This is a total contradiction on the stand of the football league. According to Goodell, they are hoping that the human growth hormone test will be implemented in the next off-season. The league is optimistic that the previous meetings with the union representatives are moving them to a better deal. It is a possibility that the union may agree to no-game day testing for HGH but there is no concrete agreement on this yet.

The Current Testing Methods for HGH

The NFLPA insists that the current testing method for human growth hormone is not 100 percent fool proof. They said there was no independent body that validated the methods. The player’s union even asked for a separate study on football players just to prove the reliability of the HGH test. However, the WADA accused the NFLPA for stalling the implementation of the new anti-doping policy. They argued that the methods are reliable and supported by many anti-doping scientists. The testing method is also used in the Olympics.

Lawmakers are also trying to persuade the union to accept the testing. The continued resistance of the union for a more stringent anti-doping measure could be perceived negatively by young football fans. Last December, Senator McCain urged his colleagues in the Senate to conduct a hearing on the HGH testing stand off. There was also a move in the Lower House but it seems the pressure is not affecting the union at this time.

The Union will continue to Fight

The NFL may not be able to put into effect HGH testing in the next season if the union will continue imposing their demands. As long as Smith will be representing the football players, the league will be facing a hard time fulfilling their promise to institute better policy for football. “We are going to continue to fight and ensure that due process is something that is not thrown away at the expense of just having the test,” said Smith at the press conference.

However, Smith clarified that if they can get a system that is truly transparent, then they will adhere to the HGH testing. The union is committed to safeguard the player’s safety and health. Smith also pointed out his concern on the health care for former players and the use of painkillers in the football league.

Those people who will try to bully the player’s union in taking HGH test will surely find stiff resistance and will never achieve a “touchdown” on this issue. The major sports organization in the country that boasted another breakthrough in the anti-doping initiative will possibly be the last to implement such program.

With so many charges filed against Armstrong, from fraud to conspiracy and systematic doping, the government failed to gather enough evidences that are strong enough in putting the legendary cyclist into jail. In fact, the government used all the resources in finding evidences particularly his use of performance enhancing drugs. Jeff Novitsky, one of the leading investigators in the case, even went to France and other European countries to gather doping test results.

Former Teammates Lead the List of Accusers

The steroid rumor has been haunting Armstrong for years but critics failed to get concrete evidence on his use of PED’s. It was in 2010 where cyclist Floyd Landis, a former champion involved in the use of anabolic steroids, encouraged the federal authorities to conduct an investigation on Armstrong. Landis provided “damning evidence” about the use of steroids and illegal blood transfusions of the US Postal Team where Armstrong was also a member. Landis claimed that the championship titles of Armstrong were aided by the use of illegal performance enhancing substances and methods.

Cyclist Tyler Hamilton also accused Armstrong of using EPO from 1999 to 2001 Tour de France. In the course of the investigation, former teammates and close friends were also called and testified against Armstrong. Some of them were Betsy Andreu, the wife of Frankie Andreu who was a former teammate of Armstrong; Ukrainian cyclist Yaroslav Popovych, who was part of the Armstrong team in 2005; Allen Lim, an exercise physiologist for Team Radioshack; and longtime Armstrong friend Stephanie McIlvain. All of their testimonies have been linked to the doping activities of the team and Lance Armstrong.

Witnesses not Happy

The dropping of the charges put the witnesses in shock. Betsy Andreu told the media that the legal system failed in this case as she aired her disgust on the decision of the prosecution. “This is what happens when you have a lot of money and you can buy attorneys who have people in high places in the Department of Justice,” she said. The lawyer of Hamilton also said that the dropping of criminal charges against Armstrong doesn’t mean the champion cyclist did not cheat in the competition. Landis, who even helped the feds in gathering evidence against Armstrong, has yet to give comments on the recent development of the case.

Armstrong: It’s the Right Decision

Lance Armstrong told the media that he was pleased by the decision of the prosecution. “It is the right decision and I commend them for reaching it. I look forward to continuing my life as a father, a competitor, and an advocate in the fight against cancer without this distraction,” he said. Ever since, Armstrong denied that he was involved in a systematic doping or used steroids to boost his performance in the tours that he participated in.

Some observers linked the decision to Armstrong’s charitable endeavors. His Livestrong Foundation already helped hundreds of cancer patients and continuously gaining support from various entities. Another possible reason is the lack of concrete evidence that will convict Armstrong beyond reasonable doubt. Though there were evidences that will point to his doping activities, the main charges were focused on his alleged infringement of federal laws like fraud, racketeering and criminal conspiracy. The investigation on his doping is just secondary. It’s possible that the prosecution failed to prove that Armstrong used government sponsorship to buy steroids or other PED’s.

USADA will not give up Anti-Doping Campaign in Cycling

But this is not yet a total victory for Armstrong. The USADA is not giving up on the issue of doping. USADA Chief Travis Tygart told the AP that their investigation will continue to eradicate doping in the sports of cycling. “We look forward to obtaining the information developed during the federal investigation,” he added.

Dr. Raymond Heller of Omaha admitted in court that he participated in an illegal steroid operation of another respondent, Edward Franklin Ward, 52, of Harvest, Alabama. Ward allegedly forwarded to him clients with whom he did not personally examined. Dr Heller signed prescriptions mostly for testosterone. This drug was commonly prescribed to clients of Ward in his anti-aging clinic. In return, Heller was paid $50 for each signed prescription.

Dr Heller explained in court that he signed prescriptions for people whose medical profiles indicate that they are suffering from hormone deficiency. However, prescribing steroids to patients without actual examination is considered illegal in the country. Court records also showed that the doctor did not even have any contact with the said clients or patients.

Probation plus Fines

The probation terms of Dr Heller includes 8 months of house arrest and 100 hours of community service. He will also take part in the forfeiture of $685,741 together with Ward. This is the estimated proceeds from the illegal transactions of the two respondents in the case. If the probation term is revoked, the doctor can face a jail term of up to 10 years.

On the other hand, Edward Ward is expected to be sentenced on April 10. Both respondents pleaded guilty last year. The Nebraska review board will also conduct a hearing on Dr Heller’s case to determine if his license will be revoked or not.

Dr Galea Facing Another set of Charges in Canada

Meanwhile, the famous Canadian sports doctor, Anthony Galea, will be facing another set of charges in his home country. Dr Galea also entered into a plea agreement in a US District Court last year regarding his unauthorized practice of medicine in the US. He was also charged for introducing unapproved drug Actovegin in the country. The doctor became famous for his blood spinning treatment but was also accused of using human growth hormone in his treatments.

However, the doctor did not received jail term for the various charges because of his cooperation with the authorities. But still he was required to get permission from the government if he intends to enter the US. He was also barred from practicing his profession.

Several professional athletes received treatment from the doctor which authorities said received not just plasma therapy but also human growth hormones. Growth hormone is a banned substance in professional sports because it can be used to gain competitive advantage. Some of the famous athletes treated by Galea were Alex Rodriguez and Tiger Woods.

The charges that Dr Galea will be facing in Canada include conspiracy to import an unapproved drug and conspiracy to export a drug under the Criminal Code, selling an unapproved drug under the Food and Drugs Act, and smuggling goods into Canada under the Customs Act.

His next hearing will be on March 1.

The study was published by Lippincontt Williams and Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health. It was issued on the January circulation of Neurosurgery, the official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The researchers claim that their study did not seen any indications that will strengthen the theory of steroid‘s contribution to long-term damaging effects of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).

The Course of the Research

The research was performed through the use of a standard technique to induce traumatic brain injury in the research animals injected with steroid before and after the injury. Dr. James Mills and his colleagues analyzed the brainstem specimens then performed a comparison on the levels of protein called beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP). This serves as an indicator of brain cell damage caused by MTBI.

The comparison made by the researchers on the impact of brain trauma showed no difference between rats that was injected with steroids and those who did not. The elevations in APP level of both groups are similar. Further comparison was conducted in a group of rats that were not subjected to brain injury. Researchers however, got the same result. APP levels of rats with steroids indicate no variation to those who did not receive steroid treatment.

Dr. James Mills and his colleagues concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that anabolic steroids intensify the degree of damage to the degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma in athletes.

Exposure to repetitive MTBI causes CTE

The experiment performed in the rats can be typically likened to the brain damages that an athlete may suffer repeatedly during the highlight of his career. Medical findings states that professional athletes who constantly suffer from mild traumatic brain injury may develop a progressive neurodegenerative disease called chronic trauma encephalopathy (CTE). After retirement professional athlete may suffer wide range of mental, emotional and physical problems because of CTE.

Suspicions that steroid can also play a role in acquiring that kind of ailment had been a popular theory in the field of sports. It is known that the pattern of abnormalities in the brains of patients with CTE is caused by repetitive brain trauma but sportsmen are also inclined to the possibility that steroid use may affect the development of CTE.

The result of Dr. Mills and his colleagues study finally shed some facts to the speculations involving anabolic steroid use to the development of CTE. Although the group of researchers accepts that there are still limitations in regard with their animal experiments, they affirm that exposure to repetitive MTBI is still the main cause of CTE. “We see no adverse effect or causative role of anabolic steroid administration on the brain following MTBI with the use of APP counts as a marker for anatomic injury.” Clinical studies shows that CTE risk is most likely related to exposure to repetitive MTBI with a tendency toward a genetic predisposition, said the researchers.

Brain Damage: Something that Athlete Should Watch Out For

Athletes should know that even minor injuries can result to a serious and long lasting concern. With or without steroid use, brain injury remains to be the cause of variety of health problems. An accident or a hard blow in the head can develop gradually and build up brain damage and concussions that were not immediately apparent. Using anabolic steroid is one thing but the risk of brain injury in athletes should be something that to watch out for as this can have a lasting influence on a person’s life.

The player’s union questioned WADA’s method of testing and even requested for a separate population study just for the football players. The World Anti-Doping agency adopted the testing methods for HGH in 2004 and has not gained any resistance from various sports organizations from around the world. Many scientists have also supported the method saying it is reliable. They also contend that the methods in detecting synthetic HGH already improved.

Player’s Union Stalling the Implementation

The union has been criticized for stalling the implementation of the HGH test. The USADA, the IOC and the WADA all have the same opinion on this issue. The football player’s union does not want the test. The Congress even tried to use their power to convince the union. But it seems the NFLPA will stand on their belief whatever happens. In fact, they were able to complete a season without the HGH test. This may continue in the next season as long as the league will not concede to their demands for an independent validation of the HGH test.

Just recently, the former head of WADA, Dick Pound, lambasted the player’s union for preventing the implementation of human growth hormone test. “The NFLPA have turned to their ubiquitous lawyers to throw as much sand as money can buy into the gears of an effective testing program,” Pound wrote.

Pound added that the lawyers of the union have turned themselves into scientists and talks about concerns on the reliability of the scientific tests for HGH. The former head of WADA contend that the claims are baseless. He clarified that the WADA did not approve the HGH testing procedure if there were no consensus among experts. “No one wants any athlete to be sanctioned on the basis of a false positive test,” he added.

Players should not be Worried if they are not Doping

For Pound, it is a clear effort of the player’s union to avoid the testing for performance enhancing substances. “If the NFL players claim they are drug-free, they should be ready to prove it and stop hiding behind phoney claims that good science is bad science,” he added.

A former member of the national labor relations also echoed the same opinion. “It’s definitely more of a negotiating issue than a scientific issue. The science, so far as I understand it, is pretty clear-cut,” William Gould told the USAToday.

No Game-Day Testing in the Off-Season?

Although there was no significant agreement on both parties, the league still hopes that HGH testing can be included in the off-season. Based on online reports, the league and the union have been conducting talks to discuss the issue.

But this time, the league may concede to some terms. Originally, the league and the union both agreed to random and unannounced blood testing where each player will be tested for HGh at least once a year. It will also include game-day testing. However, most players are not in favor of game-day testing which require giving blood sample to anti-doping officials. If both parties agree on this, doping players has more time to prepare for the test. HGH supplements usually leave the body in just 2-3 days.

Steroids Used to Boost Carvalho’s Physique

The player also alleged that using steroids at that time is normal since Russia has no doping test yet. The Brazilian soccer player even disclosed that steroids injections were made by the doctor of his former club. As a result, he gained almost 18 pounds just after 6 months. He opined that these injections made the players, including him, improve their physique and become stronger.

The steroid issue came out when Carvalho was asked about his current physique which is considered as overweight. The new player of Palmeiras argued it was the steroids that change his physical structure and he is now facing a hard time maintaining a better weight.

The Club did not Forced Him to Take Steroids

But after the news circulated in the internet, CSKA Moscow allegedly called Carvalho about the accusation. The player immediately issued a press release retracting his previous statement. This time, the former star player of the CSKA denied that the club forced him to take anabolic steroids. “Nobody was forced to take anything.” However, he admits that he took the same food supplements that his teammates were also taking on a regular basis. He decided to stop taking the drug after he learned about its possible health effect to his heart.

He also clarified that he doesn’t know if those injections were performance enhancing drugs. “I don’t know if it was an anabolic steroid, I don’t have the medical knowledge to know that,” Carvalho said. “If it was, it’s something that happened 10 years ago and it’s in the past. If it wasn’t, I apologize to the Russians for the badly used words,” the player added.

Carvalho’s International Fame

After playing for the Sport Club Internacional, Carvalho played for the CSKA Moscow where he received commendation for his great performance in the 2005 EUFA Cup. He received the Russian Footballer Award in that year. He help the team get their first EUFA title. The attacking midfielder was released by the CSKA Moscow in 2010 and signed for the Atletico Mineiro. Carvalho also played for Brazil national team in 2006.

Daniel Carvalho is now with the Palmeiras club hoping to show again his prowess in the field. But with this steroid issue, his credibility will be questioned. Are those 34 goals he made during his international career is aided by anabolic steroids? The CSKA will also face a PR nightmare. They have to explain if they are really involved in systematic doping of their soccer players just to win the EUFA cup.

According to White, the policy had actually been in effect for the past season in TUF. They were encouraged to adopt the said rules for all other fighters. All Zuffa fighters – regardless of whether they are in the UFC, Strikeforce, or “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series will now be required by the new drug testing policy to pass a pre-fight drug test for anabolic steroids before they can sign a contract and be able to compete.

Negative Side Effects of Steroids to Young Fighters

The new drug testing policy for performance-enhancing drugs will show how important it is for the UFC to even out the playing field of athletes. But White believes that more significant issue of possibly controlling the dangerous side effects of steroids can be addressed through this more intense measure of steroid drug testing. Young athletes that are lured into using steroids to be able to compete in MMA can also be prevented.

“So if we can stop that stuff early with these athletes that are young and have the talent to be here, we feel we’ll win half the battle,” White told an MMA site.

Keeping the fighters away from banned substances for good is considered as the other part of the battle against steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs. But White said that such things are the responsibility of the state athletic commissions and not of the UFC. He further cited that the commissions’ testing procedures are far more stringent as compared to other pro sports leagues like the NFL and the MLB.

There might have no single way of clearing out steroid users in MMA but UFC will at least going to try to make it tougher for them to get in with this new drug testing policy.

Zuffas’ Decision Not Enough But Not A Bad Move

Regardless of the purpose or the timing of an instant pre-qualifying steroid drug testing rule of Zuffa, its effect would be substantial to address the growing number of athletes that are into steroids. But to seriously clean up the sport from steroids and performance-enhancing drugs a random out-of-competition testing is a better option.

However, in the history of MMA such provision is something that the athletic commission or other sanctioning body has not effectively, seriously and consistently pursued.

If Zuffa intends to deal with drug issue on a deeper level, they should carry out more stringent policies and punishments for PED users. Zuffa being a powerful entity in the MMA could do so much to fight the battle against steroid use. It surely can implement something that would finally make the UFC fighters think twice before using steroids because of the bigger chances of getting caught.