Introduction.
Variant (rs1805086, c.458A>G, p.Lys(K)153Arg(R), (K153R) of the myostatin gene (MSTN) has been associated with a skeletal muscle phenotype (hypertrophic response in muscles due to strength training). However, there are not enough reliable data to demonstrate whether the K and R allelic variants of MSTN rs1805086 are valid genetic factors that can affect the strength phenotype of athletes’ skeletal muscles.
Purpose.
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association of MSTN rs1805086 polymorphism with the strength phenotype of athletes.
Materials and methods.
This study analyzed 71 research articles on myostatin and performed a meta-analysis of MSTN K153R rs1805086 polymorphism in strength-oriented athletes and control (non-athletes) group.
Results.
It was found that athletes in the strength-oriented athletes group had a higher frequency of the R minor allele than that in the control group (OR = 2.02, P = 0.05).
Conclusion.
Thus, the obtained results convincingly demonstrate that there is an association between the studied polymorphism and strength phenotype of athletes; therefore, further studies on this association are scientifically warranted.