Research Article Assessment of effects of the genetic polymorphisms on soccer athletes

Abstract

Several genes have been identified as important in athletic performance. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism has been related to improvements in performance and exercise duration. However, there are large divergences among studies on the influence of ACE I/D polymorphism on physical performance. Other studies have demonstrated that strenuous exercise generally overloads the endogenous antioxidant system's capacity, leading to oxidative damage to muscles and other tissues in athletes. Few studies have reported significant associations between glutathione S-transferase (GST) deletion polymorphisms and resistance performance in athletes. We examined the effects of ACE I/D and GST deletion polymorphisms in young soccer players in central Brazil. We included 65 soccer players from under-20 (18 to 20 years old) soccer ©FUNPEC-RP www.funpecrp.com.br Genetics and Molecular Research 18 (2): gmr18192 W.C.F. Menezes et al. 2 teams and 60 non-athletes in a case-control study. All subjects had their physical performance investigated through the Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST). Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR. We found that the I/D genotype was significantly more frequent in athletes compared with the non-athletes. Individuals with the ID and DD genotypes had an approximately 3.13-fold and 4.37-fold increase in strength and power-orientated performance, respectively. The DD genotype in athletes presented RAST-test results considered as excellent to good when compared with non-athletes. When we examined a possible association of the GST deletion polymorphisms and RAST test, we found no influence on athletic performance. We did find association between ACE I/D polymorphism and athletic performance. However, there was no association between GST polymorphisms and risk of oxidative damage in the muscles. Our findings may help to select young players with the most favorable genetic potential to succeed as soccer athletes.

Genetic influence on football performance - a systematic review

“…However, others failed to identify any significant relationship between ACE/ACTN3 polymorphisms and performance in young female football players [1]. Previous research suggests no association between the GSTM1/ GSTT1 polymorphisms and increased athletic performance [21]. Lastly, Dinc et al [22] found significant differences between the alleles of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism in terms of aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, favouring the CC allele.…”

“…Endurance. The most studied polymorphisms were ACTN3 [1,15,20], ACE [20,21], AGT and AMPD [20], MTHFR [22], and GST [21]. Overall, 4 studies included young male football players and 1 involved youth female football players [1].…”

“…The association between the ACE and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms and performance endurance was assessed in 4 studies [1,15,20,21]. Dinc et al [22] investigated athletic performance and homocysteine levels in relation to the MTHFR C677T mutation as well as its relationship with other cardiac risk factors.…”

“…Furthermore, it has been observed that athletes with the ID/II genotype perform better on endurance tests [20]. In addition, it has been found that ACE polymorphism is associated with increased anaerobic capacity [21]. Likewise, evidence suggests that athletes with the DD genotype also have an anaerobic power [21].…”

“…In addition, it has been found that ACE polymorphism is associated with increased anaerobic capacity [21]. Likewise, evidence suggests that athletes with the DD genotype also have an anaerobic power [21]. However, others failed to identify any significant relationship between ACE/ACTN3 polymorphisms and performance in young female football players [1].…”