Right Ventricular Adaptation Is Associated with the Glu298Asp Variant of the NOS3 Gene in Elite Athletes

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO), an important endogenous pulmonary vasodilator is synthetized by the endothelial NO synthase (NOS3). Reduced NO bioavailability and thus the Glu298Asp polymorphism of NOS3 may enhance right ventricular (RV) afterload and hypertrophic remodeling and influence athletic performance. To test this hypothesis world class level athletes (water polo players, kayakers, canoeists, rowers, swimmers, n = 126) with a VO2 maximum greater than 50ml/kg/min were compared with non-athletic volunteers (n = 155). Cardiopulmonary exercise tests and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) were performed to determine structural or functional changes. Genotype distribution of the NOS3 Glu298Asp polymorphism was not affected by gender or physical performance. Cardiac MRI showed increased stroke volume with eccentric hypertrophy in all athletes regardless of their genotype. However, the Asp allelic variant carriers had increased RV mass index (32±6g versus 27±6g, p<0.01) and larger RV stroke volume index (71±10ml versus 64±10ml, p<0.01) than athletes with a Glu/Glu genotype. Genotype was not significantly associated with athletic performance. In the non-athletic group no genotype related differences were detected. The association between the NOS3 Glu298Asp polymorphism and RV structure and dimension in elite athletes emphasizes the importance of NOS3 gene function and NO bioavailability in sport related cardiac adaptation.

FAAH rs324420 Polymorphism Is Associated with Performance in Elite Rink-Hockey Players

“…Its influence in the right ventricular structure was studied in elite water polo players, rowers, kayakers, canoeists and swimmers [ 53 ]. Although not significantly associated with sport performance, athletes carrying the rs1799983 T allele demonstrated increased right ventricular mass index (32 ± 6 g vs. 27 ± 6 g, p < 0.01) and larger right ventricular stroke volume index (71 ± 10 mL vs. 64 ± 10 mL, p < 0.01) compared with their counterparts [ 55 ].…”

Atletik Performans ve Spor Genetiği

“…Nitrik oksit (NO) önemli bir kardiyovasküler regülatördür, pulmoner dolaşımdaki akış düzenlerini modüle eder ve iskelet kasları ve kardiyak fonksiyon üzerindeki etkilerle egzersiz performansını etkiler. Endotelyal NO sentaz kalpteki ana NO kaynağıdır ve genetik varyantları NO biyoyararlanımı üzerinde bir etkiye sahip olabilir [42]. Farklı klinik koşullarda NOS3 geninin çeşitli genetik varyantlarının incelenmesi, anlamlı etnik ve genotip dağılımı ile ilgili farklılıklar göstermiştir.…”

Physical activity, sport and hypertension = Fizikai aktivitás, sport és hipertonia

“…According to our present knowledge, the cases of genetically determined ARCV and right ventricular arrythmogenic cardiomyopathy acquired by extreme sport activity cannot be differentiated even by exercise echocardiographic or exercise MRI methods. Recently, Szelid et al (2015) pointed out in Hungarian sportsmen, that the polymorphism of nitrogen monoxide (NO), the NOS3 Glu298Asp may also have a causative role in the development of the sport-induced ARVC.…”