The genetic profile of elite youth soccer players and its association with power and speed depends on maturity status

Abstract

We investigated the association of multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with athlete status and power/speed performance in elite male youth soccer players (ESP) and control participants (CON) at different stages of maturity. ESP (n = 535; aged 8-23 years) and CON (n = 151; aged 9-26 years) were genotyped for 10 SNPs and grouped according to years from predicted peak-height-velocity (PHV), i.e. pre-or post-PHV, to determine maturity status. Participants performed bilateral vertical countermovement jumps, bilateral horizontal-forward countermovement jumps, 20m sprints and modified 505-agility tests. Compared to CON, pre-PHV ESP demonstrated a higher ACTN3 (rs1815739) XX ('endurance') genotype frequency distribution, while post-PHV ESP revealed a higher frequency distribution of the PPARA (rs4253778) C-allele, AGT (rs699) GG genotype and NOS3 (rs2070744) T-allele ('power' genotypes/alleles). BDNF (rs6265) CC, COL5A1 (rs12722) CC and NOS3 TT homozygotes sprinted quicker than A-allele carriers, CT heterozygotes and CC homozygotes, respectively. COL2A1 (rs2070739) CC and AMPD1 (rs17602729) GG homozygotes sprinted faster than their respective minor allele carrier counterparts in CON and pre-PHV ESP, respectively. BDNF CC homozygotes jumped further than T-allele carriers, while ESP COL5A1 CC homozygotes jumped higher than TT homozygotes. To conclude, we have shown for the first time that pre-and post-PHV ESP have distinct genetic profiles, with pre-PHV ESP more suited for endurance, and post-PHV ESP for power and speed (the latter phenotypes being crucial attributes for post-PHV ESP). We have also demonstrated that power, acceleration and sprint performance were associated with five SNPs, both individually and in combination, possibly by influencing muscle size and neuromuscular activation.

Discriminative validity of the lower and upper quarter Y balance test performance: a comparison between healthy trained and untrained youth

“…One might argue that trained compared to non-trained youth possess a higher amount of long-lasting, continuous and intense training experience [ 27 ]. Another reason might be the genetic profile of trained individuals [ 28 , 29 ]. For example, Murtagh et al [ 28 ] investigated the relationship of multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms with physical performance measures in elite male youth soccer players and control participants.…”

“…Another reason might be the genetic profile of trained individuals [ 28 , 29 ]. For example, Murtagh et al [ 28 ] investigated the relationship of multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms with physical performance measures in elite male youth soccer players and control participants. The authors observed differences in the genetic profile (e.g., higher genotype frequency distribution in soccer players) and showed that physical performance was associated with some measures of the genetic profile.…”

Intra‐individual differences in the effect of endurance versus resistance training on vascular function: A cross‐over study

“…Based on the complex nature of the hemodynamic exercise stimulus, which likely differs within individuals when undertaking RT or END, 11 intra‐individual differences should be considered when comparing the impact of both types of exercise training. To support this notion, studies have linked variations within certain genes (ie, polymorphisms) to elite athlete status, 12,13 and human endurance 14 and strength 15 performance. For example, the nitric oxide (NO) synthase 3 ( NOS3 ) gene encodes endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) 16 .…”

“…Based on the importance of NO for vascular health, 17 NOS3 has been extensively screened for polymorphisms. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), with a thymine (T) to cytosine (C) substitution occurring at nucleotide position −786 (rs2070744), 18 has been associated with athletic performance in various athletes 12,13 . These associations are likely linked to the allele‐specific effects on gene transcription: the T‐allele (TT genotype) is associated with increased NOS3 gene promoter activity, thus increasing eNOS and NO synthesis, while the C‐allele ( ie , TC/CC genotypes) is related to attenuated NO production 19,20 .…”

Частота встречаемости аллелей и генотипов полиморфизма -786T>C гена NOS3 у профессиональных спортсменов – жителей Архангельской области

“…Объясняется данный факт возможностью стимуляции гипертрофии мышц посредством NO-зависимой вазодилатации. Авторами отмечена статистически значимая разница в частоте встречаемости аллелей изучаемого полиморфизма среди футболистов (T-64,7%, C-35,3%) и лиц из группы контроля (T-57,3%, C-42,7%) [6]. Для испанских футболистов, наоборот, установлено, что аллель -786C гена NOS3 ассоциирован с элитными спортивными показателями.…”