The influence of genetic polymorphisms on performance and cardiac and hemodynamic parameters among Brazilian soccer players

Abstract

This study investigated whether ACTN3 R577X, AMPD1 C34T, I/D ACE, and M235T AGT polymorphisms can affect performance tests such as jumping, sprinting, and endurance in 220 young male athletes from professional minor league soccer team from São Paulo Futebol Clube, Brazil. I/D ACE and M235T AGT polymorphisms were also analyzed according to cardiac and hemodynamic parameters. Athletes were grouped or not by age. DNA from saliva and Taqman assays were used for genotyping 220 athletes and the results were associated with performance tests. Ventricle mass, ventricle end-diastolic diameter, end-diastolic volume, and ejection fraction were assessed by echocardiogram. Arterial pressure, heart rate, and oximetry were assessed by a cardioscope. The main results of this study were that athletes who carried RR/RX (ACTN3) and DD (ACE) genotypes presented better performance during jump and sprint tests. On the other hand, athletes with ID/II genotype presented better results during endurance test, while AGT genotypes did not seem to favor the athletes during the evaluated physical tests. CC genotype (AMPD1) only favored the athletes during 10-m sprint test. Although there are environmental interactions influencing performance, the present results suggest that RR/RX ACTN3 and ACE DD genotypes may benefit athletes in activities that require strength and speed, while II ACE genotype may benefit athletes in endurance activities. This information could help coaches to plan the training session to improve the athletes' performance.

Genetic influence on football performance - a systematic review

“…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.…”

“…Honarpour et al [15] found that football players had higher frequencies of ACTN3 577RR and 577RX genotypes than that of the general population. 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].…”

Association of Monocarboxylate Transporter-1 (MCT1) A1470T Polymorphism (rs1049434) with Forward Football Player Status.

“…Furthermore, regarding the influence of genetic variants on specific key factors in football performance, published findings are discordant. For example, some authors have found an interaction between polymorphisms and vertical jump height [13,26,29,36], short distance running speed and aerobic capacity [36], while other authors reported no association between genetic markers and quantitative traits of football performance [9].…”

An innovative way to highlight the power of each polymorphism on elite athletes phenotype expression

“…On the other hand, DD genotypes may benefit athletes in activities that require strength and speed, while II ACE genotype in endurance activities. 24 …”