The relationship between physical performance the genetic polymorphism in soccer athletes

• Grant number: 11/21586-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2012
• End date: August 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Sandra Lia do Amaral Cardoso
• Grantee: Sandra Lia do Amaral Cardoso
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Carlos Ferreira dos Santos

Abstract

The physical performance is a complex response that requires a tight combination of several factors, modifiable or not, which will culminate in the most effective response. There is increasing evidence that anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters, fiber composition, oxygen output, substrate utilization, trainability and hydro-electrolytic homeostasis can be strongly influenced by the genetics. In order to achieve the excellence, the trainers are continually looking for the most perfect strategy. Nowadays, the high technology allows us to identify several different genetic polymorphisms which can help to transform one athlete or one team in winners. However, there is a small number of works that shows a relationship between physical performance and genetic polymorphisms in collective sports. Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate if the different responses in physical performance among soccer athletes can be partially explained by genetic polymorphisms. The specific objectives are: 1/ to analyze the associations between spring and strength performance and ACTN3 e angiotensinogen genes polymorphisms; 2/ to correlate the endurance performance with gene AMPD1 gene polymorphism, since this gene is associated to ATP re-synthesis; 3/ to analyze the association between cardiac hypertrophy, blood pressure and endurance performance with polymorphisms of angiotensinogen and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genes. One hundred soccer athletes will be analyzed. Blood pressure and heart rate will be recorded after 10 minutes resting. DNA will be extracted from saliva donated by the athletes. The variants of ACTN3, AMPD1, angiotensinogen and ACE genes will be identified by PCR amplification. Physical tests will be performed in order to evaluate spring, strength and endurance performance. (AU)