Genetic Differences in Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha Gene in Endurance Athletes (Long Distance Runners) and Power/Endurance Athletes (Wrestlers, Football Players)

Abstract

Purpose: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha gene plays an important role in the expression of genes involved in fatty acid, glucose, and energy metabolism. PPARa intron 7 G/C polymorphism (rs4253778) is one of the genes associated with athletic performance. This study aimed to investigate the genotype distribution and allele frequencies of PPARa G/C of endurance-oriented athletes (long-distance runners) and power/endurance-oriented athletes (wrestlers and football players) and non-athletic individuals.Material and Methods: The elite Turkish wrestlers (n=53), football players (n=71), long-distance runners (n=34), and non-athletic individuals (n=56) were involved in the study. The PPARa G/C polymorphism in intron 7 was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and restriction fragment length polymorphism method (RFLP). Genomic DNA was extracted by the phenol/chloroform method. Genotyping for the intron 7 G/C variant was performed by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion. The amplified fragment of 266 bp digested by TaqI restriction enzyme generated 216 bp and 50 bp in the presence of the CC genotype, and only 266 bp in the presence of the GG genotype.Results: Genotypes and allele frequencies of PPARa intron 7 G/C were compared between endurance-oriented athletes (long-distance runners) and power/endurance-oriented athletes (wrestlers, and football players) categorized according to their sport disciplines. In addition, athletes were compared to non-athletic individuals. The genotype and allele frequencies of PPARa intron 7 G/C were similar in the groups of athletes and non-athletic individuals (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant association in genotype distribution and allele frequencies of the PPARa gene among endurance-oriented athletes, power/endurance-oriented athletes, and non-athletic individuals (p>0.05).Conclusion: The PPARa gene polymorphism may not be considered as a distinctive genetic marker in endurance and mixed sport disciplines.