Abstract
The presented study showed the relationship between dopamine receptor gene polymorphism and personality traits in athletes training in martial arts. Behavioral modulation resulting from a balance of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine to inactivation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and dysregulation of various pathways involved in attention and impulse control processes; Methods: The study was conducted among martial arts athletes. The study group included 258 volunteers and 284 controls. The genetic test was performed using the real-time PCR method; psychological tests were performed using standardized TCI questionnaires. All analyses were performed using STATISTICA 13. Results: Interaction between martial arts and DRD2 rs1799732 (manual) G/-(VIC/FAM)-ins/del and RD- Harm avoidance and Reward Dependence scale were demonstrated. In athletes, a lower Reward Dependence scale score was associated with the DRD2 rs1799732 (manual)-/-polymorphism compared to the control group. Conclusions: It seems justified to study not only genetic aspects related to brain transmission dopamine in martial arts athletes. In the studied athletes, the features related to reward addiction and harm avoidance are particularly important in connection with the dopaminergic reward system in the brain.
Highlights
The frequency distributions accorded with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE)
There was a statistical difference between martial arts subjects and control subjects (Table 1)
Power calculation—our sample had 51% power to detect in martial arts and control subjects the effects of the studied reward dependence and their interaction effect and more than 60% power to detect the DRD2 rs1799732 genotype effects of the studied reward dependence and their interaction effect
Summary
Possible links between a tendency to participate in high-risk activities and genetic markers have been considered by geneticists. A probable connection between polymorphisms of the D2 subtype dopamine 2 receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor, the inhibitor of adenyl cyclase, and risk-taking, novelty-seeking behavior in humans and other living organisms seem to show a link from a perspective of teleology [1,2,3,4]. Dopamine is treated as the neurotransmitter highly conditioning “action”, addiction and substance abuse. Extreme sport participants and their risk-taking behaviors are conditioned with adrenaline /dopamine/ endorphin surges. The same inflow of dopamine is observed in gambling and risk-heavy professions such as financial trading, which strongly attracts participants as their chosen “edge work” [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
