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

Abstract

Introduction: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha gene plays an important role in the expression of genes involved in fatty acid, glucose, and energy metabolism. PPARα 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 PPARα G/C of endurance-oriented athletes (long-distance runners) and power/endurance-oriented athletes (wrestlers and football players) (n=158) and non-athletic individuals (n=56). 
 Material and Methods: PPARα intron 7 G/C gene polymorphism was analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. 
 Results: Genotypes and allele frequencies of PPARα 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 PPARα intron 7 G/C were similar in the groups of athlete and non-athletic individuals (p˃0.05). There was no statistically significant association in genotype distribution and allele frequencies of the PPARα gene among endurance-oriented athletes, power/endurance-oriented athletes, and non-athletic individuals (p˃0.05). 
 Conclusion: The PPARα gene polymorphism may not be considered as a distinctive genetic marker in endurance and mixed sport disciplines.