Nine genetic polymorphisms associated with power athlete status – A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

ObjectivesIn this study the association between genetic polymorphisms and power athlete status with possible interference by race and sex was investigated to identify genetic variants favourable for becoming a power athlete. DesignThis meta-analysis included both, case-control and Cohort studies. MethodsDatabases of PubMed and Web of Science were searched for studies reporting on genetic polymorphisms associated with the status of being a power athlete. Thirty-five articles published between 2008 and 2016 were identified as eligible including a total number of 5834 power athletes and 14,018 controls. A series of meta-analyses were conducted for each of the identified genetic polymorphisms associated with power athlete status. Odds ratios (ORs) based on the allele and genotype frequency with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated per genetic variant. Heterogeneity of the studies was addressed by Chi-square based Q-statistics at 5% significance level and a fixed or random effects model was used in absence or presence of heterogeneity respectively. Stratified analyses were conducted by race and sex to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. ResultsSignificant associations were found for the genetic polymorphisms in the ACE (rs4363, rs1799752), ACTN3 (rs1815739), AGT (rs699), IL6-174 (rs1800795), MnSOD (rs1799725), NOS3 (rs1799983, rs2070744) and SOD2 (rs4880) genes. ConclusionsNine genetic polymorphisms have been identified in the meta-analyses to have a significant association with the status of being a power athlete. Nevertheless, more research on the investigated genes needs to be done to draw comprehensive conclusions.