Polymorphism of uncoupling protein genes in football players: Investigation of the functional role

Abstract

We studied the polymorphism of uncoupling protein genes (families UCPI, 2 and 3) and FTO gene in football players and compared the results with the data obtained in non-sportsmen. All these genes encode the proteins that take part in the regulation of body weight. However, we observed an increased percentage of the carriers of "sparing" allele of the UCP3 gene; the allele frequency of other studied genes showed the same tendency. This finding can be partially explained by the fact that the organism of a sportsman needs to spare energy. Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that there is a significant correlation between the UCP1 and FTO genes and the elastic component of explosive strength of leg muscles. No correlations were found with the body composition and fat distribution(except for the fat distribution in the pelvic area). The UCP2 correlated with the parameters of respiratory functions. The UCP3 genes correlated with the rate of energy production in ramp test and the ergometric parameters of efficiency. It was also found that high rate of uncoupling of oxidation and phosphorylation in muscles results in an increase in total energy consumption rate, but also improves the ergometric parameters of efficiency and intensity of muscle work corresponding with the anaerobic threshold. Obtained data were analyzed in the context of the possible role uncoupling proteins in homeostasis during intense physical activities.