Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
12:59
Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
NRF2 genotype improves endurance capacity in response to training
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|March 16, 2007
Summary
Genetic variations in the nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF2) gene are linked to differences in endurance capacity and training response in young men. These NRF2 gene polymorphisms may influence individual performance improvements.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Endurance capacity exhibits significant inter-individual variability.
- Genetic factors are known to influence athletic performance and training adaptations.
- The nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF2) gene plays a role in cellular stress response and mitochondrial function, potentially impacting energy metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between polymorphisms in the NRF2 gene and endurance capacity.
- To examine how NRF2 gene variations affect changes in running economy (RE) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) following an endurance training program.
- To identify specific NRF2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes related to endurance performance in young Chinese men.
Main Methods:
- Participants: Young Chinese men.
- Measurements: Running economy (RE) assessed via submaximal VO2, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) via incremental exercise testing.
- Genotyping: DNA extracted from blood, with genotyping of NRF2 SNPs rs12594956, rs8031031, and rs7181866 performed using PCR-RFLP.
- Statistical Analysis: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, linkage disequilibrium, and association analyses between genotypes/haplotypes and endurance phenotypes.
Main Results:
- VO2max at baseline was associated with the rs12594956 polymorphism.
- The training response of VO2 at RE was significantly associated with NRF2 SNPs rs12594956, rs8031031, and rs7181866.
- Individuals carrying the ATG haplotype in NRF2 demonstrated a 57.5% greater training response in VO2 at RE compared to non-carriers (p = 0.006).
Conclusions:
- Polymorphisms within the NRF2 gene are associated with individual differences in endurance capacity.
- NRF2 gene variations may contribute to the variability observed in endurance training adaptations.
- These findings suggest that NRF2 genotype could be a factor in predicting endurance performance and response to training.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:11Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...