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High prevalence of the IGF2 rs680 GG polymorphism among top-level sprinters and jumpers
Sigal Ben-Zaken1, Yoav Meckel1, Dan Nemet2
1The Academic College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the Wingate Institute, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Netanya 42902, Israel.
Abstract:
Previous studies have shown that the IGF1 polymorphism is associated with greater muscle mass and improved power athletic ability, but very little is known about the IGF2 polymorphism and athletic performance.
Purpose:
The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency distribution of the IGF2 rs680 polymorphism among Israeli athletes.
Methods:
185 short- (n=72) and long-distance (n=113) runners, 94 short- (n=44) and long-distance (n=50) swimmers, 54 weight lifters and 111 controls participated in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral EDTA treated anti-coagulated blood using a standard protocol. Genotyping of the IGF2 A/G polymorphism (rs680) was performed using allelic discrimination assay.
Results:
The frequency of IGF2 (rs680) G allele carriers was significantly greater among top compared to national-level track and field sprinters and jumpers (p<0.05). The IGF2 (rs680) GG genotype frequency was significantly greater among track and field sprinters and jumpers compared to weight lifters p<0.02), and among top-level sprinters and jumpers compared to top-level weight lifters p<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in the IGF2 (rs680) GG genotype frequency among endurance athletes and between the swimmers and the other sports disciplines and the controls.
Conclusions:
While a single polymorphism cannot determine athletic success or failure, the findings of the present study suggest a potential importance of the IGF2 polymorphism, mainly regarding speed sport performance.
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