Variations of collagen-encoding genes are associated with exercise-induced muscle damage

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Exercise Physiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is a common physiological response to strenuous physical activity.
• Individual variability in EIMD response and recovery is significant.
• Collagen, a key structural protein, plays a vital role in muscle tissue integrity and mechanical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in COL1A1, COL2A1, and COL5A1 genes and the response to EIMD.
• To determine if specific collagen gene variants influence muscle strength and soreness following eccentric exercise.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-five healthy young participants underwent 120 maximal eccentric knee extensor contractions to induce muscle damage.
• Muscle strength and soreness were assessed before, immediately after, and 48 hours post-exercise.
• Participants were genotyped for specific SNPs in COL1A1 (rs2249492, rs1800012), COL2A1 (rs2070739), and COL5A1 (rs12722).

Main Results:

• Carriers of the minor T-allele in COL1A1 (rs1800012) and major T-allele homozygotes in COL1A1 (rs2249492) exhibited reduced muscle strength.
• Carriers of the minor A-allele in COL2A1 (rs2070739) and major T-allele in COL5A1 (rs12722) reported increased muscle soreness post-EIMD.
• Statistical significance was observed for all identified associations (P ≤ 0.019).

Conclusions:

• Specific SNPs in COL1A1, COL2A1, and COL5A1 genes are associated with altered muscle strength and soreness following EIMD.
• These genetic variations may negatively affect muscle mechanical properties and recovery processes.
• A dysregulated collagen network due to these SNPs could underlie the observed differences in EIMD response.