CKM Gene rs8111989 Polymorphism and Power Athlete Status

Multiple genetic variants are known to influence athletic performance. These include polymorphisms of the muscle-specific creatine kinase (CKM) gene, which have been associated with endurance and/or power phenotypes. However, independent replication is required to support those findings. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the CKM (rs8111989, c.*800A>G) polymorphism is associated with power athlete status in professional Russian and Lithuanian competitors. Genomic DNA was collected from 693 national and international standard athletes from Russia (n = 458) and Lithuania (n = 235), and 500 healthy non-athlete subjects from Russia (n = 291) and Lithuania (n = 209). Genotyping for the CKM rs8111989 (A/G) polymorphism was performed using PCR or micro-array analysis. Genotype and allele frequencies were compared between all athletes and non-athletes, and between non-athletes and athletes, segregated according to population and sporting discipline (from anaerobic-type events). No statistically significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies were observed between non-athletes and power athletes (strength-, sprint- and speed/strength-oriented) athletes. The present study reports the non-association of the CKM rs8111989 with elite status in athletes from sports in which anaerobic energy pathways determine success.