Relative Age Effect and ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D Polymorphisms in Brazilian Football Players: An Association Genetic
Maicon Rodrigues Albuquerque1, Andressa Eliza da Silva Cunha1, João Locke Ferreira de Araújo2
1Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG).
The Relative Age Effect (RAE) is prevalent in Brazilian football, with older players showing advantages. Favorable alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene variants are linked to this RAE, contrary to the hypothesis.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Human Genetics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- The Relative Age Effect (RAE) describes how athletes born earlier in an annual selection period often have performance advantages.
- Genetic factors, specifically polymorphisms in the alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) genes, are implicated in athletic performance.
- Understanding the interplay between RAE and genetic predispositions is crucial for talent identification and development in elite sports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of RAE in Brazilian football players across different age categories and competitive levels.
- To analyze the distribution of ACTN3 and ACE gene polymorphisms within this player cohort.
- To investigate potential associations between these genetic polymorphisms and the RAE in football players, considering playing positions.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping for ACTN3 (R/X) and ACE (I/D) polymorphisms was performed on 627 male Brazilian football players (U15, U17, U20, Professional).
- RAE was assessed by comparing birth date distributions within age categories against expected population distributions.
- Statistical analyses explored genotype frequencies and their relationship with RAE, competitive level, and player position.
Main Results:
- RAE was observed across all competitive levels and positions within the studied Brazilian football players.
- The ACTN3 R allele, particularly the RR genotype, showed a strong association with football players, especially defenders.
- While ACE polymorphism distribution generally matched controls, the U17 category showed a higher prevalence of the II genotype. Older players exhibited higher genotype scores, indicating a genetic advantage.
Conclusions:
- The Relative Age Effect is a significant factor in Brazilian football, favoring older athletes within cohorts.
- Favorable ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms appear to be associated with RAE, contributing to the advantages seen in relatively older players.
- These genetic factors may play a role in the selection and performance of athletes, particularly in specific positions like defense.
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