Association between ACTN3 (R577X), BDKRB2 (-9/+9) and AGT (M235T) polymorphisms and physical performance in Brazilian...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Human Genetics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Team handball performance depends on physical and technical skills, influenced by genetics.
• Specific gene polymorphisms like ACTN3 R577X, BDKRB2 -9/+9, and AGT Met235Thr are linked to athletic performance.
• The role of these genetic variants in handball players is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ACTN3 (R577X), BDKRB2 (-9/+9), and AGT (M235T) gene polymorphisms and physical performance in Brazilian junior handball players.

Main Methods:

• 91 junior male handball players and 74 non-athletes were genotyped using PCR.
• Physical performance was assessed via medicine ball throw (upper limb strength) and standing long jump (lower limb strength).
• Genotypic/allelic frequencies were compared using Chi-square tests; performance data analyzed with ANOVA and t-tests.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies were observed between athletes and controls for any of the studied polymorphisms.
• ACTN3 RR genotype carriers among athletes showed significantly better upper limb strength (p=0.049).
• No significant associations were found between any genotype and lower limb strength, anthropometric traits, or overall performance for BDKRB2 and AGT.

Conclusions:

• The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism may influence specific physical traits, like upper-body strength, in junior handball players.
• BDKRB2 and AGT polymorphisms demonstrated limited impact on the physical performance parameters measured in this study.
• The small sample size and population heterogeneity may explain the limited associations, suggesting further research with larger cohorts is warranted.