The -174 G/C polymorphism of the IL6 gene is associated with elite power performance.
The -174 G/C polymorphism [rs1800795] of the IL6 gene is a candidate to explain individual variations in health and exercise related phenotypes. We compared -174 G/C genotypic and allelic frequencies in three groups of men of the same Caucasian (Spanish) descent: elite endurance athletes (cyclists, runners; n=100); elite power athletes (jumpers, throwers, sprinters; n=53) and non-athletic controls (n=100). The frequency of the GG genotype (P=0.030) and G allele (P=0.026) was higher in the power athletes group compared with the control group. The frequency of the GG genotype (P=0.033) and G allele (P=0.013) was also higher in the power athletes group compared with the endurance athletes group. The odds ratio of being a power athlete if the subject had the GG genotype (dominant model) was 2.471 (95% confidence interval: 1.242-4.915) compared to the control group or the endurance athlete group. We did not find differences between the control and endurance athlete groups. In summary, our findings suggest that the G allele of the IL6 -174 G/C polymorphism might favour sprint/power sports performance.
Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Unit for Preventive Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. ruizj@ugr.es
Jonatan R
JR
Ruiz
Amaya
A
Buxens
Marta
M
Artieda
David
D
Arteta
Catalina
C
Santiago
Gabriel
G
Rodríguez-Romo
José I
JI
Lao
Félix
F
Gómez-Gallego
Alejandro
A
Lucia
D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes; D001642:Bicycling; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000235:genetics*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D012420:Running; D055815:Young Adult
C508600:IL6 protein, human; D015850:Interleukin-6