title: Influence of the MCT1 rs1049434 on Indirect Muscle Disorders/Injuries in Elite Football Players.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to investigate the association between MCT1 rs1049434 polymorphism and indirect muscle injuries in elite football players. One hundred and seventy-three male elite Italian football players (age = 19.2 ± 5.3 years) were recruited from a first-league football club participating at the Official National Italian Football Championship (Serie A, Primavera, Allievi, Giovanissimi). The cohort was genotyped for the MCT1 rs1049434 polymorphism, and muscle injuries data were collected during the period of 2009-2014 (five football seasons).
  
  
  METHODS
  Genomic DNA was extracted using a buccal swab, and genotyping was performed using PCR method. Structural-mechanical injuries and functional muscle disorder were included in the acute indirect muscle injury group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants with the MCT1 AA (AA = 1.57 ± 3.07,n= 69) genotype exhibit significantly higher injury incidents compared to participants with the TT genotype (TT = 0.09 ± 0.25,n= 22,P= 0.04).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MCT1 rs1049434 polymorphism is associated with the incidence of muscle injuries in elite football players. We anticipate that the knowledge of athletes' genetic predisposition to sports-related injuries might aid in individualizing training programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Myosotis
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Massidda
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Nir
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Eynon
authors.affiliation: Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bachis
authors.affiliation: Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Corrias
authors.affiliation: Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Culigioni
authors.affiliation: FIMSI CR Sardegna and Cagliari Calcio Spa, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Piras
authors.affiliation: FIMSI CR Sardegna and Cagliari Calcio Spa, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cugia
authors.affiliation: FIMSI CR Sardegna and Cagliari Calcio Spa, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scorcu
authors.affiliation: Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Carla M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Calò
keywords: Elite athletes; Football; Genetic association; Lactate; Monocarboxylate transporter-1; Muscle injuries