Association of mitochondrial DNA haplogroups with elite athletic status in Iranian population

Increasing evidences suggest that certain variations in the control region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are associated with physical performance levels of individuals. The aim of the present study was to assess whether mitochondrial haplogroups are associated with elite athlete status in Iranian population. The mtDNA haplogroups of 100 Iranian athletes and 100 healthy, non-athletic individuals were genotyped. Significant differences were observed for haplogroups U and J, which were under- and over-represented in the elite athletes group. The results show that mtDNA haplogroups and their related phenotypic expression correlate with the physical performance.