The combined frequency of IGF and myostatin polymorphism among track & field athletes and swimmers

- Frequencies of IGF-1 C1245T and MSTN Lys-153Arg polymorphisms was assessed.
- Carriers of both mutations among SDR and SDS were elite athletes.
- Carrying both mutations may contribute to LDR, but not necessarily to top level LDR.

ObjectiveThe IGF C-1245T (rs35767) and the myostatin (MSTN) Lys(K)-153Arg(R) genetic polymorphism may influence skeletal muscle phenotypes and athletic performance. Carrying the minor IGF T allele and the myostatin rare R allele was associated with higher circulating IGF-I levels, greater muscle mass and improved performance. The aim of the present study was to assess the combined frequency of the IGF 1245T (rs35767) and MSTN 153Arg(R) polymorphism among Israeli track and field athletes (n = 111) and swimmers (n = 80).DesignTrack & field athletes were divided to long distance runners (major event 5000 m-marathon, n = 63) and power athletes (major event 100-200 m sprints and long jump, n = 48). Swimmers were divided into long-distance swimmers (major event: 400-1500 m, n = 38), and short-distance swimmers (major event: 50-100 m, n = 42).ResultsCarrying both mutations was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among long distance runners (LDR, 17%) compared to short distance runners (SDR, 10%), long distance swimmers (LDS, 8%), short distance swimmers (SDS, 2%) and controls (n = 111, 7%). Carrying both mutations was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among LDS compared to SDS (8% versus 2%, p < 0.05). Among LDR and LDS carriers of both mutations, 40% and 25% were of elite level, respectively. Despite the fact that carrying both mutations among SDR and SDS was not greater than controls, all SDR and SDS carriers were elite athletes.ConclusionOur finding suggests that carrying both IGF 1245T and MSTN 153Arg(R) polymorphisms may contribute for long distance running success but not necessarily to elite performance. In contrast, although the frequency was not higher than the general population, all carriers of both mutations among short distance runners and swimmers were of elite competitive caliber. Whether evaluation of the IGF 1245T and MSTN 153R polymorphism can be used for sports selection in young athletes needs to be further studied.