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Del Coso J, Rodas G, Soler-Aguinaga A, López-Del Campo R, Resta R, González-Rodenas J, Ferrandis J, Moreno-Pérez V. ACTN3 XX Genotype Negatively Affects Running Performance and Increases Muscle Injury Incidence in LaLiga Football Players. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:386. [PMID: 38540445 PMCID: PMC10969915 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the ACTN3 rs1815739 polymorphism with match running performance and injury incidence in top-level professional football players. A total of 315 top-level professional football players from the first division of Spanish football (i.e., LaLiga) participated in this prospective and descriptive study. The ACTN3 rs1815739 genotype was identified for each player using genomic DNA samples. During LaLiga 2021-2022, players' performance was obtained through a validated camera system in all official matches. Additionally, the incidence of non-contact injuries was obtained by each team's medical staff according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) statement. From the study sample, 116 (36.8%) players had the RR genotype, 156 (49.5%) had the RX genotype, and 43 (13.7%) had the XX genotype. The anthropometric characteristics of the players were similar across genotypes. However, the total running distance (p = 0.046), the distance at 21.0-23.9 km/h (p = 0.042), and the number of sprints (p = 0.042) were associated with the ACTN3 genotype. In all these variables, XX players had lower match performance values than RR players. Additionally, total and match injury incidences were higher in XX players than in RR players (p = 0.026 and 0.009, respectively). The rate of muscle injuries was also higher in XX players (p = 0.016). LaLiga football players with the ACTN3 XX genotype had lower match running performance and a higher incidence of non-contact injuries over the season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Del Coso
- Sport Sciences Research Centre, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28943 Fuenlabrada, Spain; (J.G.-R.); (J.F.)
| | - Gil Rodas
- Medical Department & Barça Innovation Hub, Fútbol Club Barcelona, 08038 Barcelona, Spain;
| | | | | | - Ricardo Resta
- Department of Competitions, La Liga, 28043 Madrid, Spain; (R.L.-D.C.); (R.R.)
| | - Joaquín González-Rodenas
- Sport Sciences Research Centre, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28943 Fuenlabrada, Spain; (J.G.-R.); (J.F.)
| | - Jordi Ferrandis
- Sport Sciences Research Centre, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28943 Fuenlabrada, Spain; (J.G.-R.); (J.F.)
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia, “San Vicente Mártir”, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Víctor Moreno-Pérez
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sports Research Centre, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain;
- Department of Pathology and Surgery, Translational Research Centre of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Miguel Hernandez University, 03202 Elche, Spain
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Ezquerra Condeminas P, Mallol M, Font R, Tremps V, Gutiérrez JA, Rodas G, Perera Lluna A, Soria JM. Unraveling athletic performance: Transcriptomics and external load monitoring in handball competition. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299556. [PMID: 38466679 PMCID: PMC10927131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to comprehend the impact of handball practice on sub-elite athletes by investigating transcriptomic changes that occur during a match. The primary focus encompasses a dual objective: firstly, to identify and characterize these transcriptomic alterations, and secondly, to establish correlations between internal factors (gene expression), and external loads measured through Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS variables). Ultimately, this comprehensive analysis seeks to evaluate both acute and chronic responses to exercise within the context of handball training. METHODS The study included sixteen elite male athletes from the FC Barcelona handball second team. Blood samples were extracted at three different time points: before the match at baseline levels (T1), immediately upon completion (T2), and 24 hours after completion (T3). Differential gene expression, Gene Ontology Term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted in two comparisons: Comparison 1 (T1 vs T2) and Comparison 2 (T1 vs T3). Further, the correlation between gene expression levels and training variables (external load) was conducted. RESULTS In T1 vs T2, 3717 of the 14632 genes detected were differentially expressed (adjusted p-value < 0.05), and enrichment of terms related to the immune system, mitochondria, and metabolic processes was found. Further, significant linear correlations were obtained between High-Speed running (HSR) and high-intensity variables such as acceleration ACC and deceleration DEC values with amino acids, and inflammatory and oxidative environment-related pathways, both in chronic and acute response. CONCLUSIONS This research highlights the effects of external workload on elite athletes during a handball match and throughout the season. The study identifies deregulation in the immune system, mitochondrial functions, and various metabolic pathways during the match. Additionally, it establishes correlations between the external load and pathways associated with amino acids, inflammation, oxidative environment, and regulation. These findings offer insights into the immediate and chronic responses of athletes to physical effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Ezquerra Condeminas
- Department of Innovation and Development Area, Beyond You (Exheus S.L.), Barcelona, Spain
- b2slab, Universitat Politècnica de Barcelona (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Milos Mallol
- Performance Department of Football Club Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Barça Innovation Hub of Football Club Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger Font
- Barça Innovation Hub of Football Club Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Health Sciences, Research group in Technology Applied to High Performance and Health (TAARS), Tecnocampus, Pompeu Fabra University, Mataró, Spain
- National Institut of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), GRCE Research Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Tremps
- Performance Department of Football Club Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Barça Innovation Hub of Football Club Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Sports Sciences, Ramon Llull University, FPCEE Blanquerna, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Gutiérrez
- Barça Innovation Hub of Football Club Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Department of Football Club Barcelona (FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gil Rodas
- Barça Innovation Hub of Football Club Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Department of Football Club Barcelona (FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Perera Lluna
- Department of Innovation and Development Area, Beyond You (Exheus S.L.), Barcelona, Spain
- b2slab, Universitat Politècnica de Barcelona (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Biomedical Research Centre in the subject area of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Manuel Soria
- Department of Innovation and Development Area, Beyond You (Exheus S.L.), Barcelona, Spain
- Unit of Genomics of Complex Disease, Research Institute of Sant Pau Hospital (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
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Massidda M, Flore L, Cugia P, Piras F, Scorcu M, Kikuchi N, Cięszczyk P, Maciejewska-Skrendo A, Tocco F, Calò CM. Association Between Total Genotype Score and Muscle Injuries in Top-Level Football Players: a Pilot Study. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2024; 10:22. [PMID: 38448778 PMCID: PMC10917720 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00682-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, genetic predisposition to injury has become a popular area of research and the association between a few single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the susceptibility to develop musculoskeletal injuries has been shown. This pilot study aimed to investigate the combined effect of common gene polymorphisms previously associated with muscle injuries in Italian soccer players. RESULTS A total of 64 Italian male top football players (age 23.1 ± 5.5 years; stature 180.2 ± 7.4 cm; weight 73.0 ± 7.9 kg) were genotyped for four gene polymorphisms [ACE I/D (rs4341), ACTN3 c.1729C > T (rs1815739), COL5A1 C > T (rs2722) and MCT1 c.1470A > T (rs1049434)]. Muscle injuries were gathered for 10 years (2009-2019). Buccal swabs were used to obtain genomic DNA, and the PCR method was used to genotype the samples. The combined influence of the four polymorphisms studied was calculated using a total genotype score (TGS: from 0 to 100 arbitrary units; a.u.). A genotype score (GS) of 2 was assigned to the "protective" genotype for injuries, a GS of 1 was assigned to the heterozygous genotype while a GS of 0 was assigned to the "worst" genotype. The distribution of genotype frequencies in the ACE I/D (rs4341), ACTN3 c.1729C > T (rs1815739) and MCT1 c.1470A > T (rs1049434) polymorphisms was different between non-injured and injured football players (p = 0.001; p = 0.016 and p = 0.005, respectively). The incidence of muscle injuries was significantly different among the ACE I/D (rs4341), ACTN3 c.1729C > T (rs1815739) and COL5A1 C > T (rs2722) genotype groups, showing a lower incidence of injuries in the "protective" genotype than "worse" genotype (ACE, p < 0.001; ACTN3, p = 0.005) or intermediate genotype (COL5A1, p = 0.029). The mean TGS in non-injured football players (63.7 ± 13.0 a.u.) was different from that of injured football players (42.5 ± 12.5 a.u., p < 0.001). There was a TGS cut-off point (56.2 a.u.) to discriminate non-injured from injured football players. Players with a TGS beyond this cut-off had an odds ratio of 3.5 (95%CI 1.8-6.8; p < 0.001) to suffer an injury when compared with players with lower TGS. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data suggest that carrying a high number of "protective" gene variants could influence an individual's susceptibility to developing muscle injuries in football. Adapting the training load parameters to the athletes' genetic profile represents today the new frontier of the methodology of training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myosotis Massidda
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
- Italian Federation of Sports Medicine, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Flore
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Cugia
- Italian Federation of Sports Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Cagliari Calcio SpA, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Piras
- Italian Federation of Sports Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Cagliari Calcio SpA, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Scorcu
- Italian Federation of Sports Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Cagliari Calcio SpA, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Naoki Kikuchi
- Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Pawel Cięszczyk
- Department of Physical Education, University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Maciejewska-Skrendo
- Department of Physical Education, University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, University of Szczecin, 71-065, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Filippo Tocco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Italian Federation of Sports Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Maria Calò
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Murtagh CF, Hall ECR, Brownlee TE, Drust B, Williams AG, Erskine RM. The Genetic Association with Athlete Status, Physical Performance, and Injury Risk in Soccer. Int J Sports Med 2023; 44:941-960. [PMID: 37253386 DOI: 10.1055/a-2103-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to critically appraise the literature concerning the genetic association with athlete status, physical performance, and injury risk in soccer. The objectives were to provide guidance on which genetic markers could potentially be used as part of future practice in soccer and to provide direction for future research in this area. The most compelling evidence identified six genetic polymorphisms to be associated with soccer athlete status (ACE I/D; ACTN3 rs1815739; AGT rs699; MCT1 rs1049434; NOS3 rs2070744; PPARA rs4253778), six with physical performance (ACTN3 rs1815739; AMPD1 rs17602729; BDNF rs6265; COL2A1 rs2070739; COL5A1 rs12722; NOS3 rs2070744), and seven with injury risk (ACTN3 rs1815739; CCL2 rs2857656; COL1A1 rs1800012; COL5A1 rs12722; EMILIN1 rs2289360; IL6 rs1800795; MMP3 rs679620). As well as replication by independent groups, large-scale genome-wide association studies are required to identify new genetic markers. Future research should also investigate the physiological mechanisms associating these polymorphisms with specific phenotypes. Further, researchers should investigate the above associations in female and non-Caucasian soccer players, as almost all published studies have recruited male participants of European ancestry. Only after robust, independently replicated genetic data have been generated, can genetic testing be considered an additional tool to potentially inform future practice in soccer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conall F Murtagh
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Sports Science Department, Liverpool Football Club and Athletic Grounds Ltd, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Elliott C R Hall
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas E Brownlee
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Barry Drust
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alun G Williams
- Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M Erskine
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Maestro A, Del Coso J, Aguilar-Navarro M, Gutiérrez-Hellín J, Morencos E, Revuelta G, Ruiz Casares E, Perucho T, Varillas-Delgado D. Genetic profile in genes associated with muscle injuries and injury etiology in professional soccer players. Front Genet 2022; 13:1035899. [DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1035899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many causes define injuries in professional soccer players. In recent years, the study of genetics in association with injuries has been of great interest. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between muscle injury-related genes, injury risk and injury etiology in professional soccer players. In a cross-sectional cohort study, one hundred and twenty-two male professional football players were recruited. AMPD1 (rs17602729), ACE (rs4646994), ACTN3 (rs1815739), CKM (rs8111989) and MLCK (rs2849757 and rs2700352) polymorphisms were genotyped by using Single Nucleotide Primer Extension (SNPE). The combined influence of the six polymorphisms studied was calculated using a total genotype score (TGS). A genotype score (GS) of 2 was assigned to the “protective” genotype for injuries, a GS of 1 was assigned to the heterozygous genotype while a GS of 0 was assigned to the “worst” genotype. Injury characteristics and etiology during the 2021/2022 season were classified following a Consensus Statement for injuries recording. The distribution of allelic frequencies in the AMPD1 and MLCK c.37885C>A polymorphisms were different between non-injured and injured soccer players (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). The mean total genotype score (TGS) in non-injured soccer players (57.18 ± 14.43 arbitrary units [a.u.]) was different from that of injured soccer players (51.71 ± 12.82 a.u., p = 0.034). There was a TGS cut-off point (45.83 a.u.) to discriminate non-injured from injured soccer players. Players with a TGS beyond this cut-off had an odds ratio of 1.91 (95%CI: 1.14–2.91; p = 0.022) to suffer an injury when compared with players with lower TGS. In conclusion, TGS analysis in muscle injury-related genes presented a relationship with professional soccer players at increased risk of injury. Future studies will help to develop this TGS as a potential tool to predict injury risk and perform prevention methodology in this cohort of football players.
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Del Coso J, Rodas G, Buil MÁ, Sánchez-Sánchez J, López P, González-Ródenas J, Gasulla-Anglés P, López-Samanes Á, Hernández-Sánchez S, Iztueta A, Moreno-Pérez V. Association of the ACTN3 rs1815739 Polymorphism with Physical Performance and Injury Incidence in Professional Women Football Players. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091635. [PMID: 36140803 PMCID: PMC9498709 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The p.R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) in the ACTN3 gene causes individuals with the XX genotype to be deficient in functional α-actinin-3. Previous investigations have found that XX athletes are more prone to suffer non-contact muscle injuries, in comparison with RR and RX athletes who produce a functional α-actinin-3 in their fast-twitch fibers. This investigation aimed to determine the influence of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism on physical performance and injury incidence of players competing in the women’s Spanish first division of football (soccer). Using a cross-sectional experiment, football-specific performance and epidemiology of non-contact football-related injuries were recorded in a group of 191 professional football players. ACTN3 R577X genotype was obtained for each player using genomic DNA samples obtained through buccal swabs. A battery of physical tests, including a countermovement jump, a 20 m sprint test, the sit-and-reach test and ankle dorsiflexion, were performed during the preseason. Injury incidence and characteristics of non-contact injuries were obtained according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) statement for one season. From the study sample, 28.3% of players had the RR genotype, 52.9% had the RX genotype, and 18.8% had the XX genotype. Differences among genotypes were identified with one-way analysis of variance (numerical variables) or chi-square tests (categorical variables). Jump height (p = 0.087), sprint time (p = 0.210), sit-and-reach distance (p = 0.361), and dorsiflexion in the right (p = 0.550) and left ankle (p = 0.992) were similar in RR, RX, and XX football players. A total of 356 non-contact injuries were recorded in 144 football players while the remaining 47 did not sustain any non-contact injuries during the season. Injury incidence was 10.4 ± 8.6, 8.2 ± 5.7, and 8.9 ± 5.3 injuries per/1000 h of football exposure, without differences among genotypes (p = 0.222). Injury rates during training (from 3.6 ± 3.7 to 4.8 ± 2.1 injuries per/1000 h of training exposure, p = 0.100) and match (from 47.8 ± 9.5 to 54.1 ± 6.3 injuries per/1000 h of match exposure, p = 0.209) were also similar in RR, RX, and XX football players. The ACTN3 genotype did not affect the mode of onset, the time needed to return to play, the type of injury, or the distribution of body locations of the injuries. In summary, women football players with different genotypes of the p.R577X ACTN3 polymorphism had similar values of football-specific performance and injury incidence. From a practical perspective, the ACTN3 genotyping may not be useful to predict performance or injury incidence in professional women football players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Del Coso
- Centre for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28943 Fuenlabrada, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Gil Rodas
- Medical Department & Barça Innovation Hub, Fútbol Club Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Buil
- Department of Sports Medicine, Levante Unión Deportiva, 46360 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Sports Medicine, IVRE—Institut Valencià de Recuperació Esportiva, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Pedro López
- Medical Department, Valencia Club de Fútbol, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | | | | | - Álvaro López-Samanes
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Sergio Hernández-Sánchez
- Center for Translational Research in Physiotherapy, Department of Pathology and Surgery, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Ane Iztueta
- Health and Performance Unit, Real Sociedad de Fútbol Sociedad Anónima Deportiva, 20160 Donostia, Spain
| | - Víctor Moreno-Pérez
- Center for Translational Research in Physiotherapy, Department of Pathology and Surgery, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
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