Microbiome features associated with performance measures in athletic and non-athletic individuals: A case-control study

The influence of human gut microbiota on health and disease is now commonly appreciated. Therefore, it is not surprising that microbiome research has found interest in the sports community, hoping to improve health and optimize performance. Comparative studies found new species or pathways that were more enriched in elites than sedentary controls. In addition, sport-specific and performance-level-specific microbiome features have been identified. However, the results remain inconclusive and indicate the need for further assessment. In this case-control study, we tested two athletic populations (i.e. strength athletes, endurance athletes) and a non-athletic, but physically active, control group across two acute exercise bouts, separated by a 2-week period, that measured explosive and high intensity fitness level (repeated 30-s all-out Wingate test (WT)) and cardiorespiratory fitness level (Bruce Treadmill Test). While we did not identify any group differences in alpha and beta diversity or significant differential abundance of microbiome components at baseline, one-third of the species identified were unique to each group. Longitudinal sample (pre- and post-exercise) analysis revealed an abundance of Alistipes communis in the strength group during the WT and 88 species with notable between-group differences during the Bruce Test. SparCC recognized Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, short-chain fatty acid producers with probiotic properties, species strongly associated with VO2max. Ultimately, we identified several taxa with different baseline abundances and longitudinal changes when comparing individuals based on their VO2max, average power, and maximal power parameters. Our results confirmed that the health status of individuals are consistent with assumptions about microbiome health. Furthermore, our findings indicate that microbiome features are associated with better performance previously identified in elite athletes.

Association between polymorphism rs6295 of HTR1A serotonin receptor gene and personality traits among athletes of combat sport

HTR1A (5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A) and its polymorphic variants are highly important for athletes in different aspects, allowing us to hypothesize their biological influences. Hence, to investigate at least part of the relationship mentioned in the case literature, it was decided to study the association of the selected HTR1A polymorphism with personality traits measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). The participants consisted of 250 mixed martial arts (combat sport) athletes and 209 healthy male participants (control group). The personality traits were measured for the Revised Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-R). Genetic material was isolated from whole blood collected from patients, and then all samples were genotyped using the real-time PCR method. Statistical analysis was performed using a 2 × 3 factorial ANOVA. The research revealed a statistically significant effect of a complex factor of rs6295 of the HTR1A serotonin receptor gene with combat sport/control and with Novelty Seeking (F2,453 = 6.126; p = 0.0024; η2 = 0.026) and Harm Avoidance (F2,453 = 3.709; p = 0.0252; η2 = 0.016). The presence of the HTR1A GG genotype (rs6295) was found to be associated with higher scores in self-management and lower scores in harm avoidance, indicating genetic predispositions in the strength group towards better results in combat sports.

Association Between the rs4680 Polymorphism of the COMT Gene and Personality Traits among Combat Sports Athletes

Physical performance has been the focus of studies examining genetic influences in martial arts. There has been little quantitative analysis of the interaction between psychological traits and gene variants in athletes. This study aimed to determine whether the rs4680 polymorphism of the COMT gene (catechol-O-methyltransferase) was linked to other sports phenotypes such as temperament, mental toughness, and stress tolerance. In our study, we concentrated on the case-control analysis of athletes in the aspect of their personality traits in association with the COMT gene polymorphism. Participants comprised 258 combat sports athletes and 278 healthy male individuals as a control group. Psychometric properties were assessed with the Revised Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-R). COMT polymorphism testing was performed using real-time PCR. We found a statistically significant effect of a complex factor COMT rs4680 genotype with combat athletes/controls and novelty seeking (F2,530 = 5.958, p = 0.0028, η2 = 0.022), self-management (F2,530 = 6.772, p = 0.0012, η2 = 0.025), and with self-transcendence skills (F2,530 = 9.387, p = 0.00009, η2 = 0.034). The results are important for encouraging further studies on the genetic makeup of athletes in conjunction with personality traits. Due to the multigene and multifactorial nature of determinants of sports predispositions, we propose to take into account also other features, especially when studying genes related to cerebral neurotransmission. It is a holistic departure, and it clearly illustrates the relationship between the given characteristics of an athlete.

Genetic Determinants of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Sport: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries (ACLIs) are one of the most common knee injuries in sports. Although numerous factors have been related to the risk of ACLIs, it is still unclear why some individuals are more susceptible than others due to the intricate etiology of ACLIs. Several genetic factors have been identified as contributing to ACLIs. This systematic review summarizes the current evidence regarding the genetic causes of ACLIs based on the available literature. Five electronic databases were searched from 2017 to 2022. All titles, abstracts, and full texts were reviewed in detail to determine the inclusions and exclusions. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias. The studies' characteristics and results are presented in both narrative and tabular formats. A total of 24 studies examined 31 genes and 62 variants associated with ACLIs in the global population. Ten studies investigated seven collagens and ten SNPs for the ACL injury. The majority of studies found no significant difference in the association of the COL1A1 rs1800012, COL5A1 rs12722, VEGFA rs1570360, IL6R rs2228145, IL6 rs1800795, IL1B rs16944 and rs1143627, however, contrary results were found when nationality and gender were considered together. Conflicting evidence was found for polymorphisms rs2010963, rs699947 of the VEGFA gene in different studies. Due to a lack of data, it was impossible to determine the relationship between the anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACLR) and the other polymorphisms. More research is required to establish a clear relationship between the ACLR and genetic variants, particularly when gender and nationality are taken into account separately.

Epigenetic Analysis of the Dopamine Transporter Gene DAT1 with a Focus on Personality Traits in Athletes

Human phenotypes (traits) are determined by the selective use of a person's unique genotype (DNA sequence), following exposure to environmental stimuli, such as exercise. Inducing profound changes in epigenetics may be an underlying factor of the beneficial effects of exercise. This study aimed to investigate the association between methylation in the promoter region of the DAT1 gene and personality traits measured by the NEO-FFI questionnaire in a group of athletes. The study group included 163 athletes, and the control group consisted of 232 non-athletes. The obtained results show several significant differences between the studied groups of subjects. The Extraversion scale and the Conscientiousness scale results of the NEO-FFI are significantly higher in the group of athletes compared to controls. The total methylation and the number of methylated islands in the promoter region of the DAT1 gene are higher in the study group. Pearson's linear correlation between the total methylation, the number of methylated islands and the NEO-FFI shows significant results for the Extraversion and Agreeability scales. The total methylation and the number of methylated islands in the promoter region of the DAT1 gene are higher in the study group. Pearson's linear correlation between the total methylation, the number of methylated islands and the NEO-FFI shows significant results for the Extraversion and Agreeability scales. Our analysis of the methylation status of individual CpG sites revealed a new direction of research into the biological aspects of regulating dopamine release and personality traits in people practicing sports.

Are COL22A1 Gene Polymorphisms rs11784270 and rs6577958 Associated with Susceptibility to a Non-Contact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Polish Athletes?

Understanding the risk factors and etiology of ACL ruptures (anterior cruciate ligament) is crucial due to the injury’s high occurrence, significant financial cost to the healthcare sector, and clinical consequences. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that rs11784270 A/C and rs6577958 C/T SNPs (single gene polymorphism) within COL22A1 are associated with ACL ruptures (ACLR) in Polish soccer players. Methods: 228 athletes with ACLR (157 male, age 26 ± 4, 71 female, age 26 ± 6) and 202 control athletes (117 male, age 26 ± 6, 85 female, age 29 ± 2) engaged in the study. The buccal cell swabs were genotyped using TaqMan® pre-designed SNP genotyping assays, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. The R program and SNPassoc package were used to determine the genotype and allele frequency distributions under the various inheritance models (co-dominant, dominant, recessive, and over-dominant). Further, p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. We found no association between the analyzed polymorphisms and the risk of non-contact ACL ruptures in any of the studied models. Although the genetic variants investigated in this study were not associated with the risk of non-contact ACL ruptures, we assumed that the COL22A1 gene remains a candidate for further investigations in musculoskeletal injuries.

Associations of Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor rs6265 Gene Polymorphism with Personality Dimensions among Athletes

Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) is one of the essential mediating factors of exercise-induced neuroplasticity, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of exercise-induced neuroplasticity are still largely unknown. Personality dimensions differentiate individuals and depend on genes and environmental factors. The dimensions of openness to experience, emotional stability, extraversion and conscientiousness have been reported to be positively related to performance; considering agreeableness, a negative relation with sports performance was emphasized. However, not enough effort has been put into investigating the relationship between genetic polymorphisms affecting psychological abilities and competitive power sports. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the rs6265 polymorphism of BDNF with personality dimensions in martial arts athletes. The study was conducted among martial arts athletes. The study group included 258 volunteers (martial arts athletes (n = 106) and controls (n = 152). BDNF polymorphism testing was performed using the real-time PCR method; personality dimensions were assessed using standardized NEO-FFI questionnaires. All analyses were performed using STATISTICA 13. We observed that martial arts athletes’ G/G genotypes compared to the control group G/G genotypes presented significantly higher severity of personality dimension “conscientiousness”. In comparison with the controls, the case group subjects had significantly higher scores in the dimension extraversion (M 6.89 vs. M 6.43, p = 0.0405) and conscientiousness/scale (M 7.23 vs. M 5.89, p < 0.0001). The results of 2 × 3 factorial ANOVA noticed a statistically significant effect of combined factor BDNF rs6265 genotype of martial arts/control (F2,252 = 3.11, p = 0.0465, η2 = 0.024). Additionally, we observed that the results of 2 × 3 factorial ANOVA showed a statistically significant influence of combined factor BDNF rs6265 of genotype martial arts/ control (F2,252 = 6.16, p = 0.0024, η2 = 0.047). The combination of the analysis of personality dimensions with genetics—as in the case of the polymorphism of the BDNF gene related to neuroplasticity—indicates that neurobiology cannot be ignored in educating sports champions. We already know that this is related to genetics. However, little is still known about the influence of personality traits on sports performance. We observed that martial arts athletes’ G/G genotypes, in comparison to the control group’s G/G genotypes, presented significantly higher severity of personality dimension “conscientiousness”. This is worthy of further analysis and probably longitudinal studies on a more numerous group of athletes.

Implications of Adipose Tissue Content for Changes in Serum Levels of Exercise-Induced Adipokines: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Human adipocytes release multiple adipokines into the bloodstream during physical activity. This affects many organs and might contribute to the induction of inflammation. In this study, we aimed to assess changes in circulating adipokine levels induced by intense aerobic and anaerobic exercise in individuals with different adipose tissue content. In the quasi-experimental study, 48 male volunteers (aged 21.78 ± 1.98 years) were assigned to groups depending on their body fat content (BF): LBF, low body fat (<8% BF, n = 16); MBF, moderate body fat (8−14% BF, n = 19); and HBF, high body fat (>14% BF, n = 13). The volunteers performed maximal aerobic effort (MAE) and maximal anaerobic effort (MAnE) exercises. Blood samples were collected at five timepoints: before exercise, immediately after, 2 h, 6 h, and 24 h after each exercise. The selected cytokines were analyzed: adiponectin, follistatin-like 1, interleukin 6, leptin, oncostatin M, and resistin. While the participants’ MAnE and MAE performance were similar regardless of BF, the cytokine response of the HBF group was different from that of the others. Six hours after exercise, leptin levels in the HBF group increased by 35%. Further, immediately after MAnE, resistin levels in the HBF group also increased, by approximately 55%. The effect of different BF was not apparent for other cytokines. We conclude that the adipokine exercise response is associated with the amount of adipose tissue and is related to exercise type.

Methylation in the Promoter Region of the Dopamine Transporter DAT1 Gene in People Addicted to Nicotine

The dopaminergic system is a crucial element of the addiction processes. The dopamine transporter modulates the dynamics and levels of released dopamine in the synaptic cleft. Therefore, regulation of dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene expression is critical for maintaining homeostasis in the dopaminergic system. The aim of our study is evaluation of the methylation status of 33 CpG islands located in the DAT1 gene promoter region related to nicotine dependency. We investigated 142 nicotine-dependent subjects and 238 controls. Our results show that as many as 14 of the 33 CpG islands tested had statistically significantly higher methylation in the nicotine-dependent group compared to the control group. After applying Bonferroni correction, the total number of methylation sites was also significantly higher in the dependent subjects group. The analysis of the methylation status of particular CpG sites revealed a new direction of research regarding the biological aspects of nicotine addiction.

The interactions between interleukin-1 family genes: IL1A, IL1B, IL1RN, and obesity parameters

Background

Obesity has been recognized as a worldwide growing problem, producing many pathologies including the promotion of “proinflammatory state.” The etiology of human obesity is still only partially understood; however, the genetic background has been proved. Its nature is complex, and currently, it appears that the combined effects of the interactions among multiple genes should receive more attention. Due to the fact that obesity promotes proinflammatory conditions, in this study, we investigated the genetic polymorphism of IL-1 family genes in healthy people with normal and elevated body mass index (BMI) and fat %.

Results

The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the IL1A -889C > T (rs1800587), IL1B + 3954 T > C (rs1143634), and IL1RN -87G > A (rs2234677) genes alone were associated neither with BMI nor fat % values in tested group. The associations between SNP–SNP interaction and BMI for the IL1B × IL1RN interactions were significant for dominant model (p = 0.02) and codominant model (p = 0.03). The same SNP-SNP interaction (IL1B × IL1RN) was associated also with fat % for codominant (p = 0.01) and recessive (p = 0.002) models.

Conclusions

This study further confirmed that IL-1 family genes are involved in genetic background of obesity. It has been shown that interaction IL1B × IL1RN was associated with both BMI and fat % with rare T allele protecting form higher values. Thus, even if certain polymorphisms in single genes of IL-1 family cannot be defined as related to obesity in examined population, the genetic interrelationships should be analyzed.

IL-6 Polymorphisms Are Not Related to Obesity Parameters in Physically Active Young Men

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a cytokine with both pro- and anti-inflammatory actions, but is also considered as a "metabolic hormone" involved in immune responses, affecting glucose, protein and lipid metabolism. It has been proposed to be related to obesity, but various results have been presented. Thus, in this study, the very homogenous population of young, male military professionals, living in the same conditions involving high physical activity, has been selected to avoid the influence of environmental factors. The subjects were divided into groups depending on the obesity parameters BMI (body mass index) and fat percentage (fat%), and the following IL-6 SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) were analyzed: rs1800795, rs1800796 and rs13306435. No relation was found between obesity parameters and IL-6 polymorphisms rs1800795, rs1800796 and rs13306435. It may be postulated that even if a genetic predisposition involves IL-6 genes, this effect in individuals with obesity of a low grade is minor, or can be avoided or at least markedly reduced by changes in lifestyle.

Range of motion of resistance exercise affects the number of performed repetitions but not a time under tension

The resistance training volume along with the exercise range of motion has a significant impact on the training outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine differences in training volume assessed by a number of performed repetitions, time under tension, and load-displacement as well as peak barbell velocity between the cambered and standard barbell bench press training session. The participants performed 3 sets to muscular failure of bench press exercise with the cambered or standard barbell at 50% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Eighteen healthy men volunteered for the study (age = 25 ± 2 years; body mass = 92.1 ± 9.9 kg; experience in resistance training 7.3 ± 2.1 years; standard and cambered barbell bench press 1RM > 120% body mass). The t-test indicated a significantly higher mean range of motion for the cambered barbell in comparison to the standard (p < 0.0001; ES =  -2.24). Moreover, there was a significantly greater number of performed repetitions during the standard barbell bench press than cambered barbell (p < 0.0001) in a whole training session, while no difference was found in total time under tension (p = 0.22) and total load-displacement (p = 0.913). The two-way repeated-measures ANOVA indicated a significant barbell × set interaction effect for peak velocity (p = 0.01) and a number of repetitions (p = 0.015). The post-hoc analysis showed a significantly higher number of repetitions for standard than cambered barbell bench press in set 1 (p < 0.0001), set 3 (p < 0.0001) but not in set 2 (p = 0.066). Moreover, there was a significantly higher peak velocity during the cambered than standard barbell bench press in set 1 (p < 0.0001), and set 2 (p = 0.049), but not in set 3 (p = 0.063). No significant differences between corresponding sets of the standard and cambered barbell bench press in time under tension and load-displacement were found. However, concentric time under tension was significantly higher during cambered barbell bench press in all sets (p < 0.05) when compared to the standard barbell bench press, while eccentric time under tension was significantly lower during the cambered than standard barbell bench presses only in the set 3 (p = 0.001). In summary, this study briefly showed that measuring training volume by the number of performed repetitions is not reliable when different exercise range of motion is used.

Rare Variant in the SLC6A2 Encoding a Norepinephrine Transporter Is Associated with Elite Athletic Performance in the Polish Population

Numerous genetic factors have been shown to influence athletic performance, but the list is far from comprehensive. In this study, we analyzed genetic variants in two genes related to mental abilities, SLC6A2 (rs1805065) and SYNE1 (rs2635438) in a group of 890 athletes (320 endurance, 265 power, and 305 combat athletes) vs. 1009 sedentary controls. Genotyping of selected SNPs was performed using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. SLC6A2 codes for norepinephrine transporter, a protein involved in modulating mood, arousal, memory, learning, and pain perception, while SYNE1 encodes protein important for the maintenance of the cerebellum—the part of the brain that coordinates complex body movements. Both SNPs (rs2635438 and rs1805065) showed no statistically significant differences between the frequencies of variants in the athletes and the sedentary controls (athletes vs. control group) or in the athlete subgroups (martial vs. control, endurance vs. control, and power vs. control). The rs1805065 T variant of SLC6A2 was found to be overrepresented in male high-elite martial sports athletes when compared to sedentary controls (OR = 6.56, 95%CI = 1.82–23.59, p = 0.010). This supports the hypothesis that genetic variants potentially affecting brain functioning can influence elite athletic performance and indicate the need for further genetic association studies, as well as functional analyses.

Effects of Pre-Workout Multi-Ingredient Supplement on Anaerobic Performance: Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this research was to investigate the acute effects of a pre-workout supplement on anaerobic performance in resistance-trained men.

METHODS

Twenty-three men underwent three randomized, double-blind testing sessions separated by a seven-day break. The participants performed three tests: isokinetic strength, three repetition maximum (3-RM) strength and Wingate. Statistical analysis was conducted in R environment. Linear mixed models were estimated via R package lme4.

RESULTS

Mean T@0.2 s was significantly greater in supplemented condition for right and left knee flexors (PL: 103.2 ± 37.6 Nm; supplemented condition: 131.8 ± 29.3 Nm (p = 0.001)), and PL: 103.7 ± 39.3; supplemented condition: 129.4 ± 28.4 (p = 0.001)). T@0.2 s for right and left knee extensors (PL: 202.6 ± 58.6 Nm; supplemented condition: 237.2 ± 54.7 Nm (p = 0.001); PL: 203.3 ± 63.2 Nm, supplemented condition: 229.8 ± 50.8 Nm (p = 0.002)). Significant difference was in mean anaerobic power between supplemented and PL condition for right and left knee flexors (p = 0.002, p = 0.005) and for right and left knee extensors (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002). TTP was significantly shorter in supplemented condition for both sides knee flexors (p = 0.002). There was a significant difference for mean power in the Wingate test (placebo: 8.5 ± 0.6 W/kg; supplemented condition: 8.7 ± 0.5 W/kg (p = 0.038)). Mean 3-RM was significantly greater in supplemented condition (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The supplement significantly improves upper and lower body strength and power output in resistance-trained men.

Are KIF6 and APOE polymorphisms associated with power and endurance athletes?

Genetic polymorphisms within physiologically relevant KIF6 and APOE genes were examined in the context of athletic performance. KIF6 and ApoE are involved in cardiovascular health, modulation of lipid level and neurotransmission amongst others. The aim of this study was to examine whether three polymorphisms, KIF6 rs20455T > C, APOE rs429358T > C and APOE rs7412 C > T, were associated with athletic status of an athlete defined as performance type (endurance or power). Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR on buccal genomic DNA from 204 Polish athletes including 104 endurance and 100 power athletes, and 161 sedentary individuals. APOE rs429358 genotype frequencies differed significantly between power athletes and sedentary individuals (p = 0.046). KIF6 rs20455 and APOE rs7412 were found to be epistatically associated with the power athletic status (p = 0.032). KIF6 rs20455, APOE rs429358 and APOE rs7412 were associated with athletic status of Polish athletes. In the future, these polymorphisms could contribute to predictive models aimed at assessment of an individual's athletic status.

Three DNA Polymorphisms Previously Identified as Markers for Handgrip Strength Are Associated With Strength in Weightlifters and Muscle Fiber Hypertrophy

Grishina, EE, Zmijewski, P, Semenova, EA, Cięszczyk, P, Humińska-Lisowska, K, Michałowska-Sawczyn, M, Maculewicz, E, Crewther, B, Orysiak, J, Kostryukova, ES, Kulemin, NA, Borisov, OV, Khabibova, SA, Larin, AK, Pavlenko, AV, Lyubaeva, EV, Popov, DV, Lysenko, EA, Vepkhvadze, TF, Lednev, EM, Bondareva, EA, Erskine, RM, Generozov, EV, and Ahmetov, II. Three DNA polymorphisms previously identified as markers for handgrip strength are associated with strength in weightlifters and muscle fiber hypertrophy. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2602-2607, 2019-Muscle strength is a highly heritable trait. So far, 196 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with handgrip strength have been identified in 3 genome-wide association studies. The aim of our study was to validate the association of 35 SNPs with strength of elite Russian weightlifters and replicate the study in Polish weightlifters. Genotyping was performed using micro-array analysis or real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found that the rs12055409 G-allele near the MLN gene (p = 0.004), the rs4626333 G-allele near the ZNF608 gene (p = 0.0338), and the rs2273555 A-allele in the GBF1 gene (p = 0.0099) were associated with greater competition results (total lifts in snatch and clean and jerk adjusted for sex and weight) in 53 elite Russian weightlifters. In the replication study of 76 sub-elite Polish weightlifters, rs4626333 GG homozygotes demonstrated greater competition results (p = 0.0155) and relative muscle mass (p = 0.046), adjusted for sex, weight, and age, compared with carriers of the A-allele. In the following studies, we tested the hypotheses that these SNPs would be associated with skeletal muscle hypertrophy and handgrip strength. We found that the number of strength-associated alleles was positively associated with fast-twitch muscle fiber cross-sectional area in the independent cohort of 20 male power athletes (p = 0.021) and with handgrip strength in 87 physically active individuals (p = 0.015). In conclusion, by replicating previous findings in 4 independent studies, we demonstrate that the rs12055409 G-, rs4626333 G-, and rs2273555 A-alleles are associated with higher levels of strength, muscle mass, and muscle fiber size.

Are IL1B, IL6 and IL6R Gene Variants Associated with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Susceptibility?

Cytokines, such as interleukins, are crucial in regulating critical cell signaling pathways as well as being major contributors to inflammatory response and are upregulated during ligament and tendon injuries. The genes encoding key interleukins, such as IL1B and IL6 as well as interleukin receptor IL6R, were chosen as candidate genes for association with soft tissue injuries. The aim of the case-control study was to verify the hypothesis that sequence variants rs1143627, rs16944, rs1800795, rs2228145 in the IL1B, IL6 and IL6R genes are associated with ACL rupture susceptibility in a Polish population. Among four analyzed SNPs, the rs1800795 IL6 gene polymorphism was found to be the only one significantly associated with ACL rupture (p = 0.010, p = 0.022, p = 0.004 for codominant, recessive and overdominant models, respectively; odds ratio = 1.74, 95% CI 1.08-2.81, sex adjusted p = 0.032 for recessive model). With reference to the other analyzed polymorphisms, we failed to show significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies for IL6R rs2228145as well as IL1B rs16944 and rs1143627 (analyzed alone or in haplotype combination) between the ACL rupture group and the healthy control group among Polish participants. Due to the nature of case-control studies, the results of this study need to be confirmed in independent studies with larger sample sizes.