The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism is associated with judo status in Iranian elite judo athletes

Optimal performance in judo requires factors such as strength and power especially in upper part of body and endurance. It is well known that trainability and training influences are very different between individuals and many of them depend on genetic factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the probable importance of the ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms among Iranian judo athletes. For doing this purpose we recruited 40 judo athletes who had medals in World and Asia Championships and 120 non-athletes men, who served as controls. DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood using a non-enzymatic method. Genotyping was conducted by PCR and PCR-RFLP methods for identification the ACE I/D, ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms, respectively. Statistical analysis showed frequency of R/R genotype of the ACTN3 polymorphism in judo athletes were significantly higher than the control group (P=0.041). As well as, the frequency of R allele approximately 12% were higher than the control group (P=0.06). However, statistical analysis showed no allelic and genotyping significant different in ACE polymorphism between judo athletes and control group (P=1, P=0.43, respectively). In conclusion, the present study showed the ACTN3 R577X is a genetic marker for identifying talent people in judo discipline in Iranian population.