TTN-AS1 Genotype (rs1001238) and its Influence on Inflammatory Responses in Muscle Tissues in Soccer Players

Abstract

Abstract Genetic factors demonstrate influence on the components of athletic performance, but also on the activation and resolution of inflammation, muscle tissue immunity and other phenotypes. Titin (TTN) is a giant sarcomere protein that plays an essential role in muscle contraction with actin and myosin filaments. Its polymorphism may contribute to the inter-individual variation in the structural and functional properties of the muscle and tendon and its response to mechanical load, which may imply susceptibility to muscle injury. The identification of genes that may influence the levels of molecules involved in the sarcomeric structure can help to elucidate the factors and mechanisms related to muscle damage and consequent inflammatory process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of a TTN polymorphism, TTN-AS1 (RS1001238), with inflammation-related phenotypes in soccer players after a training session with predominance of eccentric actions. The sample consisted of 47 under-20 men's soccer players belonging to clubs in the first division of Brazilian soccer. Blood samples were collected before, 24, and 48 hours after the training session to evaluate the inflammatory responses (hematological neutrophil analysis, high sensitivity quantitative protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα)), muscle damage (creatine kinase (CK)), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). It was observed that individuals with the CC genotype for the TTN-AS1 Polymorphism (RS1001238) showed greater inflammatory responses (p<0.01) in relation to the TT and TC genotypes, with greater damage verified by CK (p<0.01) concentrations, TTN-AS1 (RS1001238) phenotypes and its possible structural alterations in skeletal striated muscle sarcomeres.

Keywords

• Genetics
• Polymorphism
• TTN-AS1
• Football
• Inflammatory