Association of the 174 G/C polymorphism of the IL6 gene in Polish power-orientated athletes

Abstract

Aim. Interleukin-6 (IL6), has been called by some authors "an exercise factor" due to its pleiotropic effects during physical training. Several studies indicated that change in the guanine bases to cytosine at position -174 affects the transcription of the IL6 gene, and Anally IL6 production level. The aim of this study was to perform confirmation studies to analyze the possible importance of the IL6 -174 G/C (rsl800795) polymorphism gene in Polish power-orientated athletes. Methods. The study was carried out on two groups of men of the same Caucasian descent: 158 power-orientated athletes and 254 volunteers not involved in competitive sport. DNA was extracted from buccal cells donated by the subjects. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Significance was assessed by Chi square (Χ2) analysis. Results. The results revealed that the frequency of the 1L6 -174 GG genotype (53.16% vs. 35.82%; P=0.002) and G allele (68.67% vs. 57.87%; P=0.03) were significantly higher in the Polish power-orientated athletes compared to controls. Conclusion. These data suggest that the G allele could be one of the factors influencing the power-orientated sport performance. However, these conclusions should be supported with more experimental studies on other IL6 polymorphisms and other genes.