Molecular Genetic and Biochemical Markers for Assessing Physical Abilities of Athletes

Abstract

Studying athletes’ genetic and biochemical markers allows us to monitor physiological changes and adjust training cycles to improve training efficiency and minimize fatigue. The purpose of this article is to investigate the relationship between biochemical parameters and polymorphic variants of genes and assess an athlete’s predisposition to certain specialities. Materials and methods. The research involved 22 students from Volgograd State Physical Education Academy aged 16–23 years and doing athletics (n = 22, mean age 19.5 years, length of training 6–10 years, average training frequency 5–7 three-hour sessions a week). The biochemical parameters of blood serum were analysed using the Selectra ProM system (Vital Scientific B.V., Elitech Holding, the Netherlands) with reagent kits from Analyticon (Germany). Genetic markers were studied using the commercial DNA isolation kit Proba-GS-Genetika (DNA-Technology, Russia) and the PCR test system Sports Genetics (Lytech, Russia). Real-time amplification was carried out on a CFX96 Touch Real-Time PCR Detection System (Bio-Rad, USA) in microcentrifuge tubes (0.2 ml) using hot start. Results. According to the cluster analysis of the identified genetic polymorphisms, the examined athletes were divided into two groups: stayers and sprinters. No clear groups could be singled out based on the biochemical analysis. Moreover, no correlation was established between the presence of genes responsible for speed, strength and endurance and blood biochemistry.