The comparison of I/D genotype of ACE gene and R577X of ACTN3 gene in Iranian elite and non-elite male wrestlers

Genetic variables are considered as individual parameters that can affect the underlying phenotypes of sports performance. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare I/D genotype of the ACE gene and R577X of the ACTN-3 gene in Iranian elite and non-elite male wrestlers.

Methods & Materials: 

The current research was semi-experimental. The statistical population of this research included all Iranian elite and non-elite male wrestlers, among whom 22 elite wrestlers and 36 non-elite wrestlers were selected by purposive sampling. After extracting the DNA of the participants, their ACE and ACTN-3 gene genotypes were determined using the PCR-RLFP technique and electrophoresis. Analysis of research data was done using Chi-square test.

The results showed that compared to non-elite wrestlers, elite wrestlers had a significantly higher distribution of the DD genotype of the ACE gene and the RR and RX genotypes of the ACTN-3 gene. This was while non-elite wrestlers had a significantly higher frequency distribution of II and ID genotypes of ACE gene and XX genotype of ACTN-3 gene compared to elite wrestlers.

It can be said that there is a positive relationship between reaching elite levels in the sport of wrestling and having the DD genotype of the ACE gene and the RR genotype of the ACTN-3 gene, which probably identifies these two genes as genetic factors. Effective in creating the basic phenotypes of the wrestling sport such as strength and subsequently the emergence of individual differences in athletes.