Differences in ACTN3, ACE, and ADBR3 polymorphisms between Croatian National Team and non-national team elite soccer players

Lana RUŽIĆ, University of Zagreb Faculty of Kinesiology, Zagreb, CroatiaFollow
Ivan RADMAN, University of Zagreb Faculty of Kinesiology, Zagreb, Croatia
Branka R. MATKOVIĆ, University of Zagreb Faculty of Kinesiology, Zagreb, CroatiaFollow

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigated the differences in ACTN3, ACE and ADRB3 variants in top-level soccer players who entered the Croatian National Team and the ones who did not but played for two best Croatian teams. Material and Methods: The buccal swabs were collected from 56 soccer players playing for the Croatian National Team (N = 31) and/or for one of the two most prestigious Croatian soccer clubs (N = 25). Each participant’s genotype was determined by analyzing the single-nucleotide polymorphism. The ACTN3 gene (rs1815739) on chromosome 11 and the ACE (rs1799752) gene on chromosome 17 were determined. Results: No significant differences between the players who entered the national team and the ones who did not were found in ACTN3 R577X (p = 0.437) and ADRB3 (p = 0.202) polymorphism distribution, while the differences existed in ACE (p = 0.044). The significant differences were determined in the “Athletic index” between the national-team and non-national-team players (p = 0.023). Regarding the position, the “Athletic index” was significantly higher only in national team midfielders (2.50 ±1.08 points vs. 1.38 ±1.06; p = 0.034). Conclusion: It seems that the soccer players with a favorable genetic combination on the ACTN3 gene and ACE gene might have had a better chance to enter the National Team.

Recommended Citation

Ruzic L, Radman I, Matkovic BR. Differences in ACTN3, ACE, and ADBR3 polymorphisms between Croatian National Team and non-national team elite soccer player. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2023;15(2):Article6. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.15.2.06