Prevalence and Predictors of Normal-Weight Obesity among Women.

The present study aimed to (a) assess normal-weight obesity (NWO) and general obesity prevalence among women of different ages residing in urban areas, (b) evaluate subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) in women with NWO, (c) establish SFT cutoff points for distinguishing NWO, and (d) explore eating habits linked to NWO. This cross-sectional study with 184 women aged 18-65 with NWO, normal weight without obesity (NWNO), overweight and general obesity included evaluation of body composition, SFT assessment using 2.5 MHz A-mode ultrasound (ISAK protocol, 7 sites) and lifestyle inquiries. The curvilinear relationship between body fat and BMI rendered BMI an unreliable indicator of adiposity in women with normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2). Almost 30% of women with a high body fat percentage (BFP ≥ 30%) were misclassified when BMI was used to measure adiposity. The overall obesity prevalence defined by BFP was almost four times higher than that defined by BMI (56.0 vs. 18.0%, p = 1 × 10-4). Women with NWO, overweight and general obesity shared a similar SFT profile and eating habits, setting them apart from those with NWNO. The mean SFT was the most reliable NWO predictor, with a threshold set at 12 mm equal to the 66th percentile. Mean SFT accurately classified 85% of women with NWO. While age did not significantly affect subcutaneous fat accumulation, total fat levels increased with age (R2 = 0.07 and R2 = 0.19, padj = 0.1 and padj = 9 × 10-4). Higher NWO prevalence in middle-aged women was linked to age-related increase in fat mass and decrease in fat-free mass. Engaging in regular physical activity and reducing snack consumption effectively countered age-related changes in body composition (padj < 0.05). Women under 45 years who consumed sweet bakery items, fast food, and snacks more frequently showed higher BFP and NWO status (padj < 0.05). Prevention strategies should focus on monitoring body composition and promoting healthy behaviors, particularly among young women transitioning into adulthood and women over 45 years.

Identification of Genomic Predictors of Muscle Fiber Size.

The greater muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) is associated with greater skeletal muscle mass and strength, whereas muscle fiber atrophy is considered a major feature of sarcopenia. Muscle fiber size is a polygenic trait influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. However, the genetic variants underlying inter-individual differences in muscle fiber size remain largely unknown. The aim of our study was to determine whether 1535 genetic variants previously identified in a genome-wide association study of appendicular lean mass are associated with the CSA of fast-twitch muscle fibers (which better predict muscle strength) in the m. vastus lateralis of 148 physically active individuals (19 power-trained and 28 endurance-trained females, age 28.0 ± 1.1; 28 power-trained and 73 endurance-trained males, age 31.1 ± 0.8). Fifty-seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified as having an association with muscle fiber size (p < 0.05). Of these 57 SNPs, 31 variants were also associated with handgrip strength in the UK Biobank cohort (n = 359,729). Furthermore, using East Asian and East European athletic (n = 731) and non-athletic (n = 515) cohorts, we identified 16 SNPs associated with athlete statuses (sprinter, wrestler, strength, and speed-strength athlete) and weightlifting performance. All SNPs had the same direction of association, i.e., the lean mass-increasing allele was positively associated with the CSA of muscle fibers, handgrip strength, weightlifting performance, and power athlete status. In conclusion, we identified 57 genetic variants associated with both appendicular lean mass and fast-twitch muscle fiber size of m. vastus lateralis that may, in part, contribute to a greater predisposition to power sports.

Exploring the relationship between caffeine metabolism-related CYP1A2 rs762551 polymorphism and team sport athlete status and training adaptations.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to achieve a dual objective: to compare the frequencies of CYP1A2 rs762551 genotypes between team sport athletes and a control group, and to determine the association between the rs762551 polymorphism and changes in physical performance after a six-week training program among elite basketball players. METHODS: The study encompassed an analysis of 504 individuals, comprising 320 athletes and 184 controls. For the Turkish cohort, DNA was isolated using the buccal swab method, and genotyping was conducted using the KASP technique. Performance assessments included the Yo-Yo IR2 and 30 m sprint tests. For Russian participants, DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood, a commercial kit was used for DNA extraction, and genotyping of the rs762551 polymorphism was conducted using DNA microarray. RESULT: Notably, a statistically significant linear decline in the prevalence of the CC genotype was observed with ascending levels of athletic achievement within team sports (sub-elite: 18.0%, elite: 8.2%, highly elite: 0%; p = 0.001). Additionally, the CA genotype was the most prevalent genotype in the highly elite group compared to controls (80.0% vs. 45.1%, p = 0.048). Furthermore, statistically significant improvements in Yo-Yo IR2 performance were noted exclusively among basketball players harboring the CA genotype (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: The study's findings indicate that the rs762551 CC genotype is a disadvantage in elite team sports, whereas the CA genotype provides an advantage in basketball performance.

Association analysis of indel variants and gene expression identifies MDM4 as a novel locus for skeletal muscle hypertrophy and power athlete status.

Insertions and deletions (indels) are the second most common type of variation in the human genome. However, limited data on their associations with exercise-related phenotypes have been documented. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between 18,370 indel variants and power athlete status, followed by additional studies in 357,246 individuals. In the discovery phase, the D allele of the MDM4 gene rs35493922 I/D polymorphism was over-represented in power athletes compared with control subjects (P = 7.8 × 10-9) and endurance athletes (P = 0.0012). These findings were replicated in independent cohorts, showing a higher D allele frequency in power athletes compared with control subjects (P = 0.016) and endurance athletes (P = 0.031). Furthermore, the D allele was positively associated (P = 0.0013) with greater fat-free mass in the UK Biobank. MDM4 encodes a protein that inhibits the activity of p53, which induces muscle fibre atrophy. Accordingly, we found that MDM4 expression was significantly higher in the vastus lateralis of power athletes compared with endurance athletes (P = 0.0009) and was positively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres (P = 0.0062) and the relative area occupied by fast-twitch muscle fibres (P = 0.0086). The association between MDM4 gene expression and an increased proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibres was confirmed in two additional cohorts. Finally, we found that the MDM4 DD genotype was associated with increased MDM4 gene expression in vastus lateralis and greater cross-sectional area of fast-twitch muscle fibres. In conclusion, MDM4 is suggested to be a potential regulator of muscle fibre specification and size, with its indel variant being associated with power athlete status. HIGHLIGHTS: What is the central question of this study? Which indel variants are functional and associated with sport- and exercise-related traits? What is the main finding and its importance? Out of 18,370 tested indels, the MDM4 gene rs35493922 I/D polymorphism was found to be the functional variant (affecting gene expression) and the most significant, with the deletion allele showing associations with power athlete status, fat-free mass and cross-sectional area of fast-twitch muscle fibres. Furthermore, the expression of MDM4 was positively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres and the relative area occupied by fast-twitch muscle fibres.

Effect of ADORA2A Gene Polymorphism and Acute Caffeine Supplementation on Hormonal Response to Resistance Exercise: A Double-Blind, Crossover, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Previous studies have reported that TT genotype carriers of the adenosine A2a receptor (ADORA2A) gene rs5751876 polymorphism have better ergogenic and anti-inflammatory responses to caffeine intake compared to C allele carriers. The aim of the present study was twofold: (1) to investigate the association of the ADORA2A rs5751876 polymorphism with acute caffeine supplementation on hormonal (growth hormone and testosterone) response to resistance exercise (RE); (2) to examine the relationship between the rs5751876 polymorphism and the resting levels of growth hormone and testosterone in athletes who are light caffeine consumers. A double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study involving 30 resistance-trained men (age 21.7 ± 4.1) was conducted to assess the impact of caffeine supplementation on serum growth hormone (GH) and testosterone (TS) levels before, immediately after, and 15 min post-RE. One hour before engaging in resistance exercise, subjects were randomly administered 6 mg of caffeine per kg of body mass or a placebo (maltodextrin). After a 7-day washout period, the same protocol was repeated. Resting testosterone and growth hormone levels were examined in the sera of 94 elite athletes (31 females, age 21.4 ± 2.8; 63 males, age 22.9 ± 3.8). Caffeine consumption led to significantly greater increases in GH and TS in men with the TT genotype compared to C allele carriers. Furthermore, in the group of athletes, carriers of the TT genotype had significantly higher testosterone (p = 0.0125) and growth hormone (p = 0.0365) levels compared to C allele carriers. In conclusion, the ADORA2A gene rs5751876 polymorphism may modify the effect of caffeine intake on the hormonal response to exercise.

Genomic predictors of physical activity and athletic performance.

Physical activity and athletic performance are complex phenotypes influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Recent advances in lifestyle and behavioral genomics led to the discovery of dozens of DNA polymorphisms (variants) associated with physical activity and allowed to use them as genetic instruments in Mendelian randomization studies for identifying the causal links between physical activity and health outcomes. On the other hand, exercise and sports genomics studies are focused on the search for genetic variants associated with athlete status, sports injuries and individual responses to training and supplement use. In this review, the findings of studies investigating genetic markers and their associations with physical activity and athlete status are reported. As of the end of September 2023, a total of 149 variants have been associated with various physical activity traits (of which 42 variants are genome-wide significant) and 253 variants have been linked to athlete status (115 endurance-related, 96 power-related, and 42 strength-related).

Skeletal muscle hypertrophy rewires glucose metabolism: An experimental investigation and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Proliferating cancer cells shift their metabolism towards glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen, to especially generate glycolytic intermediates as substrates for anabolic reactions. We hypothesize that a similar metabolic remodelling occurs during skeletal muscle hypertrophy. METHODS: We used mass spectrometry in hypertrophying C2C12 myotubes in vitro and plantaris mouse muscle in vivo and assessed metabolomic changes and the incorporation of the [U-13C6]glucose tracer. We performed enzyme inhibition of the key serine synthesis pathway enzyme phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (Phgdh) for further mechanistic analysis and conducted a systematic review to align any changes in metabolomics during muscle growth with published findings. Finally, the UK Biobank was used to link the findings to population level. RESULTS: The metabolomics analysis in myotubes revealed insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-induced altered metabolite concentrations in anabolic pathways such as pentose phosphate (ribose-5-phosphate/ribulose-5-phosphate: +40%; P = 0.01) and serine synthesis pathway (serine: -36.8%; P = 0.009). Like the hypertrophy stimulation with IGF-1 in myotubes in vitro, the concentration of the dipeptide l-carnosine was decreased by 26.6% (P = 0.001) during skeletal muscle growth in vivo. However, phosphorylated sugar (glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-6-phosphate or glucose-1-phosphate) decreased by 32.2% (P = 0.004) in the overloaded muscle in vivo while increasing in the IGF-1-stimulated myotubes in vitro. The systematic review revealed that 10 metabolites linked to muscle hypertrophy were directly associated with glycolysis and its interconnected anabolic pathways. We demonstrated that labelled carbon from [U-13C6]glucose is increasingly incorporated by ~13% (P = 0.001) into the non-essential amino acids in hypertrophying myotubes, which is accompanied by an increased depletion of media serine (P = 0.006). The inhibition of Phgdh suppressed muscle protein synthesis in growing myotubes by 58.1% (P < 0.001), highlighting the importance of the serine synthesis pathway for maintaining muscle size. Utilizing data from the UK Biobank (n = 450 243), we then discerned genetic variations linked to the serine synthesis pathway (PHGDH and PSPH) and to its downstream enzyme (SHMT1), revealing their association with appendicular lean mass in humans (P < 5.0e-8). CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle mass will help in developing effective treatments for muscle weakness. Our results provide evidence for the metabolic rewiring of glycolytic intermediates into anabolic pathways during muscle growth, such as in serine synthesis.

Genetics of Exercise and Diet-Induced Fat Loss Efficiency: A Systematic Review.

Physical exercise and dieting are well-known and effective methods for fat loss and improving cardiovascular health. However, different individuals often react differently to the same exercise regimen or dietary plan. While specific individuals may undergo substantial fat loss, others may observe only limited effects. A wide range of inter-individual variability in weight gain and changes in body composition induced by physical exercises and diets led to an investigation into the genetic factors that may contribute to the individual variations in such responses. This systematic review aimed at identifying the genetic markers associated with fat loss resulting from diet or exercise. A search of the current literature was performed using the PubMed database. Forty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria when assessing genetic markers associated with weight loss efficiency in response to different types of exercises and diets. Overall, we identified 30 genetic markers of fat-loss efficiency in response to different kinds of diets and 24 in response to exercise. Most studies (n = 46) used the candidate gene approach. We should aspire to the customized selection of exercise and dietary plans for each individual to prevent and treat obesity.

Bibliometric and scientometric analysis on biomarkers and molecular mechanisms for physical frailty and sarcopenia.

Introduction: The influence of physical frailty and sarcopenia (PFS) on the well-being of older people and continuous pressure on the healthcare systems has prompted a research on the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of these conditions. Nonetheless some biomarkers have been suggested as potential markers for PFS none of them have been shown to highlight the complex nature of PFS, which reveals that there is a need for an understanding of the possible biomarker candidates. The aim of this study was to identify the current research hotspots, status, and trends in the field of biomarkers and molecular mechanisms for PFS. Methods: The bibliometric and scientometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) and open source software platform Cytoscape v.3.9 (for visualizing and constructing a network of keywords). Data of publications (from 1997 to 2023) related to biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of PFS were obtained (in May 2023) from the database of Science Citation Index Expanded of Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. The keywords obtained from the Scopus database were used to perform a meaningful keyword analysis. A network of keyword relationships was build using Cytoscape. Results: In this study, we present biomarker keywords for PFS in relation to other keywords potentially designating processes and mechanisms and reveal the biomarker identities and current contexts in which these biomarker identities are discussed. Conclusions: Over recent years, scientific interest in the field of PFS has increased and focused on the inflammatory process and probably will be concentrated on myokines (such as cytokines and small proteins) that are synthetized and released by skeletal muscles in response to physical activity. Moreover, proteomic and genetic markers are deeply involved in PFS.

Agreement between bioimpedance analysis and ultrasound scanning in body composition assessment.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at evaluating the agreement between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using ABC-02 Medas and A-mode ultrasound (AUS) using BodyMetrix™ BX2000 for fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), and body fat percentage (%BF) in females. METHODS: The cross-sectional, single-center, observational study was performed in 206 female subjects aged 18-67 years. The examination program included measurements of body height and weight along with waist, hip circumferences, and body composition analysis. The measurements were performed by ultrasound scanner and bioimpedance analyzer. RESULTS: We found that 20.9% of women were obese based on BMI (≥30 kg/m2), which was significantly lower when using a criterion based on body fat percentage (%BF ≥ 30%) measured with US (53.4%, p = .0056) or BIA (54.8%, p = .0051). At the group level, both methods were found interchangeable and showed practically negligible differences (0.1% for %BF, 0.5 kg for FM, and 0.4 kg for FFM). Agreement analysis conducted in the whole sample revealed a low level of agreement in estimating %BF (CCC = 0.72 0.77 0.82) and FFM (CCC = 0.81 0.84 0.86), and medium level of agreement in estimating FM (CCC = 0.91 0.93 0.94). The level of agreement in estimating %BF and FFM was improved to the medium level with the use of newly generated prediction equations. CONCLUSION: Thus, the proposed equations can be used for conversion of body composition results obtained by AUS into the BIA data.

The relationship of testosterone levels with sprint performance in young professional track and field athletes.

Evidence suggests that higher testosterone levels may provide an athletic advantage. Therefore, it is of practical interest to examine the association between testosterone levels and power- and strength-related traits in young professional track and field athletes, and to consider the factors that determine testosterone levels. The study involved 68 young professional athletes (45 females, 17.3 ± 2.6 years; 23 males, 18.2 ± 1.9 years). Testosterone levels were assessed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. All subjects performed two 20 m and two 30 m sprint trials, and countermovement jump without arm-swing. A bioimpedance analysis of body composition was carried out and biological maturity was examined using the Khamis-Roche method. The average testosterone levels were 26.4 ± 9.6 nmol/l and 1.5 ± 0.7 nmol/l in males and females, respectively. In female athletes, testosterone levels did not correlate with any of traits. Males with the highest testosterone levels were significantly faster in the 20 m (p = 0.033) and 30 m (p = 0.014) sprint trials compared to males with lower testosterone levels. Testosterone levels in males were positively associated with fat mass (p = 0.027), and degree of biological maturation (p = 0.003). In conclusion, we found a positive relationship between testosterone levels and sprint performance in young male athletes.

Association of ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism with Elite Basketball Player Status and Training Responses.

The α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene rs1815739 (C/T, R577X) polymorphism is a variant frequently associated with athletic performance among different populations. However, there is limited research on the impact of this variant on athlete status and physical performance in basketball players. Therefore, the aim of this study was twofold: (1) to determine the association of ACTN3 rs1815739 polymorphism with changes in physical performance in response to six weeks of training in elite basketball players using 30 m sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (IR 2) tests, and (2) to compare ACTN3 genotype and allelic frequencies between elite basketball players and controls. The study included a total of 363 individuals, comprising 101 elite basketball players and 262 sedentary individuals. Genomic DNA was isolated from oral epithelial cells or leukocytes, and genotyping was performed by real-time PCR using KASP genotyping method or by microarray analysis. We found that the frequency of the ACTN3 rs1815739 XX genotype was significantly lower in basketball players compared to controls (10.9 vs. 21.4%, p = 0.023), suggesting that RR/RX genotypes were more favorable for playing basketball. Statistically significant (p = 0.045) changes were observed in Yo-Yo IRT 2 performance measurement tests in basketball players with the RR genotype only. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the carriage of the ACTN3 rs1815739 R allele may confer an advantage in basketball.

Genes and Athletic Performance: The 2023 Update.

Phenotypes of athletic performance and exercise capacity are complex traits influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This update on the panel of genetic markers (DNA polymorphisms) associated with athlete status summarises recent advances in sports genomics research, including findings from candidate gene and genome-wide association (GWAS) studies, meta-analyses, and findings involving larger-scale initiatives such as the UK Biobank. As of the end of May 2023, a total of 251 DNA polymorphisms have been associated with athlete status, of which 128 genetic markers were positively associated with athlete status in at least two studies (41 endurance-related, 45 power-related, and 42 strength-related). The most promising genetic markers include the AMPD1 rs17602729 C, CDKN1A rs236448 A, HFE rs1799945 G, MYBPC3 rs1052373 G, NFIA-AS2 rs1572312 C, PPARA rs4253778 G, and PPARGC1A rs8192678 G alleles for endurance; ACTN3 rs1815739 C, AMPD1 rs17602729 C, CDKN1A rs236448 C, CPNE5 rs3213537 G, GALNTL6 rs558129 T, IGF2 rs680 G, IGSF3 rs699785 A, NOS3 rs2070744 T, and TRHR rs7832552 T alleles for power; and ACTN3 rs1815739 C, AR ≥21 CAG repeats, LRPPRC rs10186876 A, MMS22L rs9320823 T, PHACTR1 rs6905419 C, and PPARG rs1801282 G alleles for strength. It should be appreciated, however, that elite performance still cannot be predicted well using only genetic testing.

The ADORA2A TT Genotype Is Associated with Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Caffeine in Response to Resistance Exercise and Habitual Coffee Intake.

Caffeine is an adenosine A2A receptor (ADORA2A) antagonist with ergogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Previous studies have reported that the ADORA2A gene regulates glutamate metabolism and immune responses, with the ADORA2A rs5751876 TT genotype (with high sensitivity to caffeine) showing larger ergogenic effect following caffeine ingestion. We therefore hypothesized that the TT genotype would be associated with greater anti-inflammatory effects of caffeine in response to exercise, and with higher coffee intake in physically active individuals. The aim of the present study was twofold: (1) to investigate the association of the ADORA2A variant with the anti-inflammatory effects of caffeine in response to intense resistance exercise (RE), and (2) to analyze the association of the rs5751876 with coffee intake in physically active individuals (n = 134). Fifteen resistance-trained athletes participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study, where they consumed 6 mg/kg of caffeine or placebo one hour prior to performing an RE protocol. Blood samples were taken immediately from the arterial vein before, immediately after, and 15 min after RE for the analysis of inflammatory markers myeloperoxidase (MPO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). We found that the ADORA2A TT genotype carriers experienced lower exercise-induced inflammatory responses (p < 0.05 for AchE) when compared to the C allele carriers (i.e., CC/CT) one hour following the ingestion of caffeine. Furthermore, the ADORA2A TT genotype was positively associated with coffee intake (p = 0.0143; irrespective of CYP1A2 rs762551 polymorphism). In conclusion, we found that the ADORA2A gene polymorphism is associated with anti-inflammatory effects of caffeine in response to resistance exercise, as well as with habitual coffee intake in physically active individuals.

Exome-Wide Association Study of Competitive Performance in Elite Athletes.

The aim of the study was to identify genetic variants associated with personal best scores in Turkish track and field athletes and to compare allelic frequencies between sprint/power and endurance athletes and controls using a whole-exome sequencing (WES) approach, followed by replication studies in independent cohorts. The discovery phase involved 60 elite Turkish athletes (31 sprint/power and 29 endurance) and 20 ethnically matched controls. The replication phase involved 1132 individuals (115 elite Russian sprinters, 373 elite Russian endurance athletes (of which 75 athletes were with VO2max measurements), 209 controls, 148 Russian and 287 Finnish individuals with muscle fiber composition and cross-sectional area (CSA) data). None of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reached an exome-wide significance level (p < 2.3 × 10-7) in genotype-phenotype and case-control studies of Turkish athletes. However, of the 53 nominally (p < 0.05) associated SNPs, four functional variants were replicated. The SIRT1 rs41299232 G allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish (p = 0.047) and Russian (p = 0.018) endurance athletes compared to sprint/power athletes and was associated with increased VO2max (p = 0.037) and a greater proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers (p = 0.035). The NUP210 rs2280084 A allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish (p = 0.044) and Russian (p = 0.012) endurance athletes compared to sprint/power athletes. The TRPM2 rs1785440 G allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish endurance athletes compared to sprint/power athletes (p = 0.034) and was associated with increased VO2max (p = 0.008). The AGRN rs4074992 C allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish sprint/power athletes compared to endurance athletes (p = 0.037) and was associated with a greater CSA of fast-twitch muscle fibers (p = 0.024). In conclusion, we present the first WES study of athletes showing that this approach can be used to identify novel genetic markers associated with exercise- and sport-related phenotypes.

Diversity and Differential Expression of MicroRNAs in the Human Skeletal Muscle with Distinct Fiber Type Composition.

The ratio of fast- and slow-twitch fibers in human skeletal muscle is variable and largely determined by genetic factors. In this study, we investigated the contribution of microRNA (miRNA) in skeletal muscle fiber type composition. The study involved biopsy samples of the vastus lateralis muscle from 24 male participants with distinct fiber type ratios. The miRNA study included samples from five endurance athletes and five power athletes with the predominance of slow-twitch (61.6-72.8%) and fast-twitch (69.3-80.7%) fibers, respectively. Total and small RNA were extracted from tissue samples. Total RNA sequencing (N = 24) revealed 352 differentially expressed genes between the groups with the predominance of fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers. Small RNA sequencing showed upregulation of miR-206, miR-501-3p and miR-185-5p, and downregulation of miR-499a-5p and miR-208-5p in the group of power athletes with fast-twitch fiber predominance. Two miRtronic miRNAs, miR-208b-3p and miR-499a-5p, had strong correlations in expression with their host genes (MYH7 and MYH7B, respectively). Correlations between the expression of miRNAs and their experimentally validated messenger RNA (mRNA) targets were calculated, and 11 miRNA-mRNA interactions with strong negative correlations were identified. Two of them belonged to miR-208b-3p and miR-499a-5p, indicating their regulatory links with the expression of CDKN1A and FOXO4, respectively.

Identification and Characterization of Genomic Predictors of Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity Using UK Biobank Data.

The substantial decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and gait speed is a sign of severe sarcopenia, which may partly depend on genetic risk factors. So far, hundreds of genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with handgrip strength, lean mass and walking pace have been identified in the UK Biobank cohort; however, their pleiotropic effects on all three phenotypes have not been investigated. By combining summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of handgrip strength, lean mass and walking pace, we have identified 78 independent SNPs (from 73 loci) associated with all three traits with consistent effect directions. Of the 78 SNPs, 55 polymorphisms were also associated with body fat percentage and 25 polymorphisms with type 2 diabetes (T2D), indicating that sarcopenia, obesity and T2D share many common risk alleles. Follow-up bioinformatic analysis revealed that sarcopenia risk alleles were associated with tiredness, falls in the last year, neuroticism, alcohol intake frequency, smoking, time spent watching television, higher salt, white bread, and processed meat intake; whereas protective alleles were positively associated with bone mineral density, serum testosterone, IGF1, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, height, intelligence, cognitive performance, educational attainment, income, physical activity, ground coffee drinking and healthier diet (muesli, cereal, wholemeal or wholegrain bread, potassium, magnesium, cheese, oily fish, protein, water, fruit, and vegetable intake). Furthermore, the literature data suggest that single-bout resistance exercise may induce significant changes in the expression of 26 of the 73 implicated genes in m. vastus lateralis, which may partly explain beneficial effects of strength training in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. In conclusion, we have identified and characterized 78 SNPs associated with sarcopenia and 55 SNPs with sarcopenic obesity in European-ancestry individuals from the UK Biobank.

KIBRA Gene Variant Is Associated with Ability in Chess and Science.

The kidney and brain expressed protein (KIBRA) plays an important role in synaptic plasticity. Carriers of the T allele of the KIBRA (WWC1) gene rs17070145 C/T polymorphism have been reported to have enhanced spatial ability and to outperform individuals with the CC genotype in working memory tasks. Since ability in chess and science is directly related to spatial ability and working memory, we hypothesized that the KIBRA T allele would be positively associated with chess player status and PhD status in science. We tested this hypothesis in a study involving 2479 individuals (194 chess players, 119 PhD degree holders in STEM fields, and 2166 controls; 1417 males and 1062 females) from three ethnicities (236 Kazakhs, 1583 Russians, 660 Tatars). We found that frequencies of the T allele were significantly higher in Kazakh (66.9 vs. 55.1%; p = 0.024), Russian (44.8 vs. 32.0%; p = 0.0027), and Tatar (51.5 vs. 41.8%; p = 0.035) chess players compared with ethnically matched controls (meta-analysis for CT/TT vs. CC: OR = 2.05, p = 0.0001). In addition, none of the international chess grandmasters (ranked among the 80 best chess players in the world) were carriers of the CC genotype (0 vs. 46.3%; OR = 16.4, p = 0.005). Furthermore, Russian and Tatar PhD holders had a significantly higher frequency of CT/TT genotypes compared with controls (meta-analysis: OR = 1.71, p = 0.009). Overall, this is the first study to provide comprehensive evidence that the rs17070145 C/T polymorphism of the KIBRA gene may be associated with ability in chess and science, with the T allele exerting a beneficial effect.

Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies CDKN1A as a Novel Locus Associated with Muscle Fiber Composition.

Muscle fiber composition is associated with physical performance, with endurance athletes having a high proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers compared to power athletes. Approximately 45% of muscle fiber composition is heritable, however, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) underlying inter-individual differences in muscle fiber types remain largely unknown. Based on three whole genome SNP datasets, we have shown that the rs236448 A allele located near the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) gene was associated with an increased proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers in Russian (n = 151; p = 0.039), Finnish (n = 287; p = 0.03), and Japanese (n = 207; p = 0.008) cohorts (meta-analysis: p = 7.9 × 10−5. Furthermore, the frequency of the rs236448 A allele was significantly higher in Russian (p = 0.045) and Japanese (p = 0.038) elite endurance athletes compared to ethnically matched power athletes. On the contrary, the C allele was associated with a greater proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers and a predisposition to power sports. CDKN1A participates in cell cycle regulation and is suppressed by the miR-208b, which has a prominent role in the activation of the slow myofiber gene program. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the rs236448 C allele was associated with increased CDKN1A expression in whole blood (p = 8.5 × 10−15) and with greater appendicular lean mass (p = 1.2 × 10−5), whereas the A allele was associated with longer durations of exercise (p = 0.044) reported amongst the UK Biobank cohort. Furthermore, the expression of CDKN1A increased in response to strength (p < 0.0001) or sprint (p = 0.00035) training. Accordingly, we found that CDKN1A expression is significantly (p = 0.002) higher in the m. vastus lateralis of strength athletes compared to endurance athletes and is positively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers (p = 0.018). In conclusion, our data suggest that the CDKN1A rs236448 SNP may be implicated in the determination of muscle fiber composition and may affect athletic performance.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Exercise-Induced Fat Loss Efficiency.

There is a wide range of individual variability in the change of body weight in response to exercise, and this variability partly depends on genetic factors. The study aimed to determine DNA polymorphisms associated with fat loss efficiency in untrained women with normal weight in response to a 12-week aerobic training program using the GWAS approach, followed by a cross-sectional study in athletes. The study involved 126 untrained young Polish women (age 21.4 ± 1.7 years; body mass index (BMI): 21.7 (2.4) kg/m2) and 550 Russian athletes (229 women, age 23.0 ± 4.1; 321 men, age 23.9 ± 4.7). We identified one genome-wide significant polymorphism (rs116143768) located in the ACSL1 gene (acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 1, implicated in fatty acid oxidation), with a rare T allele associated with higher fat loss efficiency in Polish women (fat mass decrease: CC genotype (n = 122) -3.8%; CT genotype (n = 4) -31.4%; p = 1.18 × 10-9). Furthermore, male athletes with the T allele (n = 7) had significantly lower BMI (22.1 (3.1) vs. 25.3 (4.2) kg/m2, p = 0.046) than subjects with the CC genotype (n = 314). In conclusion, we have shown that the rs116143768 T allele of the ACSL1 gene is associated with higher fat loss efficiency in response to aerobic training in untrained women and lower BMI in physically active men.