The Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARG gene modifies the association between physical activity and athletic performance in Uzbek athletes

This study is the first to report the genotypic distribution of the PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism among Uzbek athletes. The human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is involved in lipid storage, glucose homeostasis and adipocyte differentiation. Pro-allele contributes to the development of high physical performance in sports where you need extra physical stamina, and Ala-allele - in sports based on strength and speed. An analysis of the distribution frequency of genotypes of the PPARG gene, based on the general model of inheritance, in the group of athletes involved in Boxing and Football, was statistically significant compared to the control (p =0.006; p =0,000006). These results suggest that the presence of PPARG Ala allele, which increases the sensitivity of muscle tissue to insulin, and thus enhances its anabolic effect on skeletal muscle, predisposes the development and display of speed-power qualities. In addition, we studied frequencies of Pro/Ala genotypes in Uzbek population in comparison with Russian, Ukrainian, Italian, Bosnian and Herzegovinian, and Ethiopian samples. In conclusion, the present data seem to suggest that some selective factors such as climate could have influenced the present distribution of the Ala allele. Keywords: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), polymorphism, human genetics, genetic predisposition to sport