Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARΑ) rs4253778 polymorphism in a Turkish soccer player cohort

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha gene (PPARA) is one of the important gene determining athletes endurance capacity. The product of the gene functions in the regulation of lipid metabolism, in mostly heart and skeletal system, and maintaining glucose homeostasis and biogenesis in mitochondria. In this study, we aimed to determine the allelic distribution of PPARArs4253778 polymorphism in a Turkish soccer player cohort. For this purpose, we enrolled 22 professional soccer players and 68 sedentary controls for the study. Buccal cells were used for DNA sources, and real- time PCR methodology was followed for genotyping. GG genotypes were superior in both groups, and this was statistically significant when we compare the genotypes between groups. When we consider the alleles, G allele was found more frequently in players, and in controls. When we compare two groups, we determine a statistically significant difference, indicating the effect of G allele in soccer physiology. Our findings suggest that PPARArs4253778 polymorphism is an effective genetic factor in soccer physiology, and should be considered as an important genetic biomarker in sports genetics.