Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore the association between the allele frequency of the single nucleotide polymorphism C43864T in the intron of the KCNQ1 gene and physical performance after endurance training. Methods One hundred and two male soldiers, from northern China, undertook a distance running program. The program consisted of 5000 m running with an intensity of 95-105% of the ventilatory threshold (VT), 3 times/week for 18 weeks. VO2max and VT were measured on a treadmill before and after the protocol, and KCNQ1 gene polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP. Results The genotype frequencies of C43864T were CC=0.06, CT=0.30, TT=0.64, and they were in Hardy - Weinberg equilibrium. Before training, relative VO2 at RE (Running economy) was significantly different (P<0.05) between the CT (45.44±3.67 ml/min/kg) and TT (43.29±2.81 ml/min/kg) genotypes; CT was lower than TT genotypes. VO2 per LBW at RE for the subjects with CT genotype (70.19±4.60 ml/min/kg) was the lowest. After endurance training, the difference in Fat% was significant in subjects with CT (7.73±15.76) and CC (24.19±25.50) genotypes (P<0.05). There were significant changes in genotypes at baseline (P<0.05). There was also a significant difference between CT and CC genotypes, and EF% (PW=100W) of CT (-0.91±2.38) genotypes was lower than CC (1.79±2.39) genotypes. Conclusions The KCNQ1 C43864T polymorphism was associated with physical performance after endurance training. This study demonstrated that the allele of CT in the intron of KCNQ1 gene might contribute to individual differences in endurance training.
© Copyright 2008 2008 International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport: Proceedings, Vol. III. Published by People´s Sports Publishing House. All rights reserved.