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Polymorphism of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene (VEGF) and aerobic performance in athletes

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Abstract

The subject of this study is the frequency distribution of alleles of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene (VEGF; the G-634C polymorphism) in athletes (n = 670) and in a control group (n = 1073) and the relationships of genotypes with aerobic performance in rowers (n = 90). Genetic typing was performed using the analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism. The frequency of the VEGF C allele in the group of endurance athletes (n = 294) was significantly higher than in the control group and increased together with increasing sports qualification. In addition, a correlation of the VEGF C allele with a high aerobic performance of athletes (according to data on the maximal power and maximal oxygen consumption) and with a substantial contribution to the energy supply of aerobic metabolism (according to the values of maximal lactate content) has been found. It is inferred that the G-634C polymorphism of the VEGF gene is associated with physical performance of athletes and plays a key role in sports selection.

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Original Russian Text © I.I. Ahmetov, A.M. Khakimullina, D.V. Popov, S.S. Missina, O.L. Vinogradova, V. A. Rogozkin, 2008, published in Fiziologiya Cheloveka, 2008, Vol. 34, No. 4, pp. 97–101.

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Ahmetov, I.I., Khakimullina, A.M., Popov, D.V. et al. Polymorphism of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene (VEGF) and aerobic performance in athletes. Hum Physiol 34, 477–481 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0362119708040129

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0362119708040129

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