OR-021 GLUT4 rs5418 genotype and performance of Cross-country skiers in China

Objective  The GLUT4 gene is one of the genes that have a potential influence on physical performance. Studies have shown that the rs5418 genotype of GLUT4 is more prevalent in endurance athletes. Therefore, the GLUT4 rs5418 polymorphism may become a genetic marker for Cross-country skiers. The study aimed to examine the association of the GLUT4 rs5418 genotype with the performance of Cross-country skiers. Methods The distributions of the GLUT4 rs5418 genotype and allele were examined in a general population (206) and a group of elite Cross-country skiers (163) in China by using PCR-RFLP and TOF. Results Compared with the general population, the elite Cross-country skiers (χ2=9.267df=2P=0.01P<0.05), especially the females, had a higher frequency of the AA genotype(Total: 22.09% VS 13.59%, Female:24.19% VS 13.59% ). The Cross-country skiers had a higher frequency of the A allele than the general population(45.40% VS 33.98%), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=9.972df=1P=0.02P<0.05). Conclusions The GLUT4 rs5418 polymorphism was associated with the performance of elite Cross-country skiers in China. The SNP rs5418 could be used as a biomarker for selecting elite Cross-country skiers in China.