Open AccessA genetic variant in IL ‐15R α correlates with physical activity among European–American adults
Author(s) -
Bruneau Michael,
Walsh Sean,
Selinsky Eric,
Ash Garrett,
Angelopoulos Theodore J.,
Clarkson Priscilla,
Gordon Paul,
Moyiall,
Visich Paul,
Zoeller Robert,
Thompson Paul,
GordishDressman Heather,
Hoffman Eric,
Devaney Joseph,
Pescatello Linda S.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
molecular genetics and genomic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.765
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2324-9269
DOI - 10.1002/mgg3.368
Subject(s) - genotype , physical activity , body mass index , myokine , phenotype , medicine , polymorphism (computer science) , receptor , analysis of variance , endocrinology , biology , genetics , demography , physical therapy , gene , skeletal muscle , sociology
Background Interleukin‐15 ( IL ‐15) is a myokine associated with muscle strength, possibly by attenuating protein breakdown. A variant in the alpha‐receptor ( IL ‐15R α 1775 A>C, rs2228059) partially modulates the muscle strength and size response to resistance training. We examined if this polymorphism associated with habitual physical activity among European‐American adults. Methods Men ( n = 240, 23.7 ± 0.3 year, body mass index [ BMI ] 25.3 ± 0.3 kg/m 2 ) and women ( n = 292, 23.2 ± 0.3 year, 24.0 ± 0.3 kg/m 2 ) were genotyped. Physical activity phenotypes were derived from the Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire. Analysis of covariance ( ancova ) tested log‐transformed differences between the IL ‐15R α genotype and physical activity phenotypes by gender with age and BMI as covariates. Results Men with the IL ‐15R α 1775 AA genotype spent more time in light intensity physical activity (39.4 ± 2.4 hr/week) than men with the CC genotype (28.6 ± 2.3 hr/week, ( p = .009). Conclusion Further research is needed to confirm our finding and determine the possible mechanisms by which the IL ‐15R α variant modulates light intensity physical activity.