The Ala/Val Polymorphism of the UCP2 Gene Reciprocally Associated with Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacities in Athletes
This study investigates associations between C/T polymorphism of the uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) gene (rs660339) and the aerobic and speed-power performance in a group of Russian athletes. The study engaged 168 athletes (46 female and 122 male) from different sports and the control group of nonathletes included 98 subjects (35 female and 63 male). Performance testing program included: ramp test and Wingate anaerobic test. A tendency to increased frequencies of the “mitochondrial efficiency” genotype (ТТ*UCP2) (χ<sup>2</sup> = 2.53, р = 0.28) were found in the athlete’s cohort. The higher aerobic capacities were associated with the presence of at least one minor Val55 allele (Т*UCP2), and presence of two original Ala55 alleles were associated (CC*UCP2) with better speed-power capacities.