Genetic determinants of resistance to hypoxia as one of the success factors in martial arts

Objective: to study the genetic selection of the EPAS1 gene (G/А, rsl867785) in a group of athletes involved in Greco-Roman wrestling with different levels of sportsmanship. Materials and methods: the genetic examination of 79 male athletes (from 7 to 25 years old) involved in Greco-Roman wrestling and 92 controls (from 7 to 30 years old) was performed. Results: the frequency of A-allele associated with better adaptation to hypoxic conditions was higher in the group of wrestlers (EPAS1*GG - 27.8% EPAS1*AG - 67.1% and EPAS1*AA - 5.1% against EPAS1*GG - 56.5% EPAS1*AG - 35.9% and EPAS1 *AA - 7.6 %. x2 = 16.7 p = 0.0002). The frequency of A-allele carriers increased with increasing level of sportsmanship of studied athletes. The increase in the frequency of minor A-allele in the subgroup of Greco-Roman wrestlers testifies to their advantage in comparison with the carriers of G-allele. Conclusions: G/A-polymorphism of the EPAS1 gene can be used in the selection and prediction of sports success in Greco-Roman wrestling