Association of rs35767 polymorphism in the IGF1 gene with athletic performance in power and endurance sports: A meta-analysis.

Background: Sport performance is a multifactorial phenotype dependent on the interaction of multiple genetic and non-genetic factors. More than 200 polymorphisms have been associated with athletic performance. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs35767, located in the regulatory region of the IGF1 gene, influences its expression and has been associated with sports-related phenotypes. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between the rs35767 polymorphism of the IGF1 gene and athletic performance in power and endurance sports.

Methods: Literature has been retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Sport Discus databases until October 2023. This study was designed according to the PRISMA statement. Different models were tested, and heterogeneity was evaluated.

Results: Three studies were included in this meta-analysis. Statistically significant differences were highlighted for the frequency of the minor allele when comparing all athletes and controls (p < 0.001; OR = 1.74; 95 % CI = 1.26-2.40), endurance athletes and controls (p = 0.016; OR = 1.87; 95 % CI = 1.12-3.1) and power sport athletes and controls (p = 0.007; OR = 1.62; 95 % CI = 1.14-2.31). No statistically significant difference was found between the power and endurance groups. According to data analysis, the recessive model is the most suitable genetic model.

Conclusions: This metanalysis supports the role of the minor allele of the rs35767 polymorphism of the IGF1 gene as favoring an athlete's performance in endurance and power sports.