Single nucleotide polymorphism A-511 G of IL-1 gene modifies anthropometric and physiological parameters of athletes

Interleukin-1β is one of pro-inflammatory responses and plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The gene of this cytokine is highly polymorphic, one of which is located on 5´flanking region at position −511 (rs16944, A-511 G). This allele encodes IL-1β protein with less activity in comparison with wild type. In this research, 40 subjects of professional athletes in futsal and volleyball fields have been studied in their anthropometric and physiological indexes and also IL-1β genetic polymorphisms. Our results show that in subjects carrying IL-1β A (−) SNP or wild type allele, the weight, body fat and some other physiological indexes have been increased. This might have relation with elevated plasma level of leptin which is conducted by IL-1β A (−) allele. These findings suggest a remarkable relation between genetic polymorphisms of IL-1β gene and physical potential of athletes.