Influence of the ADRB2 Gene on Sporting Ability and the Human Body: A Literature Review

This review assesses the influence of ADRB2 (beta-2 adrenergic receptor) gene polymorphisms on athletic performance and physiological function in humans. The literature was analysed for associations with results in cyclic endurance and speed-strength sports and for effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic systems. The GG genotype of ADRB2 is associated with the body mass index of female rhythmic gymnasts and is positively related to successful performance in competition. The Arg16Gly variant influences the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and the expression of endurance in athletes. ADRB2 (rs1042713) has been linked to insulin resistance and to increased fat content in the central part of the body in non-athletes; carriers of the Gln/Gln genotype have less body fat than those with the Gln/Glu and Glu/Glu genotypes (rs1042714) (p = 0.050 and p = 0.009, respectively). The polymorphisms rs1042718 and rs1042719 are associated with longevity in men (A-C haplotype: OR = 1.49, p = 0.0007), and the GG genotype of rs1042714 increases the risk of myocardial infarction 3.3-fold (p = 0.021), indicating an indirect link between ADRB2 and life expectancy mediated by cardiovascular disease. The Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms are also associated with an increased risk of respiratory pathology. The data obtained across studies are highly contradictory, which may be due to differences in the populations studied, study design, ethnicity, measurement scales, nutrition and sample size. At present, the ADRB2 gene may be considered a candidate marker for talent identification in sport and for the assessment of the risk of certain diseases and injuries, although the available evidence remains inconsistent.