Increased heart rate variability in oarsmen is associated to UCP2 55VAL and UCP3 -55T alleles

Aim: The paper aims to identify the effect of the Ala55Val polymorphism of the UCP2 (rs660339 C/T) gene and -55С/Т of the UCP3 (rs1800849) gene on heart rate variability in oarsmen. Materials and methods. HRV data (SDNN, HF, LF, VLF), stroke and cardiac indices were obtained using cardiography and rheography in the supine and standing positions (n = 35, age: 18.4 ± 1.9 years, sports experience: 6.3 ± 3.3 years, VO2max: 59.0 ± 12.2 ml/min/kg). The maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) was measured on the rowing ergometer by means of a spiroergometry system (MetaLyzer Cortex). UCP2 Ala55Val (rs660339) and UCP3 -55C/T (rs1800849) polymorphisms in buccal epithelium were detected by polymerase chain reaction and analysis of restriction products. Results. It was found that the UCP2 Ala55Val polymorphism was associated with VO2max and spectral HRV indices in the supine position. Athletes with the UCP2 Val/Val genotype had higher levels of VO2max and HF and lower LF/HF compared to the carriers of Ala/Ala and Ala/Val genotypes. Moreover, the UCP3 -55C/T polymorphism was associated with HRV in the supine position and more significantly in orthostasis. In athletes with the UCP3 T/T genotype, the levels of VO2max, HF and VLF in the standing position were higher than in the C/C genotype carriers. Conclusions. UCP2 Ala55Val and UCP3 -55C/T polymorphisms are likely to be involved in cardiac autonomic regulation. UCP2 55Val and UCP3 -55T alleles may, at least partially, be responsible for increased HRV in highly skilled athletes.