Piotr Gronek

Is G→T substitution in the sequence of CAG repeats within the androgen receptor gene associated with aggressive behaviour in the red foxVulpes vulpes?

Studies were carried out on one of the largest European red foxVulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) farms in Śniaty and Batorówka (Poland). A test created by Nowicki and Przysiecki (NP) was used to describe behaviour of the animals. The results of the NP behaviour test showed 4 types of behaviour in foxes: aggressive, curious, indifferent and apprehensive. While analyzing a fragment of exon 1 in the androgen receptor gene in 184 individuals, four alleles were found, ie 10, 10T, 12 and 13. The most frequent allele was allele 10, both in males and females (65.85 and 57.39%, respectively). The next in order of frequency were allele 10T (24.39 and 31.25%), 13 (7.32 and 9.09%) and 12 (2.44 and 2.27%, respectively). On the basis of further analysis an association was shown between behaviour of the red fox and its genotype. In aggressive females allele 10 was found significantly more frequently (76%) than in curious females (57%). While analyzing the genotypes of aggressive females it was shown that there were 15 individuals with genotype 10/10 (15.56%), 11 heterozygotes (9.87%) and only 1 individual with genotype 10T/10T (1.56%). In curious females the distribution of these genotypes was 15 (13.71%), 18 (20.57%) and 9 (7.71%), respectively. Although the result of Pearson Χ2 analysis was not significant (Χ2,p=0.0793), the Armitage’s chi-squared test for trend showed a significant difference Χ2,p=0.0305). This results may suggest that the androgen receptor gene may be suitable in studies on psychological traits.

Genetic and non-genetic determinants of aggression in combat sports

Abstract Human aggression/impulsivity-related traits are influenced by complex genetic and non-genetic factors. The aggression/anxiety relationship is controlled by highly conserved brain regions including the amygdala, hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray of the midbrain, which is responsible for neural circuits triggering defensive, aggressive, or avoidant behavioral models. The social behavior network consists of the medial amygdala, medial hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray, and it positively modulates reactive aggression. An important role in the incidence of aggressive behavior is played by secreted factors such as testosterone, glucocorticoids, pheromones, as well as by expression of genes such as neuroligin-2, monoamine oxidase A, serotonin transporters, etc. The authors deliberate whether aggression in sport is advantageous (or even indispensable), or to what extent it can hamper attainment of sport success. Methods of reducing and inhibiting expression of aggression in athletes are indicated.

Aerobic and concentration training and allele 7 in the dopamine receptor D4 (D4DR) gene increase chances of smoking cessation in young Polish women

Introduction One reason for the limited effectiveness of the available smoking cessation methods is the fact that the causes of tobacco addiction have not been adequately explained yet. Numerous anti-smoking programs aimed at women involve intense physical activity. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of health training for smoking cessation by young women in connection with the dopamine receptor gene (D4DR) in their genetic profile. Material and methods Forty-eight adult female smokers were randomly assigned to: 1) a concentration training group, or 2) an aerobic and concentration training group. Genetic and phenotypic data were obtained from 48 participants. Genotyping was performed for allele 7 in the D4DR gene. Results Individuals with allele 7 in the dopamine receptor D4 gene have two times greater chances (OR = 2.13: 95% CI: 0.91–4.96) of quitting smoking than individuals without allele 7. No statistical significance was revealed (p = 0.0805). Individuals undertaking aerobic training in combination with concentration training are three times more likely (OR = 3.06: 95% CI: 1.03–9.05) to quit smoking than individuals who do not perform aerobic training (p = 0.0439). Conclusions The results of the study show that an intensive, 6-week health training program had a significant influence on smoking cessation. Smoking quitters, who are genetically predisposed and decide to take up aerobic training in combination with concentration training, have much greater chances of quitting smoking.

The relationship between CA repeat polymorphism of the IGF-1 gene and the structure of motor skills in young athletes

The map of candidate genes that can potentially affect physical fitness becomes larger every year, and they are associated with such aspects as respiratory and cardiovascular stability; body build and composition - especially muscle mass and strength; carbohydrate and lipid metabolism; response to training; and exercise intolerance.The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the CA repeat polymorphism of the P1 promoter of the IGF1 gene and the structure of motor skills in the two groups of Polish young athletes in 2007-2009. In this study, 350 young sportsmen representing different sports disciplines were examined (age = 15.5 ± 0.5 years), by genotyping the IGF1 gene and determining the structure of motor skills using the International Physical Fitness Test (IPFT) battery. The multiple stepwise regression was used to determine the impact of the investigated motor skills on the indicator of the overall physical fitness, measured by the total score of the International Physical Fitness Test (IPFT). The analysis showed some regularity related to the character of the IGF1 gene polymorphism. It can be concluded that the two groups of young boys athletes practicing various sports disciplines (kinds of physical exercise) displayed similar associations between CA repeat polymorphism of the P1 promoter of the IGF1 gene and the level of motor effects. Our results suggest that this polymorphism may be a genetic marker of the physical performance phenotype. We demonstrated that CA repeat polymorphism of the P1 promoter of the IGF1 gene was associated with strength predispositions in the homozygous and non-carriers groups. In the group who were heterozygous it was speed-strength aptitudes.

CKM Gene G (Ncoi-) Allele Has a Positive Effect on Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Caucasian Women Practicing Sports Requiring Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Metabolism

Abstract The search for genes with a positive influence on physical fitness is a difficult process. Physical fitness is a trait determined by multiple genes, and its genetic basis is then modified by numerous environmental factors. The present study examines the effects of the polymorphism of creatine kinase (CKM) gene on VO2max - a physiological index of aerobic capacity of high heritability. The study sample consisted of 154 men and 85 women, who were students of the University School of Physical Education in Poznań and athletes practicing various sports, including members of the Polish national team. The study revealed a positive effect of a rare G (NcoI-) allele of the CKM gene on maximal oxygen uptake in Caucasian women practicing sports requiring aerobic and anaerobic exercise metabolism. Also a tendency was noted in individuals with NcoI-/- (GG) and NcoI-/+ (GA) genotypes to reach higher VO2max levels.