PREVENTIVE GENETIC TESTING (DNA test):

Predisposing gene testing analyzes a large number of genes that have been selected from published documented scientific studies and are associated with physical performance and athletic performance.

Specifically, gene polymorphisms associated with endurance, muscle strength and performance, speed, susceptibility to tendon and bone injuries and psychological motivation to exercise are detected.

The Gene Test for Athletic Performance identifies potential genetic advantages, genetic barriers to be overcome, and increased risk for athletic injuries.

Predisposing genomics tests, in addition to determining predisposition, enable the implementation of personalized training programs to optimize and peak performance.

Predisposing gene testing points the way to victory!

All genes are examined regardless of gender and age. Sampling is done very easily by taking an epithelial scraping from the buccal mucosa with a cotton swab.

 

The genes we research and their effect on our areas of interest:

• BODY MASS INDEX

The genes ADRB2 and ADRB1 they are related to the regulation of lipolysis, the production of heat energy through metabolism (thermogenesis) and the response to anti-asthma drugs. It affects the ability to withstand long-term physical exercise.

Even if fat metabolism is reduced, as far as athletes are concerned, this does not significantly affect the mass-fat ratio in their body. With the right training and nutritional guidelines, athletes can maintain or even increase their muscle mass, reducing fat storage. The gene ADRA2A it is related to blood glucose levels, fat storage as well as blood pressure. (Elevated blood glucose levels lead to increased fat storage)

With the right training and nutritional instructions, athletes can maintain or even increase their muscle mass and, by extension, reduce their body fat mass.

 

• USE OF ANABOLIC SUBSTANCES

The gene UGT2B17 related to testosterone metabolism. Individuals with the abnormal genotype have significantly reduced urinary testosterone levels. The detection limits of the anti-doping tests should be lower for this particular person!

 

• PSYCHOLOGICAL STATUS (MOTIVATION TO EXERCISE)

The gene BDNF it is related to the mood for exercise, the formation of the nervous tissue and the creation of synapses. The pathological genotype is associated with reduced mood and motivation for physical exercise. Athletes should be more psychologically activated in order to maintain positive thinking and not be overwhelmed by negative emotions, especially under the stressful conditions of competition.

 

• SENSITIVITY TO TENDON INJURIES

The genes COL1A1, COL5A1 related to collagen synthesis in bones, cartilage and skin. People who have the abnormal form of the gene face a significantly increased risk

tendon injury (such as Achilles tendon rupture). The risk of injury is further increased when individuals also have the defective form of the MMP3 gene. The gene MMP3 related to the regulation of connective tissue degradation and injury repair.

 

• SENSITIVITY TO BONE INJURIES

The gene VDR it is related to the regulation of collagen synthesis and the synthesis and replacement of bone tissue. The pathological type of the gene is associated with disturbances in the absorption of Vitamin D and calcium by the body with a negative effect on bone health. Specifically, it is associated with reduced bone density and is likely to contribute to an increased risk of bone injuries.

 

• ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE – ENDURANCE CAPACITY

The gene NOS3 is related to vasodilatation and oxygen supply to the muscles, which is an important factor in increasing endurance

The gene EPOR associated with erythroblast synthesis and differentiation. Increased oxygen uptake by red blood cells helps oxygenate tissues.

The gene HIF-1a related to angiogenesis and red blood cell synthesis and tissue oxygenation. It also participates in determining the basic metabolic rate. People with this type of gene have an increased capacity for endurance. Their muscles respond well to aerobic exercises, during which local conditions of lack of oxygen are created in the muscle cells. They also respond well to training sessions conducted at high altitude, where conditions of partial lack of oxygen prevail

The gene CHRM2 related to heart rate recovery after exercise
The gene BBB is related to potential in improving endurance. After proper endurance training, athletes can significantly reduce the amount of oxygen and energy they consume during exercise.

The gene PPARg-C1 related to muscle energy production. The favorable genotype shows particularly increased levels of muscular endurance and reduced levels of body fat. Individuals with this genetic profile have increased transport and utilization of oxygen for energy production by muscles during physical exercise. Athletes show increased performance in endurance sports.

The gene VEGF related to angiogenesis and tissue oxygenation. The pathological genotype is associated with reduced capabilities in endurance sports, due to limited muscle oxygen reserves in long-term physical exercise.

The gene CK-MM related to muscle energy consumption. Individuals with a pathological type of the gene have a significant disadvantage when performing muscular exercises with increased intensity and/the duration. Their muscular system consumes particularly increased amounts of energy resulting in particularly increased muscle fatigue after exercise

The gene ACTN3 associated with rapid muscle contraction.

The gene ACE it is related to muscle building, blood pressure regulation, and blood glucose and lipid levels. In a pathological genotype, performance in endurance sports is reduced.

 

NUTRITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS - SUPPLEMENTS - ELECTROLYTES

• SPORTS PERFORMANCE – MUSCLE PERFORMANCE

The gene ACE it is related to muscle building, blood pressure regulation, and blood glucose and lipid levels. The favorable genotype gives athletes a particularly increased muscle strength. The pathological type is associated with an increased likelihood of muscle injuries, especially when the athlete has elevated levels of CK (creatinine kinase) in the blood.

The gene ACTN3 associated with rapid muscle contraction. The favorable genotype gives athletes a significant advantage in sports that require strength and/or speed. Their muscles contract quickly, allowing for 'explosive' starts.

The gene DIO1 related to thyroid hormone regulation and muscle strength.

The gene MCT-1 related to the removal of lactic acid and muscle fatigue. At low levels of lactic acid removal, athletes are susceptible to muscle fatigue that occurs during or after intense physical exercise, which can manifest with muscle cramps or even muscle injuries.

The gene HIF-1a . The favorable genotype is associated with increased performance in muscle strength exercises, because they show increased energy production from glucose (anaerobic metabolism). Athletes recover relatively quickly from muscle injuries

The gene NOS3 related to muscle performance. The favorable genotype shows increased muscle strength, due to the increased development presented by the muscular system. The genetic profile of these individuals contributes to the increased production of energy from the muscles during exercise, resulting in the reduction of fat mass in their body. Athletes recover relatively quickly from muscle injuries

The gene AMPD1 is related to muscular performance and endurance, regardless of the sport they engage in.

 

• ANTIOXIDANT ACTION AND DETOXIFICATION

The gene CAT is related to antioxidant protection and neutralization of free radicals. In increased enzyme activity of the gene there is a reduced risk compared to the general population for the development of neoplasia (0.83x), while in combination with fruit consumption the risk is further reduced (0.59x). The genes, SELS, SOD3they are also related to antioxidant protection of skin cells. The gene GPX1 related to cellular aging, detoxification and antioxidant capacity. The gene SOD2 it is related to protection from oxygen free radicals and the risk of cell damage due to increased oxidative stress. The gene UCP2 associated with antioxidant activity. Reduced protection from free radicals leads to increased cellular damage, particularly when individuals follow a diet poor in antioxidants.

Also, the genotype is associated with disturbances in metabolism and the development of insulin resistance, as the corresponding enzyme participates in the regulation of leptin and in the regulation of food intake. The presence of the polymorphism in combination with polymorphisms in the IL-6 gene is associated with weight gain over time.

The gene EPHX1 related to metabolism of xenobiotic and pro-carcinogenic compounds into carcinogens. It is associated with protection against environmental toxins, particularly those found in car exhaust, cigarette smoke and smoke from coals used for cooking purposes. In a pathological genotype we have a greater risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and various forms of cancer.

 

• METABOLISM OF LIPIDS genes are involved APOA5, APOC3, ARB, LIPC which are related to lipid metabolism. Individuals with the abnormal APOA5 genotype have elevated blood lipid levels and have an increased risk (1.4x) compared to the general population for heart attack. The genes  APOC3 and LPL related to triglyceride metabolism. The pathological genotype of LPL is associated with increased levels of VLDL in the blood especially in people who consume a lot of animal fat in their diet. The gene APOA1related to the rate of removal of lipids from the blood circulation (protection of the cardiovascular system)

The gene RON1 related to the regulation of HDL cholesterol. Its pathological expression leads to an increased risk for elevated LDL levels and low HDL levels in the blood. This implies an increased risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, diabetic carriers face an increased risk (8.8x) for carotid atherosclerosis.

The gene CETP  related to the synthesis of HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol") but also to the transport capacity of HDL. Also the gene LIPC is also related to the predisposition to type II diabetes.

 

 

• her REGULATION OF HOMOCYSTEINE LEVELS : The gene TNC2 (polymorphism C776/G) and the MTR and MTRRare related to the regulation of homocysteine levels in the blood. The gene MTHFR it is related to the metabolism of folic acid and the regulation of homocysteine levels in the blood. In reduced functionality of MTHFR we have an increased predisposition to high levels of homocysteine in the blood. When the pathological genotype is associated with increased levels of homocysteine (risk for cardiovascular diseases-coronary disease) it is good to strengthen our diet with foods rich in B complex vitamins (folic acid, B6, B12).

 

 

• INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE AND OBESITY

The gene IL6 related to glucose metabolism. The pathological genotype is related to reduced use of glucose by the body and reduced energy production from it. This has the consequence of increasing glucose reserves, inhibiting lipolysis and reducing fatty acid oxidation. The increase in blood glucose causes insulin resistance, characteristic of the Metabolic Syndrome which gradually leads to obesity. Carriers have an increased risk relative to the general population for a higher BMI.

The polymorphism is a predisposing marker for abdominal obesity and parameters of glucose and insulin homeostasis. In particular, obese carriers show a greater increase in IL6 levels, have a five-fold greater risk of type II diabetes and a 5-fold greater risk of obesity-related diseases than carriers of the other alleles. Also the IL-6 gene is associated with the inflammatory response

The gene TNF-a associated with the inflammatory response and insulin response.
The gene CRP associated with the inflammatory response. In a pathological genotype we have increased CRP levels associated with an increase in BMI and a low-fat diet is recommended

 

Results

The results of the test are easy to understand as the effect of each genotype is described with colored bars, in which the green color shows the existence of a genetic advantage for each accompanying gene, the yellow color means the neutral expression of the gene without any effect on the organism and red indicates an increased risk associated with the occurrence of damage to the biological system. Genotypes corresponding to the green and yellow color of the bar do not require corrective action. However, those that correspond to the red color of the bar need corrective actions.

Also, in the "interpretations of the results", the final conclusion concerning each category of genes comes out according to the gravity of each negative genotype. This means that it is possible that even though the signs in the green color of each bar are many times more than those in the red, the gene profile for the specific genes may reveal an increased risk and vulnerability.

Example result for gene:

 

GLOSSARY

• DNA is located in the nucleus of the cell and is the carrier of genetic information, not only in the sense of transferring characteristics, but also in the specialization of each cell to carry out its particular functions.

• A Gene represents a small section of DNA and is responsible for the synthesis of specific substances or the expression of a specific characteristic (eg eye color). The human body has 30-50 thousand genes.

• Mutation is a variation of the DNA sequence, where one nucleotide in a gene has been changed by another. The profile of mutations in various genes can determine the chances of developing diseases and health disorders.