Abstract
<jats:p>Background and purpose With the growth of sports results, more and more attention is paid to identifying the role of genetic factors in various metabolic processes. One of these factors is the protein responsible for the transport of lactate. This is especially relevant for sports that require endurance. This study aimed to identify and evaluate different polymorphisms in the Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 gene in a group of elite athletes and assess their effects on athletic performance via genetic analysis. Materials and methods Twenty elite 1500 m runners from the National Athletics Center of the Iraqi Ministry of Sports and Youth participated in this study. The study began on March 1, 2022, at the College of Physical Education, Baghdad University. The study was approved by the University of Baghdad IRB under the consent form PE102 dated 9.10.2021. Blood samples were collected from participating athletes who signed consent forms and were screened for performance-enhancing drugs. DNA was extracted via a Genaid DNA extraction kit and analysed for the Solute Carrier Family 16 Member 1 (Monocarboxylate Transporter 1) gene, which is responsible for lactate/pyruvate transportation. Genetic characteristics of lactate transport obtained in elite athletes were compared with literature data on this parameter in non-athletes. Results The results obtained from studying Solute Carrier Family 16 Member 1 (Monocarboxylate Transporter 1)), which is responsible for lactate/pyruvate transportation exon 4, revealed specific polymorphisms interpreted as synonymous and missense variations. With such changes, Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 in excelled athletes may function in a different way than in average and nonathletic individuals by changing the amino acid sequence, rendering the gene more effective in the respiration process and reducing lactate buildup in the body after intense training and competition. Conclusions Despite intense training and commitment to athletic programs, the heritability and genetic makeup of athletes may have the upper hand in endurance sports since they are involved in body physiology and muscle response, respiration and active metabolism, and finally muscle recovery. There are specific changes in genes involved in athletic performance that might play a crucial role in discriminating between excelled athletes and other average athletes. This may provide an effective tool in the future selection of athletes who are more candidates to participate in the Olympics and global competitions.</jats:p>