Assessment of male football players' physical fitness levels based on certain gene (AGT rs699 & IL-6 rs1800795) polymorphisms

Background: The present investigation aims to elucidate the physical fitness attributes inherent in male football players about the Angiotensinogen (AGT) rs699 and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) rs1800795 gene polymorphisms. Methods: Twenty-two male football players, aged 18 to 35 years, voluntarily enrolled in the study conducted within the North Macedonian Super League. Genomic DNA was extracted from oral epithelial cells. Genotyping procedures were then executed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). All participants were actively involved in an intensive training program six days a week throughout the six-week pre-season preparation phase. The male football players underwent physical assessments both before and after the training program. Statistical analysis involved the use of the Paired-Sample t-Test to discern differences between the pre-test and post-test measurements of the male football players. Results: When stratifying the outcomes according to the IL-6 genotype and AGT genotype variables, statistically significant differences were not observed in Squat Jump (SJ), 5 m sprint, 30 m sprint, Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Drop Jump (DJ) evaluations, and body fat percentage (p > 0.05). In contrast, statistically significant differences were observed in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (Yo-Yo IRT 2), 10 m sprint, and One Repetition Maximum (1RM) bench press variables (Yo-Yo IRT 2: CC and CT p = 0.005, <0.001; 10 m sprint: CT p = 0.024; and 1RM bench press: CC, CT and TT p < 0.001, <0.001, 0.045, respectively). Significant differences were also identified in the Yo-Yo IRT 2, 10 m sprint, and 1RM bench press measurements (Yo-Yo IRT 2: CC, CG and GG p = 0.002, 0.021, 0.001; 10 m sprint: CC and GG p = 0.020, 0.028; and 1RM bench press: CC, GG p = 0.001, 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: In summary, the AGT rs699 and IL-6 rs1800795 gene polymorphisms may play a role in the adaptations induced by training in male football players.