Association Between KCNJ11 Gene E23K Polymorphism and Body Composition Together with Its Response to Endurance Training

Abstract

To explore the association between KCNJ11 gene E23K polymorphism of Chinese and body composition together with its response to endurance training. 102 biologically unrelated Han nationality male new recruits from northern China volunteered to execute a 5000-m running program, and the intensity is 95–105% individual lactate threshold. The protocol was lasted for 18 weeks, three times per week. The body composition index, including body weight (WT), lean body weight (LBW), body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (Fat%), was measured before and after training. PCR-RFLP was used to detect the KCNJ11 gene E23K polymorphism. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed for the frequency of genotypes in these subjects. Before training, WT, BMI and Fat% in KK group were significantly higher than those in EE and KK group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was no significant difference in LBW among groups (P>0.05). After training, the changes of all body composition index in KK group were bigger significantly greater than those in EE and EK groups (P<0.01). KCNJ11 gene E23K polymorphism might contribute to individual body composition together with its response to endurance training. The body fat content at baseline in KK was more than those in EE and EK groups, and it may hinder that individual to eliminate their body fat during endurance training.