Remodeling of the heel bone in athletes depending on genetic profile

Abstract

Balanced bone metabolism is vital for maintaining optimal bone health, which is crucial in sports. Both external and internal factors can affect bone remodeling, which determines bone integrity, recovery, and overall resilience to intense physical activity. The aim of the study was to analyze ultrasound densitometry of the heel bones in athletes in relation to laboratory parameters and the genetic profile of genes associated with bone remodeling. Materials and methods. Ultrasound densitometry of the calcaneus and bioimpedance analysis assessing the body's mineral content, analysis of ionized calcium and 25-OH vitamin D levels, and analysis of the occurrence of gene polymorphisms (COL1A1 rs1800012; COL5A1 rs12722; VDR rs731236, IGF1 rs35767, PPARGC1A rs8192678) were performed in professional athletes (n = 111, males aged 18 –45 years) from Central Kazakhstan who participated in team sports and martial arts. Research results. The athletes' mean densitometry values were consistent with osteopenia. The mean ionized calcium level was closer to the lower limit of normal, and the mean 25-OH vitamin D level in the studied athletes met the clinical threshold for deficiency. None of the athletes showed a mineral deficiency in bioimpedance measurements, but 17.51% had a body fat percentage deficit. Correlations were found between ionized calcium levels, mineral mass, and densitometry parameters, as well as between bioimpedance and densitometry parameters. Differences in laboratory parameters and densitometry parameters by genotype in athletes were identified for polymorphisms of genes regulating cell and tissue growth (IGF1 rs35767), metabolism (PPARGC1A rs8192678), and collagen structure (COL1A1 rs1800012). Conclusion. Mineral deficiency, decreased adipose tissue content, and hypovitaminosis with associated bone remodeling should be taken into account when predicting the risk of injury in athletes and corrected to clinically acceptable levels achievement. When planning training loads, it is advisable to consider genetic polymorphisms of genes associated with bone remodeling.