Introduction.

MSTN is a gene that makes instructions for producing the protein myostatin, a protein that is part of the transforming growth factor beta family (TGFβ). The TGFβ family of proteins control the growth of tissues in the body, myostatin is found nearly exclusively in the skeletal muscles where it is active before and after birth. The protein actually controls skeletal growth by restraining it, preventing muscles becoming excessively large. Current research that surrounds myostatin is based around its potential treatment in muscle wasting disorders, animals that have mutations in the encoding gene MSTN show greater muscle mass, strength and in some circumstances reduced bodyfat, which can be known as myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy. ^[1]

This is a study based on the extracted data from an anonymised data bank of genetic and individual data, it is aimed at building a basis for research on the gene MSTN and how it interacts with athletes.

Aim.

The study aims to discover if the gene MSTN, in particular mutations in the SNP rs1805086 have any impact on the male bodybuilding population (n = 92)  from a muscle hypertrophy and muscle performance standpoint.

The secondary aim is to speculate if rare mutations are more prevalent in those who decide to choose a sport such as bodybuilding, as research indicates that mutations in MSTN can illicit larger muscle mass and a reduction in bodyfat.

Methods.

Data is taken from an anonymised genetic and individual data bank, which gains consent for research purposes. Individuals that fall within the study criteria (M, 22-29y/o, training for bodybuilding for 3 years +), complete the following tests and record scores:

Pull-up max – As many full pull-ups (palms pronated) as possible before having to cease (let go of the bar). No straps were permitted.

Push-up max – As many push-ups within one-minute, full push-ups.

Arm circumference – Measured arm circumference when arm is flexed.

This data is added to already collected data and the genetic outcome for rs1805086.

Results.

Table 1. Data set for study.

Population data

The population data for the group showed:

76 had the AA genotype

16 had the AG genotype

0 had the GG genotype

Figure 1: Averages for the bodybuilding population. 

Pull-up max data

The Pull-up max average data showed:

21 (rounded down) Pull-ups completed in the AG group

12 (rounded down) Pull-ups completed in the AA group

 Push-up max data

The Push-up max average data showed:

61 (rounded down) Push-ups completed in one minute in the AG group

40 (rounded down) Push-ups completed in one minute in the AA group

Arm circumference data

The arm circumference average data showed:

46.375cm arm circumference in the AG group

42.028cm arm circumference in the AA group

Conclusion and follow-up.

This look into specific collated data has shown that the mutations in the gene MSTN may illicit advantages for those in bodybuilding and sports in general due to an increased muscle performance and apparent muscle size. A deeper look into a greater number of subjects will offer a greater insight into how much impact this one gene may play in sports and the general populous.

A full follow-up study with lab controlled subjects during performance testing and in a greater number is recommend to draw firm conclusions.