SLC16A1 SNPs and leisure-time physical activity in young Brazilian adults

Abstract Background: Physical inactivity is a pandemic risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Investigating its determinants is critical to inform effective interventions. However, little is known about genetic determinants of physical activity. Methods: Adults from 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort were investigated. Five SLC16A1 SNPs were assessed for association with physical activity measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: At a mean age of 22.8 years, rs1049434-AT and TT genotypes (compared to AA) were associated with 4.9 (95% CI: -32.8; 41.5) and 20.6 (-29.1; 69.4) more minutes per week of self-reported leisure-time physical activity in males, respectively. rs3849174-AT and TT males reported 7.9 (95% CI: -43.1; 27.3) and 41.6 (95% CI: -111.5; 28.2) less minutes per week compared to AA, respectively. At a mean age of 30.2 years, the results for the rs1049434 in males were very similar. Effect estimates of 22.6 (95% CI: 53.8; 8.6) and 28.7 (95% CI: -90.8; 33.4) less minutes were observed for rs3849174-TG and GG males, respectively. Results were inconsistent for the rs17493313 SNP and for females. Conclusion: Our results suggest that rs1049434 and rs3849174 SNPs may be genetic determinants of physical activity. However, our findings need replication in larger samples with more precise measures of physical activity.