Int J Sports Med 2025; 46(01): 3-21
DOI: 10.1055/a-2419-4359
Review

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Tendon/Ligament Injuries in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

1   Department of Physical Therapy, Aino University, Ibaraki, Japan
2   Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
,
Haruka Murakami
2   Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
,
Motoyuki Iemitsu
2   Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
› Author Affiliations

Funding Information Japan Society for the Promotion of Science — http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001691; #22H03487 #22K11515
Preview

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify the association between genetic polymorphisms and tendon and ligament injuries in adolescent and adult athletes of multiple competition sports. The PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE databases were searched until July 7, 2023. Eligible articles included genetic studies on tendon and ligament injuries and comparisons between injured and non-injured athletes. This review included 31 articles, comprising 1,687 injury cases and 2,227 controls, from a meta-analysis of 12 articles. We identified 144 candidate gene polymorphisms (only single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified). The meta-analyses included vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) rs699947, collagen type I alpha 1 rs1800012, collagen type V alpha 1 rs12722, and matrix metalloproteinase 3 rs679620. The VEGFA rs699947 polymorphism showed a lower risk of injuries in athletes with the C allele ([C vs. A]: OR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.65–0.98, I 2 =3.82%, p=0.03). The risk of these injuries were not affected by other polymorphisms. In conclusion, the VEGFA rs699947 polymorphism is associated with the risk of tendon and ligament injuries in athletes. This study provides insights into genetic variations that contribute to our understanding of the risk factors for such injuries in athletes.

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 30 April 2024

Accepted: 05 September 2024

Article published online:
22 October 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany