engleski

Does Difference of Sex Development Influence Athlete Performance?

Difference of Sex Development (DSD) is a group of congenital rare conditions that usually have a genetic cause and affect the reproductive system. In humans, the SRY gene (sex-determining region of the Y chromosome) located on the Y chromosome determines the fate of bipotential embryonic gonads in 46, XY individuals. SRY gene codes for SRY protein that is both necessary and sufficient for testicular development. SRY protein is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of other genes inducing the complex genetic network responsible for male development. If there is no SRY protein, ovarian development might occur. However, it is believed that lack of SRY protein is not the only prerequisite for ovarian development. Till today many regulators responsible for the organogenesis of the ovary were studied but there is still no definitive conclusion other than multiple regulatory elements are involved in these processes. Unique microenvironment and miRNA level of gene expression regulation might as well play a role in female (46, XX) development. In both ovarian and testicular development, any part of the complex protein network can be changed by a mutation in specific genes and atypical development of both internal and external genitalia can occur accompanied by atypical hormonal levels. These changes, that can impact one’s physiology might influence different abilities such as strength, endurance, speed and all properties that are highly significant for athlete performances. This lecture aims to describe the genetic aspect of sex development in humans, point out atypical events in complex cascades that result in DSD and discuss their influence on traits that are considered favourable in professional athletes. Phenotypic determinants are often used for the classification of contestants in sport, but in rare cases, they do not reflect chromosomal signature and can cause unfair advantages.

Difference of Sex Development, athlete performances

nije evidentirano