Methylation of the DAT1 dopamine transporter gene in combat sport athletes: Associations with impulsivity and reward sensitivity

Authors

Milena Lachowicz, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
Remigiusz Recław, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
Aleksandra Suchanecka, Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, PolandFollow
Krzysztof Chmielowiec, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, ZIelona Gora, PolandFollow
Elżbieta Grzywacz, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, PolandFollow
Jolanta Chmielowiec, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, ZIelona Gora, PolandFollow
Kinga Łosińska, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
Anna Grzywacz, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow

Abstract

Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, modulate behavioral traits, including impulsivity and reward sensitivity. The dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) plays a key role in dopaminergic function and is associated with self-regulation, attention, and the trait of addiction. This study summarized the DAT1 methylation status in patients practicing combat sports and its association with impulsivity, ADHD symptoms, and consequence sensitivity. One hundred control subjects were recruited using the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS), the ADHD scale, and the Opportunity Response Scale. DAT1 methylation was measured using the bisulfite ionization method. A correlation analysis was performed with the comparison group. Athletes showed significantly higher levels of methylated CpG sites on DAT1 (52.79% vs. 35.57%, p < 0.00001) and BIS scores (p < 0.05). Underlying DAT1 methylation correlates with sensitivity to comfort (p = 0.035). In the control group, DAT1 methylation positively correlated with BIS scores and ADHD traits (p < 0.05). Long-term physical activity may induce epigenetic modifications with proper self-regulation. Clear correlations determined for the secondary group that structured training modulates dopaminergic pathways and behavioral traits via DAT1 methylation.

Recommended Citation

Lachowicz M, Reclaw R, Suchanecka A, Chmielowiec K, Grzywacz E, Chmielowiec J, Losinska K, Grzywacz A. Methylation of the DAT1 Dopamine Transporter Gene in Combat Sport Athletes: Associations with Impulsivity and Reward Sensitivity. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2025;17(3):Article6. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.17.3.06

Author ORCID Identifier

Milena Lachowicz; ORCID 0000-0002-8402-0564

Remigiusz Recław; ORCID 0009-0004-7841-821X

Aleksandra Suchanecka; ORCID 0000-0002-7137-1429

Krzysztof Chmielowiec; ORCID 0000-0003-4254-5466

Elżbieta Grzywacz; ORCID 0000-0002-8890-8616

Jolanta Chmielowiec; ORCID 0000-0003-3285-5313

Kinga Łosińska; ORCID 0009-0009-0227-106X

Anna Grzywacz; ORCID 0000-0002-2633-520X

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.