What question did this study set out to answer?

This review aims to assess how SNPs in VEGFA and KDR influence endurance performance and ACL injury susceptibility in athletes.

May 8, 2026Open Access

VEGFA and KDR gene variants as potential markers of endurance performance and sports-related injuries: A systematic review

Q: What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Systematic Review. Population: Endurance performance and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury susceptibility. Intervention: VEGFA and KDR gene variants (SNPs) vs. Non-carriers / Control groups (physically inactive or no injury history). Primary outcome: Association of VEGFA and KDR SNPs with endurance performance and ACL injury susceptibility.

Key Result

The VEGFA rs2010963 CC genotype is associated with an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament rupture and higher aerobic capacity, while the KDR rs1870377 A allele is linked to endurance athlete status.

Key Points

This review aims to assess how SNPs in VEGFA and KDR influence endurance performance and ACL injury susceptibility in athletes.
Systematic literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO.
Inclusion of case-control studies focused on athletic performance and ACL injuries.
Followed PRISMA guidelines for study selection.
VEGFA rs2010963 C allele linked to higher VO2 max and Wmax in elite athletes.
KDR rs1870377 A allele more frequent in endurance athletes.
CC genotype of rs2010963 correlates with higher ACL rupture risk, while VEGFA A–A–G haplotype shows protective effect.

Study Design

Type

Systematic Review

Structured PICO

Do VEGFA and KDR gene variants affect endurance performance and ACL injury susceptibility in athletes?

Population

Athletes and physically active individuals evaluated for endurance performance or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries (7 case-control studies).

Intervention

Presence of VEGFA (rs699947, rs1570360, rs2010963, rs35569394) and KDR (rs1870377, rs2071559) single nucleotide polymorphisms

Comparator

Individuals without the specific genetic variants, or physically inactive/uninjured controls

Outcome

Endurance performance (VO2max, power output) and susceptibility to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture

VEGFA and KDR polymorphisms may serve as potential genetic markers for modulating aerobic performance and assessing ACL injury risk in athletes.

Limitations

Small number of eligible studies
Small sample sizes primarily from Caucasian populations, limiting applicability to other ethnic groups
Differences in sample characteristics, definitions of injury or performance outcomes, and genetic variants analyzed prevented a meta-analysis
Most analyzed variants are classified as non-pathogenic modifiers rather than pathogenic mutations
Study selection was conducted by a single investigator, increasing the risk of selection bias

Abstract

Abstract Study aim Genetic predisposition influences athletic performance and susceptibility to sports injuries. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGFA and KDR ( VEGFR2 ) genes affect oxygen delivery, vascular adaptation, and tissue regeneration, potentially impacting endurance and injury risk. However, research on these effects remains limited. This systematic review examines the association of VEGFA and KDR SNPs with endurance performance and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury susceptibility in athletes. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases. Eligible studies were case-control designs involving athletes and examining VEGFA or KDR SNPs in relation to endurance performance or ACL injuries. Selection was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Seven studies met the criteria. Results The VEGFA rs2010963 polymorphism was linked to elite athlete status, with the C allele associated with higher VO 2 max and power output (Wmax). The KDR rs1870377 A allele was more frequent in endurance athletes. Regarding injuries, the rs2010963 CC genotype correlated with a higher risk of ACL rupture, while the VEGFA A–A–G haplotype (rs699947, rs1570360, rs2010963) showed a protective effect. A VEGFA rs35569394 polymorphism increased ACL injury risk in I allele carriers. Conclusion These findings suggest VEGFA and KDR polymorphisms may modulate aerobic performance and ACL injury risk. Further research is needed to validate these associations and improve genetic profiling in sports science.

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Cite This Study

Jabłońska-Paszko et al. (Thu,) conducted a systematic review in Endurance performance and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury susceptibility. VEGFA and KDR gene variants (SNPs) vs. Non-carriers / Control groups (physically inactive or no injury history) was evaluated on Association of VEGFA and KDR SNPs with endurance performance and ACL injury susceptibility. The VEGFA rs2010963 CC genotype is associated with an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament rupture and higher aerobic capacity, while the KDR rs1870377 A allele is linked to endurance athlete status.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69fd7fb8bfa21ec5bbf084d8 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2478/bhk-2026-0013

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