Association of mitochondrial DNA haplogroups J and K with low response in exercise training among Finnish military conscripts

BACKGROUND: We have previously suggested that some of the mutations defining mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups J and K produce an uncoupling effect on oxidative phosphorylation and thus are detrimental for elite endurance performance. Here, the association between haplogroups J and K and physical performance was determined in a population-based cohort of 1036 Finnish military conscripts. RESULTS: Following a standard-dose training period, excellence in endurance performance was less frequent among subjects with haplogroups J or K than among subjects with non-JK haplogroups (p = 0.041), and this finding was more apparent among the best-performing subjects (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that mtDNA haplogroups are one of the genetic determinants explaining individual variability in the adaptive response to endurance training, and mtDNA haplogroups J and K are markers of low-responders in exercise training. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07383-x.