The angiotensin converting enzyme I/D polymorphism in Russian athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Human Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism influences ACE activity.
• Controversy exists regarding the association between ACE genotype and elite athletic performance.
• Previous studies suggest potential links between ACE alleles and specific athletic disciplines (power vs. endurance).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ACE I/D genotype and elite athletic status in Russian athletes.
• To examine allele frequencies in relation to athletic performance and event duration (short, middle, long distance).

Main Methods:

• ACE I/D genotyping was performed on 217 Russian athletes (swimmers, skiers, triathletes, track-and-field) stratified by performance and event duration.
• Allele frequencies were compared between elite athletes and 449 controls.
• Statistical analysis was used to determine significant associations.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in ACE genotype frequency was observed between the whole athlete cohort and controls.
• Outstanding short-distance athletes (SDA) showed an excess of the ACE D allele (frequency 0.72, P=0.001).
• Outstanding middle-distance athletes (MDA) exhibited an excess of the ACE I allele (frequency 0.63, P=0.032).
• These findings were replicated in elite swimmers and track-and-field SDA.
• No association was found between ACE genotype and outstanding long-distance athletes (LDA).

Conclusions:

• The study confirms an association between the ACE D allele and elite short-distance performance.
• An association between the ACE I allele and elite middle-distance performance is also supported.
• Heterogeneity in athletic disciplines and performance levels can obscure ACE genotype associations in mixed cohorts.