ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism and submaximal exercise hemodynamics in postmenopausal women

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Exercise Science
• Human Genetics

Background:

• The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism is common and linked to cardiovascular traits.
• Understanding its impact on exercise hemodynamics is crucial for personalized exercise prescriptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ACE genotype and submaximal exercise cardiovascular hemodynamics in postmenopausal women.
• To examine the interaction between ACE genotype and habitual physical activity (PA) levels on these hemodynamic responses.

Main Methods:

• Cardiac output was measured using acetylene rebreathing during 40%, 60%, and 80% VO(2 max) in sedentary, physically active, and endurance-trained postmenopausal women.
• Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate (HR), cardiac output, and stroke volume were analyzed in relation to ACE genotype (II, ID, DD) and PA level.

Main Results:

• ACE genotype significantly affected submaximal exercise heart rate (HR), with ACE II genotypes showing higher HR than ACE ID/DD.
• Interactions between ACE genotype and PA level influenced systolic blood pressure and cardiac output, with notable differences in athletes.
• ACE genotype variations were associated with submaximal exercise stroke volume in physically active and athletic women.

Conclusions:

• The common ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with several submaximal exercise cardiovascular hemodynamic responses in postmenopausal women.
• Habitual physical activity level significantly modulates the impact of ACE genotype on cardiovascular hemodynamics during exercise.