ACE-I/D Allele Modulates Improvements of Cardiorespiratory Function and Muscle Performance with Interval-Type...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Human Genetics
• Sports Science

Background:

• The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism is linked to cardiovascular and skeletal muscle adaptations to exercise.
• Variability in training responses suggests a role for genetic factors like the ACE genotype.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the ACE I/D genotype is associated with individual differences in response to interval training.
• To examine the effects of interval training on peripheral muscle aerobic and anaerobic performance, cardio-vascular function, and recovery, considering ACE genotype.

Main Methods:

• Nine healthy subjects underwent eight weeks of interval training using a soft robotic pedaling device.
• Measurements included peak aerobic and anaerobic power, muscle oxygenation (SmO2), hemoglobin concentrations (tHb), blood lactate, and cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, blood pressure) during exercise.
• Genotyping for the ACE I/D polymorphism was performed using polymerase chain reaction.

Main Results:

• Interval training significantly improved muscle work/power, cardiac output, and muscle oxygen desaturation.
• The ACE I-allele influenced exercise-induced changes in muscle metabolism and oxygen saturation, with I-allele carriers showing more favorable alterations in oxygen deficit during ramp exercise.
• Aerobic peak power increased in ACE I-allele carriers but not non-carriers, while anaerobic performance improvements differed between genotypes.
• Cardiovascular responses during recovery and training-invariant differences in heart rate and glucose were associated with the ACE genotype.

Conclusions:

• The ACE I/D genotype modulates the adaptive response to interval training, particularly concerning skeletal muscle perfusion and aerobic metabolism.
• While non-carriers can improve aerobic muscle metabolism, the extent of responsiveness is work-dependent.
• Genetic factors related to the ACE genotype exert a significant influence on cardiovascular function that interval training may not fully overcome.