The association of ACE genotypes on cardiorespiratory variables related to physical fitness in healthy men

Abstract

Aerobic power (VO2 max), aerobic capacity (RCP), and running efficiency (RE) are important markers of aerobic fitness. However, the influence of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism on these markers has not been investigated in healthy individuals. One hundred and fifty physically active young men (age 25 ± 3 years; height 1.77 ± 0.06 m; body mass 76.6 ± 0.9 kg; VO2 max 47.7 ± 5.5 ml·kg- 1·min-1 ) visited the laboratory on two separate occasions, and performed the following tests: a) a maximal incremental treadmill test to determine VO2 max and RCP, and b) two constant-speed running tests (10 km·h1 and 12 km·h-1 ) to determine RE. The genotype frequency was II = 21%; ID = 52%; and DD = 27%. There was a tendency for higher VO2 max with the ACE II genotype (p = 0.08) compared to DD and ID genotypes. Magnitude based inferences suggested a likely beneficial effect on VO2 max with the ACE II genotype. There was no association between genotypes for other variable. These findings suggest that individuals with the ACE II genotype have a tendency towards better values in aerobic power, but not with aerobic capacity or running economy.