The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) I/D Gene Polymorphism In Malaysian Well Trained Athletes.

Abstract

Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education 2(1): 20–33, 2014 - The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the ACE I/D gene polymorphism on athletic status and physical performance of welltrained Malaysian athletes. The distribution of ACE I/D gene polymorphism among 180 well trained athletes was compared with 180 sedentary controls. 20 meter Yo-Yo intermittent recovery and leg strength tests were used to measure maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and leg strength value of athletes with different ACE I/D genotype, respectively. Chi-Square and one way ANOVA tests were used for data analysis. The II and DD genotype were more prevalent among the endurance athletes and the strength/ power athletes compared to the other groups, respectively (p=0.00). The VO2max was not significantly associated with ACE genotype in athlete (p=0.828). However, athletes with the DD genotype had recorded a greater result for leg strength (113.8 ± 36.2) than those with the II (96.2 ± 28.0) and the ID (112.2 ± 33.5) genotype (p=0.047). This study supports the notion that ACE I/D gene polymorphism might be a genetic factor associated with athletic status and strength performance among the Malaysian population. Future studies with more representation of endurance athletes might able to detect the association between I allele and endurance performance.

Keywords: ACE I/D gene polymorphism; Endurance; Strength/ Power, Athletic status, Physical performance