The relationship between ACE gene ID polymorphism and aerobic capacity in Asian rugby players

Goh KP, Chew K, Koh A, Guan M, Wong YS, Sum CF
Correspondence: Dr Goh Kian Peng, kian_peng_goh@alexhosp.com.sg

ABSTRACT
Introduction The aim of this study was to analyse the association between the ACE ID polymorphism and aerobic capacity in a homogeneous cohort of national Asian rugby players.
Methods 17 subjects recruited during active training had their maximal oxygen uptake (V0_2max) and ventilatory threshold (VT) measured during maximal exercise testing. ACE genotyping was performed for all players.
Results The likelihood of having a V0_2max above the 80th percentile of a gender-specific reference range for a normal population was 14.3-fold greater among subjects with the II genotype as compared to the ID genotype (p-value is 0.030). Similarly, subjects with the II genotype were 29.4 times more likely to have a VT above the gender-specific median value compared to the ID genotype (p-value is 0.019). The results suggest that the I allele confers an advantage in aerobic capacity as measured by the V0_2max and VT.
Conclusion It is likely that the same physiological mechanisms mediated by the ACE gene are responsible for aerobic capacity in both Asians and Caucasians.

Keywords: aerobic capacity, angiotensin converting enzyme, exercise physiology, gene polymorphism
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(10): 997-1003