Ace I/d And Actn3 R577x Polymorphism In Elite Athletes

Increasing evidence has shown that genetic traits play a role in the speed and endurance performance of athletes. Among these genetic traits, genes involved in the regulation of cardiovascular (e.g. angiotensin-converting-enzyme, ACE) and muscular (e.g. α-actinin–3, ACTN3) physiology have been speculated as the potential candidates. Recent studies have suggested that ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphism might be associated with some aspects of speed and/or endurance performance in athletes. PURPOSE To examine the role of ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in elite athletes in Taiwan. METHODS Subjects were recruited from athletes training for the 2002 Asian Games. Subjects were classified based on their participation in individual sports (IND, 71 males and 54 females) or team sports (TEAM, 62 males and 72 females). The control group (CON, 361 males and 242 females) was selected from the Taiwanese general population. The genotype of ACTN3 and ACE genes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS 1) There was no linkage association in genotypes of ACTN3 and ACE genes in CON. 2) The distribution of ACTN3 and ACE genotypes was not significantly different between athletes and the CON. For females, the frequency of the ACTN3 577XX genotype was significantly (p<.05) lower in IND (11%) as compared to CON (23%) and TEAM (31%). However, this phenomenon was not seen in male athletes. 3) None of the athletes who participated in this study exhibited both the ACTN3 577XX and ACE DD genotypes. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphism between the athletes and the controls. Since none of the athletes had both ACTN3 577XX and ACE DD genotypes, speed and endurance performance may be determined by multiple genetic traits. Supported by NSC Grant 92–2413–H–003–061, Taiwan