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

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.