Relationship between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene I/D Polymorphism and Muscle Strength in Elderly

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that the Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism could influence human physical performance. Furthermore, a study has suggested that ACE inhibitor treatment might decrease long-term decline in muscle strength in elderly women. Thus we hypothesized that the I allele of ACE gene I/D polymorphism, which relates to lower ACE activity, might be associated with slow-decline of muscle strength in the elderly. One hundred ninety elderly people aged 72 were recruited for this study. We assessed isometric knee extension strength, leg extension power and grip strength every year for 4 years. In the preliminary measurements, physical characteristics and muscle strength were not significantly different among three genotypes. Age-related changes of the isometric knee extension, leg extension power, grip strength were similar among three genotypes. The results of this investigation suggest that ACE gene I/D polymorphism does not affect age-related change of muscle strength in the elderly.