Association of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Gene Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism with the Renin-angiotensin System and Blood Pressure Response during a Single Bout of Exercise

Abstract

We investigated the association between Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism and responses of hormonal factors related to vasoconstriction and volume loading of heart, enzyme activities of Renin-Angiotensin system, blood pressure and heart rate during a single bout of exercise. Six insertion homozygous (I/I) and 6 deletion homozygous (D/D) young men participated in this study. Subjects performed a multi-load exercise test at 1/2 lactate threshold (LT), LT, onset blood lactate accumulation (OBLA), and middle point of OBLA to maximum exercise load (OBLA-Peak) intensities. The duration of intensities was 10 minutes. Blood samples, blood pressure and heart rate were obtained at rest, in the last 2 minutes of every intensity, and 3 minutes after finishing exercise (recovery). However the plasma ACE activity in I/I was lower than that in D/D at rest, during exercise and recovery, and Angiotensin II was no different in I/I and D/D. Furthermore, there were no differences in plasma Renin activity, Angiotensin I, plasma aldosterone concentration, atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, adrenaline, noradrenalin, dopamine, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, heart rate and double product at rest, during exercise and recovery. No relationship between plasma ACE activity and Angiotensin II existed, but plasma Angiotensin I and Angiotensin II had a positive correlation in I/I and D/D. This data suggests that the ACE gene I/D polymorphism is not associated with plasma Angiotensin II concentration during a single session of exercise.