The I allele of the ACE gene is associated with improved exercise capacity in women with McArdle disease. Issue 2 (6th July 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gómez-Gallego, F; Santiago, C; Morán, M; Pérez, M; Maté-Muñoz, J L; del Valle, M Fernández; Rubio, J C; Garcia-Consuegra, I; Foster, C; Andreu, I A L; Martín, M A; Arenas, J; Lucia, A
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 42:Issue 2(2008)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 140
• Publication Date: 2007-07-06
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2007.038992
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Background: McArdle disease is an uncommon metabolic disorder usually characterized by marked exercise intolerance although great individual variability exists in its phenotypic manifestation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE ) genotypes and indices of exercise capacity (peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak ), ventilatory threshold (VT) and gross mechanical efficiency (GE)) in patients with McArdle disease. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that the I allele might favourably influence exercise capacity. Methods: Forty-four Spanish patients (23 males, 21 females) and 44 age-matched and gender-matched controls (23 males, 21 females) performed a graded cycle-ergometer test until exhaustion (for VO2 peak and VT determination) and a 12 min constant-load test at the power output eliciting the VT (for GE determination). Results: No significant difference (p>0.05) was found in indices of exercise capacity between ID + II genotypes and DD homozygotes in the group of male patients, male controls and female controls. However, in the group of female patients, the ID + II group (n = 11) had a higher VO2 peak than DD homozygotes (n = 10) (15.8 (SEM 1.6) ml/kg/min versus 11.9 (SEM 0.9) ml/kg/min, respectively; p<0.05). Conclusions: The I allele of the ACE gene is associated with a higher functional capacity in female patients, and might partly explain the individual variability in the phenotypic manifestation of McArdle disease.