Correlation between angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism and endurance performance of novice adolescent wrestlers

Gene polymorphisms are related to athletic performance. Angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism is essential in identifying talent and guiding adolescents to appropriate sports.

The aim was to investigate the relationship between the angiotensin gene and endurance performance of novice adolescent wrestlers in Ardabil.

Subjects were 15 Amateur adolescent wrestlers in Ardabil (age: 13.07±1.53 years, height: 164.60±10.68 cm, weight: 60.14±6.32 kg, BMI: 22.22±4.98 kg/m2) with three-year wrestling. Chest and thigh muscle endurance, abdominal fat percentage and cardiovascular endurance, chest press, and squat muscle endurance were measured. ACE polymorphism was determined using tetra-ARMs polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and compared direct DNA sequencing in salivary samples. Chi-square and ANOVA were used to compare frequencies and their relationship with performance indicators.

ACE DD genotype frequency was higher in novice adolescent wrestlers, and there was a significant difference between ACE polymorphism frequency (P=0.008). There was a significant difference between ACE genotype distribution with endurance performance of pectoral and triceps (P=0.004) muscles, body composition (P=0.0001), and Vo2max (P=0.0001). There was a significant difference between body composition and Vo2max of Amateur adolescent wrestlers with ACE DD (P=0.0001), ACE II (P=0.0001), and between body composition and Vo2max with ACE II (P=0.0001), ACE DD (P=0.0001), and ACE ID (P=0.0001). In body composition, ACE II was significantly higher compared to ACE DD (P=0.0001) and compared to ACE ID (P=0.0001). Also, in Vo2max, ACE II was significantly higher compared to ACE DD (P=0.0001) and compared to ACE ID (P=0.0001).

Findings showed the superiority of ACE DD polymorphism and its relationship with the endurance performance of novice adolescent wrestlers in Ardabil. ACE DD polymorphism is probably essential in wrestler success. Other research with more subjects and other genes is important.