Objectives: ACE gene that codes for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is characterised by the presence (insertion, I allele) or the absence (deletion, D allele) of a 287-bp fragment. The longer I allele initiates lower enzyme activity, and is associated with enhanced endurance performance. The shorter variant (D allele) is associated with higher ACE activity and increased angiotensin II levels; thus, this allele would theoretically favour performance in power or strength-oriented exercise tasks. We decided to test the hypothesis that the D allele might represent a genetic element that benefits power performance in elite Polish athletes. Equipments and methods: The ACE genotypes were established using PCR amplification for 100 Polish power athletes of the highest nationally competitive standard and 354 sedentary volunteers. Results: The genotype distribution amongst the whole cohort of athletes (13.0% II, 48.0% ID, 39.0% DD) was significantly different from that amongst controls (20.9% II, 51.7% ID, 27.4% DD; P = 0.043); a significant excess of the Dallele being noted in the power athlete group (63.0% versus 53.2%, P = 0.014). The lowest frequencies of the D allele were observed in `sub-elite` athletes (53.3%), while in `elite` and `top-elite` athletes an increasing trend of D allele frequency was found (68.1% and 77.8%, respectively) that remained statistical significant when compared to controls (P = 0.016 and P = 0.004, respectively). Our study demonstrates a significant positive association between top-level Polish power athletes and the ACE D allele, distinguishing it as one of the genetic factors that contribute to the establishment of a strength phenotype.
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