The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the polymorphisms of the ACE and ACTN3 gene and adaptation to training for Lithuanian athletes practicing various sports disciplines. The study involved 193 elite athletes (endurance (n=77), power (n=51), mixed (n=65)) and 250 controls. Anthropometric measurements and muscle strength were evaluated. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP. The frequency of ACE I allele was higher for athletes rather controls (49.7% vs. 42.6%; p=0.03) due to significant difference for male athletes (50% vs.39.5%; p=0.006). ACE genotypes for power athletes were different from controls (II/ID/DD: 23.5/56.9/19.6% vs. 23.6/38.0/38.4%; p=0.019). ACE DD genotype was more common among the endurance athletes (31.2%) rather power-oriented (19.6%). For the ACE I/I athletes compared to the D/D, the BMI, muscle mass and fat mass were higher (p<0.05). The male athletes with the ACE I/I genotype had higher grip strength compared to the D/D genotype (p<0.05). There were no significant ACTN3 allele or genotype frequency differences between the athletes and controls. For the ACTN3 polymorphism significant differences were found between females: RR genotyped athletes had higher grip strength than X/X genotyped athletes (p<0.05).Our results suggest that the ACE D/D genotype is associated with endurance. The effect of the ACE and ACTN3 variants depends on the gender. According to the physiological parameters, ACE I/I and ACTN3 R/R genotyped athletes have better physical fitness compared to the ACE D/D and ACTN3 X/X genotyped athletes. From the results the high handgrip strength is dependent on both environmental and genetic factors.
© Copyright 2011 Acta Kinesiologiae Universitatis Tartuensis. All rights reserved.