Investigating a Variant in the ACE Gene in Ahvaz Male and Female Athletes Compared to the Control Group with Normal Body Mass

 The ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) gene is located on chromosome 17 and encodes a metallopeptidase dependent on zinc (Zn) and is widely found on the surface of endothelial and epithelial cells.

 This study compares the relationship between ACE enzyme activity and I/D genotype in male and female bodybuilders and normal aerobic male and female athletes.

 For this purpose, the blood of 200 people, who were divided into two groups of athletes with body mass and normal people, was collected and extracted, and the genotype distribution and allele frequency in both groups were checked by the PCR method. The data obtained from examining the D/I variant in the ACE gene in Ahvaz male and female athletes compared to the control group with normal body mass was evaluated using the chi-square test and GraphPad Prism 6 software.

 Findings of the study showed that 28% of athletes had the D/D genotype, 24% had the I/D genotype, and 48% had the I/I genotype. The normal allele frequency distribution in the athlete population was 40% D allele and 60% I allele. Normal people had 42% D/D genotype, 29% I/D genotype, and 29% I/I genotype. Normal distribution in the control group was 57% D allele and 43% I allele.

 Findings of the study showed a higher chance of strength and sports ability in people with the I/I genotype. It seems that the activity of ACE among this genotype indicated an increase in activity in the I/I group compared to all the samples selected in the athlete group. The I/D genotype is associated with an increase in physical strength and also increases the activity of ACE, and there is a significant relationship between the activity of ACE compared to athletes and the control group.