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Elite endurance athletes and the ACE I allele – the role of genes in athletic performance

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Abstract

Genetic markers that might contribute to the making of an elite athlete have not been identified. Potential candidate genes might be found in the renin-angiotensin pathway, which plays a key role in the regulation of both cardiac and vascular physiology. In this study, DNA polymorphisms derived from the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1) and the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2) were studied in 64 Australian national rowers. Compared with a normal population, the rowers had an excess of the ACE I allele (P<0.02) and the ACE II genotype (P=0.03). The ACE I allele is a genetic marker that might be associated with athletic excellence. It is proposed that the underlying mechanism relates to a healthier cardiovascular system.

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Received: 20 October 1997 / Accepted: 10 March 1998

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Gayagay, G., Yu, B., Hambly, B. et al. Elite endurance athletes and the ACE I allele – the role of genes in athletic performance. Hum Genet 103, 48–50 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004390050781

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004390050781

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