Abstract
The I-allele rather than the D-allele of the human angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been associated with high-altitude mountaineering success. We investigated whether the I-allele was associated with summit success, and also with AMS development, in altitude-naïve trekkers. Subjects ascended from 1,860 m to the summit over 4 days (n = 34, ‘direct-profile’) or 5 days (n = 82, ‘slower-profile’). Proportionally more II direct-profile subjects were successful than ID or DD, although the difference was not significant (100% of II subjects, 52% ID and 43% DD, P = 0.09). There was no difference in success amongst subjects on the slower-profile (50% II, 45% ID and 58% DD, P = 0.54). There was a non-significant trend for increasing AMS scores in ID/DD subjects. Amongst tourist trekkers on Mt. Kilimanjaro the I-allele is not associated with summit success. No evidence is found to support an association between ACE genotype and AMS development.
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Kalson, N.S., Thompson, J., Davies, A.J. et al. The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype on acute mountain sickness and summit success in trekkers attempting the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895 m). Eur J Appl Physiol 105, 373–379 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0913-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0913-5