I022: Influence of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism and circadian blood pressure (BP) changes on left ventricule (LV) mass in competitive oarsmen

<sec><st>Objective:</st> We analyzed correlation between ACE gene polymorphism and adaptive hypertrophic response of LV with regard to BP in competitive oarsmen. </sec> <sec><st>Design and methods:</st> ACE gene polymorphism was determined using PCR method in 52 oarsmen with mean age 26 years (range 18–37) and in age, sex and ethnically matched control group of 34 persons. The LV mass was determined echocardiographically and calculated after Devereux. BP was measured using both mercury sphingomanometer and Ambulatory BP Monitor SpaceLabs 90207. </sec> <sec><st>Results:</st> The distribution of ACE gene polymorphism was: in competitive oarsmen 16 (47.1%) II, 12 (35.3%) ID, 12 DD (17.6%); in control group 8 (24%) II, 18 (52%) ID and 8 (24%) DD. The frequency of I allele was significantly greater in oarsmen (0.65 vs. 0.50; p < 0.05). We failed to find differences in BP values obtained in daytime (p > 0.05), while in oarsmen with DD genotype systolic BP in nighttime was significantly greater compared to persons with II genotype (121.8 ± 7.4 vs. 114.0 ± 7.0; p < 0.05). LV mass was found to be the largest in oarsmen with DD genotype (p > 0.05). No changes in geometrical structure of LV regarding ACE genotype were established. However, remodeling of LV was associated with increased variability of systolic and diastolic BP. </sec> <sec><st>Conclusion:</st> Observed greater frequency of I allele in competitive rowers could suggest that ACE gene polymorphism might contribute to the athletic performance. According to our results DD genotype and BP variability influences LV hypertrophic response in competitive athletes. </sec>