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Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(1): 66-72
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1267229
Genetics & Molecular Biology

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

ACE and ACTN3 Genotypes in Older Women: Muscular Phenotypes

R. M. Lima1 , T. K. M. Leite2 , R. W. Pereira3 , H. T. Rabelo2 , S. M. Roth4 , R. J. Oliveira1
  • 1College of Physical Education, University of Brasília, Brazil
  • 2College of Physical Education, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil
  • 3Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil
  • 4Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision September 13, 2010

Publication Date:
11 November 2010 (online)

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Abstract

This study examined the association between ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms and muscle-related phenotypes and their adaptation to resistance training in older women. Volunteers (n=246;age=66.7±5.5 years) underwent quadriceps strength assessment using isokinetics and fat-free mass by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. 79 volunteers performed 24 weeks of resistance training and 75 were studied as controls. Genotypes were identified by standard procedures. No associations were observed for muscle strength for either gene, but volunteers carrying the D/D genotype presented higher appendicular fat-free mass compared to the I-allele carriers (6.3±0.1 vs. 6.1±0.1 kg/m2). The X-allele carriers presented higher relative fat-free mass when compared to homozygous R/R (16.3±0.1 vs. 15.9±0.1 kg/m2). All fat-free mass variables were significantly greater for carriers of both X/X and D/D genotypes. In response to RT, only the I-allele carriers significantly increased fat-free mass and a significant training×genotype interaction was noted. These findings do not support a pivotal role for the studied polymorphisms in determining muscle strength in older women, but suggest a modest role in fat-free mass determination. Of note, the results provide a novel insight that these genetic variations may interact to determine muscle mass in older women.

Key words

sarcopenia - aging - genetic variation - angiotensin-converting enzyme - alpha-actinin-3

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Correspondence

Ricardo Moreno Lima

College of Physical Education

University of Brasília

Universidade de Brasília

70.910-900 Brasília

Brazil

Phone: +55/61/810 994 44

Fax: +55/61/338 011 46

Email: ricardomoreno@unb.br

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