title: Genetic advantageous predisposition of angiotensin converting enzyme id polymorphism in Tunisian athletes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  ID polymorphism of the gene coding for the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) represents a determining factor in physical and athletic performance in the context of genetic conditioning of sports predisposition. The aim of this study was to show the potential importance of genetic factors in relation to the athletic status in Tunisian athletes.
  
  
  METHODS
  The ACE genotypes were established using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification for 282 Tunisian athletes (endurance: N.=149 - power: N.=133), and 211 sedentary volunteers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant difference was found in the ACE genotype distribution between athletes (36% DD, 49% ID, 15% II) and controls (CTR) (39% DD, 46% ID, 15% II; P=0.72). In contrast, a high significant difference between endurance and power groups were noted in genotype and alleles (χ2=10.32, P=0.0057; χ2=4,752, P=0.029, respectively). The elite endurance-athletes (N.=72) possess some inherent genetic advantage predisposing them to superior athletic performances compared to CTR for ACE alleles (χ2=3.51, P=0.06). In addition endurance trained athletes were also significantly different from CTR for ACE genotype (χ2=6.05, P=0.04). Furthermore, a significant difference have been found between elite power-athletes (N.=59) and CTR for ACE alleles (χ2=3.79, P=0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tunisian athletes exhibit insertion (I) and deletion (D) alleles of the ACE polymorphism associated with a high level of human endurance and power performance, respectively. This genetic background plays an important role in sporting potential and causes some individuals to be better adapted to specific physical training. This should be considered in athlete development to identify which sporting specialties should be trained for Tunisian talent promotion.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Carthage University, Jarzouna, Tunisia - znazen.hela@laposte.net.
authors.forename: Hela
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Znazen
authors.forename: Aouatef
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mejri
authors.forename: Imed
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Touhami
authors.forename: Moktar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chtara
authors.forename: Hajer
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Siala
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: LE Gallais
authors.forename: Ildus I
authors.initials: II
authors.lastname: Ahmetov
authors.forename: Taeib
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Messaoud
authors.forename: Karim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chamari
authors.forename: Nizar
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Soussi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D056352:Athletes; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000235:genetics*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D055070:Resistance Training; D014416:Tunisia; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: C488034:ACE protein, human; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A