ACE I/D Polymorphism Determination in Turkish Elite Wind-surfers

Abstract Insertion/ deletion (I/D) genetic polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme I gene (ACE) represents the first and the most investigated genetic indicator of athletic performance in humans. In this report, we aimed to analyze the distribution of ACE I/D polymorphism in elite Turkish wind- surfers. DNA samples from the surfers were isolated from peripheral blood and standard PCR application was carried out in order to genotype the polymorphism. Of the 8 surfers (5 males and 3 females), 3 had I/I genotype (2 males and 1 female), 4 had I/D (2 males and females) and 1 was D/D (female). Direct allelic count revealed the I allele as 10 and D allele as 6 in our study cohort. According to our results, I allele was counted more than D allele, which is in agreement with the previous studies, indicating the importance of I allele in predisposition to endurance activities. We conclude that determining ACE I/D polymorphism will be a good biomarker in the terms of predisposition to certain kind of sports. However, these results must be extended with further studies in order to have more precise information about the effect of ACE I/D polymorphism on human performance.