Associations of Alu I/D Polymorphism of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene and 4b/a Polymorphism of the Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene with Heart Rate Variability and Cardiovascular Hemodynamics in Rowers

Abstract

We studied the influence of the ACEAluI/D and NOS3 4b/a polymorphisms on the heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiovascular hemodynamics (CVH, by cardiac rheography) in rowers, including Candidates for Master of Sports (CMS, n = 6) and athletes with no rank (AWR, n = 16). It has been found that the VO_2max (р < 0.001) and HRV (all indexes, p < 0.05) in the supine and standing positions were higher in the CMS athletes than in AWR athletes. The frequency of the I allele of the ACE genein the CMS group (58%) did not differ from the mean population value (n = 855, 48.4%) but was higher than in the AWR group (13%, p = 0.035), which was associated with increased HF regardless of VO_2max (p = 0.029). The frequencies of genotypes of NOS3 4b/a did not differ between groups, but the 4a allele was associated with an increased VLF%. Thus, elevated HRV in trained athletes may be caused by genetic factors, among which the I allele of the ACE gene may play an important role.