The ACE gene and muscle performance

Training-related changes in the mechanical efficiency of human skeletal muscle (energy used per unit power output) is examined and it is found that the presence of this ACE allele confers an enhanced mechanical efficiency in trained muscle.

Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme in human skeletal muscle1 can be encoded by either of two variants of the ACE gene2, one of which carries an insertion of 287 base pairs. This longer allele gives rise to lower enzyme activity2, and is associated with enhanced endurance performance3 and an anabolic response to intense exercise training4. Here we examine training-related changes in the mechanical efficiency of human skeletal muscle (energy used per unit power output) and find that the presence of this ACE allele confers an enhanced mechanical efficiency in trained muscle.