Moran Sagiv

The ACE deletion allele is associated with Israeli elite endurance athletes

An Alu insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism in the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been associated with ACE activity. Opposing effects on elite athletic performance have been proposed for the I and D alleles; while the D allele favours improved endurance ability, the I allele promotes more power‐orientated events. We tested this hypothesis by determining the frequency of ACE ID alleles amongst 121 Israeli top‐level athletes classified by their sporting discipline (marathon runners or sprinters). Genotyping for ACE ID was performed using polymerase chain reaction on DNA from leucocytes. The ACE genotype and allele frequencies were compared with those of 247 healthy individuals. Allele and genotype frequencies differed significantly between the groups. The frequency of the D allele was 0.77 in the marathon runners, 0.66 in the control subjects (P= 0.01) and 0.57 in the sprinters (P= 0.002). The ACE DD genotype was more prevalent among the endurance athletes (0.62) than among the control subjects (0.43, P= 0.004) and the power athletes (0.34, P= 0.004). In the group of elite athletes, the odds ratio of ACE DD genotype being an endurance athlete was 3.26 (95% confidence interval 1.49–7.11), and of ACE II genotype was 0.41 (95% confidence interval 0.14–1.19). We conclude that in Israeli elite marathon runners the frequency of the ACE D allele and ACE DD genotype seems to be higher than in sprinters, suggesting a positive association between the D allele and the likelihood of being an elite endurance athlete in some ethnic groups.

Human, Environmental & Exercise: The ACE deletion allele is associated with Israeli elite endurance athletes

An Alu insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism in the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been associated with ACE activity. Opposing effects on elite athletic performance have been proposed for the I and D alleles; while the D allele favours improved endurance ability, the I allele promotes more power‐orientated events. We tested this hypothesis by determining the frequency of ACE ID alleles amongst 121 Israeli top‐level athletes classified by their sporting discipline (marathon runners or sprinters). Genotyping for ACE ID was performed using polymerase chain reaction on DNA from leucocytes. The ACE genotype and allele frequencies were compared with those of 247 healthy individuals. Allele and genotype frequencies differed significantly between the groups. The frequency of the D allele was 0.77 in the marathon runners, 0.66 in the control subjects (P= 0.01) and 0.57 in the sprinters (P= 0.002). The ACE DD genotype was more prevalent among the endurance athletes (0.62) than among the control subjects (0.43, P= 0.004) and the power athletes (0.34, P= 0.004). In the group of elite athletes, the odds ratio of ACE DD genotype being an endurance athlete was 3.26 (95% confidence interval 1.49–7.11), and of ACE II genotype was 0.41 (95% confidence interval 0.14–1.19). We conclude that in Israeli elite marathon runners the frequency of the ACE D allele and ACE DD genotype seems to be higher than in sprinters, suggesting a positive association between the D allele and the likelihood of being an elite endurance athlete in some ethnic groups.

Hormonal and inflammatory responses to different types of sprint interval training.

Meckel, Y, Nemet, D, Bar-Sela, S, Radom-Aizik, S, Cooper, DM, Sagiv, M, and Eliakim, A. Hormonal and inflammatory responses to different types of sprint interval training. J Strength Cond Res 25(8): 2161-2169, 2011—We evaluated the effect of different types of sprint interval sessions on the balance between anabolic and catabolic hormones and circulating inflammatory cytokines. Twelve healthy elite junior handball players (17-25 years) participated in the study. Exercise consisted of increasing distance (100 m, 200 m, 300 m, 400 m) and decreasing distance (400 m, 300 m, 200 m, 100 m) sprint interval runs on a treadmill (at random order), at a constant work rate of 80% of the personal maximal speed (calculated from the maximal speed of a 100 m run). The total rest period between the runs in the different interval sessions were similar. Blood samples were collected before, after each run, and after 1-hour recovery. Both types of sprint interval trainings led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in lactate and the anabolic factors growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and testosterone levels. Both types of sprint interval sessions led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators IL-1, IL-6, and IL1ra. IL-6 remained elevated in both sessions after 1-hour recovery. Area under the curve was significantly greater (p < 0.05) for lactate and growth hormone (GH) in the decreasing distance session. In contrast, rate of perceived exertion was higher in the increasing distance session, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). Changes in anabolic-catabolic hormones and inflammatory mediators can be used to gauge the training intensity of anaerobic-type exercise. Changes in the GH-IGF-I axis and testosterone level suggest exercise-related anabolic adaptations. Increases in inflammatory mediators may indicate their important role in muscle tissue repair after anaerobic exercise. The decreasing distance interval was associated with a greater metabolic (lactate) and anabolic (GH) response but not with a higher rate of perceived exertion. Coaches and athletes should be aware of these differences, and as a result, of a need for specific recovery adaptations after different interval training protocols.

Is there an interaction between PPARD T294C and PPARGC1A Gly482Ser polymorphisms and human endurance performance

Functional Gly482Ser (rs8192678) and T294C (rs2016520) polymorphisms in the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1 (PPARGC1A) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor δ (PPARD) genes, respectively, have been associated with mRNA and/or protein activity. The aim of this study was to determine their frequency distribution among 155 Israeli athletes (endurance athletes and sprinters) and 240 healthy control subjects. There were no differences between the endurance athletes, the sprinters and the control group across the PPARD T294C genotypes (P= 0.62). Similarly, no statistical differences were found between the subgroups of elite‐level endurance athletes (those who had represented Israel in a world track and field championship or in the Olympic Games) and national‐level endurance athletes (P= 0.3), or between elite‐level and national‐level sprinters (P= 0.9). However, a combined influence of these two polymorphisms on endurance performance was found. The PPARD CC +PPARGC1A Gly/Gly genotypes were more frequently found in the elite endurance athletes than in national‐level endurance athletes (P < 0.000). In the cohort of endurance athletes, the odds ratio of the ‘optimal genotype’ for endurance athletes (PPARD CC +PPARGC1A Gly/Gly +PPARGC1A Gly/Ser) being an elite‐level athlete was 8.32 (95% confidence interval 2.2–31.4). In conclusion, the present study suggests that PPARD T294C is not associated with endurance performance. However, a higher frequency of the PPARGC1A Gly/Gly +PPARD CC genotype is associated with elite‐level endurance athletes.

Serum Oxidative Stress Level Correlates with Clinical Parameters in Chronic Systolic Heart Failure Patients

Serum oxidative stress (OS) level has an important role in the inflammatory process of heart failure.

Is there an ACE ID-ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms interaction that influences sprint performance?

Functional R577X (rs.1815739) and ID (rs.5186) polymorphisms in the alpha-actinin-3 ( ACTN3) and the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) genes, respectively, have been associated with sprint performance. The aim of this study was to determine their effect on sprint performance among 81 Israeli sprinters and 240 healthy controls. Results revealed that the ACE II genotype+ ACTN3 R allele (P=0.003 for sprinters vs. controls), and the ACTN3 RR genotype +ACE I allele (P=0.001 for sprinters vs. controls) might be the genotype for sprinters. In the whole cohort the probability of ACTN3 RR genotype+ ACE I allele being a sprinter (odds ratio 2.67, 95% confidence interval 1.45-4.93) and of ACE II genotype+ ACTN3 R allele being a sprinter (odds ratio 3.57, 95% confidence interval 1.78-7.15) was significantly higher than that in the controls. In conclusion, the above data suggest that ACE ID/ ACTN3 R577X genotype combination is associated with sprint ability. However, ACE ID/ ACTN3 R577X genotype combination is not related to the level of performance.

The guanine nucleotide binding protein β polypeptide 3 gene C825T polymorphism is associated with elite endurance athletes

A functional C825T polymorphism in the human guanine nucleotide binding protein β polypeptide 3 (GNB3) gene has been associated with enhanced G protein activation. Since reports regarding the interaction between physical activity and the GNB3 C825T polymorphism are limited and inconsistent, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of C825T alleles among 155 elite Israeli athletes (endurance athletes and sprinters) and 234 healthy control subjects. Genotyping for GNB3 C825T was performed using polymerase chain reaction on DNA from leucocytes. Results showed that there was a significant difference in GNB3 C825T polymorphism genotype frequencies between endurance athletes and sprinters (P= 0.045) as well as between endurance athletes and control subjects (P= 0.046). We also observed a significantly higher proportion of the GNB3 TT genotype in the group of endurance athletes (19%) compared with the sprinters (5%, P= 0.014) and the control subjects (8.5%, P= 0.026). In the group of athletes, the odds ratio of GNB3 TT genotype being an endurance athlete was 4.49 (95% confidence interval 1.4–14.3) and of GNB3 CC genotype was 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.47–1.77). These results were even more pronounced when we compared between the subgroups of 20 top‐level endurance athletes and 24 top‐level sprinters. We conclude that in Israeli athletes the GNB3 TT genotype is higher in elite endurance athletes than it is in sprinters, and within the endurance group it is higher in top‐level athletes, suggesting a positive association between the TT genotype and the likelihood of being an elite endurance athlete.

Is the interaction between HIF1A P582S and ACTN3 R577X determinant for power/sprint performance?

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor that regulates gene expression in response to hypoxia and has been associated with athletic performance. The aims of this study were (1) to determine the frequency distribution of HIF1A Pro582Ser (rs11549465) polymorphism among 155 Israeli athletes (sprinters and endurance athletes) and 240 healthy controls and (2) to analyze the influence of the interaction between HIF1A Pro582Ser and ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739) genotypes on sprint performance. There were no differences across the HIF1A genotype and allele frequencies among endurance athletes, sprinters, and controls. Similarly, no differences were found between the subgroups of top-level and national-level endurance athletes, or between top-level and national-level sprinters. Conversely, interaction effects were found between HIF1A Pro582Ser and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms and sprinters. The proportion of HIF1A Pro/Pro + ACTN3 R/R genotypes was significantly higher in sprinters than in endurance athletes and healthy controls (P = .002). In addition, the odds ratio for HIF1A Pro/Pro + ACTN3 R/R genotype carriers being a sprinter was 2.25 (95% confidence interval, 1.24-4.1); and that for HIF1A Pro/Pro + ACTN3 R/R genotype carriers being an endurance athlete was 0.5 (95% confidence interval, 0.2-1.24). We conclude that HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism by itself is not critical in determining sprint performance. However, sprinter performance is determined by the interaction between the wild-type HIF1A Pro/Pro genotype and ACTN3 RR genotype.

The effect of long-term beta-adrenergic receptor blockade on the oxygen delivery and extraction relationship in patients with coronary artery disease.

PURPOSE We evaluated the effects of long-term β-blocker treatment on the balance between oxygen delivery and extraction at peak oxygen uptake (VO2) and at target heart rate training (anaerobic threshold). METHODS Fifteen patients with coronary artery disease performed paired peak cardiopulmonary and submaximal exercise tests on a cycle ergometer with and without atenolol treatment. Thirty minutes following the submaximal tests, participants pedaled 10 minutes at a workload corresponding to that of the anaerobic threshold attained. Arterial oxygen was defined from echocardiography and venous oxygen content. RESULTS At rest, stroke volume, heart rate, and cardiac output were lower (P < .05), whereas arteriovenous oxygen difference [(a − v)O2] was higher with the use of atenolol (P < .05). At peak exercise, heart rate, lactate, and systolic blood pressure were lower (P < .05), whereas (a − v)O2 was higher (P < .05) with the use of atenolol. At anaerobic threshold, stroke volume, heart rate, cardiac output, and systolic blood pressure were lower (P < .05), whereas (a − v)O2was higher (P < .05) with the use of atenolol. Absolute VO2 and workload during maximal (P = .67 and P = .49, respectively) and submaximal (P = .13 and P = .44, respectively) exercises were similar between conditions. CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrate that atenolol treatment in patients with coronary artery disease does not alter VO2 and workload at the anaerobic threshold and peak exercise because of an increase in oxygen extraction and stroke volume in the face of reduced heart rate. These findings indicate that with long-term β-adrenergic receptor blockade, there is interplay between oxygen delivery and extraction, suggesting a link between cardiac hemodynamic responses and skeletal muscle metabolic adaptations.

What Maintains Energy Supply at Peak Aerobic Exercise in Trained and Untrained Older Men

Background: Aging-related changes occur mainly in the cardiopulmonary system and skeletal muscles, bringing about a reduction in physical performance. Consequently, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) decreases. Objectives: The current study investigated exercise oxygen utilization during maximal aerobic exercise in trained and untrained elderly. Methods: Fifteen trained (59.3 ± 1.1 years) and 15 untrained (60.1 ± 1.1 years) elderly underwent a peak cardiopulmonary exercise test on a bicycle ergometer. Arterial O2 was defined from echocardiograph and venous oxygen content. Results: At rest, trained compared to untrained elderly had significantly (p < 0.05) higher values of end diastolic volume (108.1 ± 5.8 and 100.7 ± 6.2 ml, respectively) and stroke volume (68.1 ± 4.3 and 57.3 ± 6.5 ml, respectively), while heart rate (68.7 ± 9.3 and 81.3 ± 8.2 beats · min–1, respectively), and mean arterial blood pressure (90.6 ± 6.9 and 95.4 ± 7.2 mm Hg, respectively) were significantly lower. At peak aerobic test, the trained elderly, compared to the untrained subjects, achieved significantly (p < 0.05) higher values of end diastolic volume (156.1 ± 8.2 and 134.1 ± 7.6 ml, respectively), stroke volume (123.0 ± 7.9 and 96.0 ± 4.8 ml, respectively), cardiac output (20.2 ± 1.5 and 15.0 ± 1.3 liters·min–1, respectively) and oxygen uptake (42.1 ± 2.1 and 31.1 ± 2.4 ml·kg–1·min–1, respectively), while diastolic blood pressure (70.3 ± 5.6 and 77.5 ± 4.2 mm Hg, respectively) and total peripheral resistance [4.3 ± 0.8 and 5.9 ± 1.41 (dyn·s–1·cm–5)·10–1, respectively], were significantly (p < 0.05) lower. Conclusions: The present study suggests that the differences between trained and untrained elderly in absolute oxygen uptake of the working muscles and peak power output at maximal exercise test are due to physical activity status. The higher aerobic capacity in the trained elderly is related to increased cardiovascular function and to a lesser extent to increased muscle mitochondria concentration and capillarity. Although untrained elderly have reduced maximal oxygen uptake at peak aerobic exercise, intrinsic regulation of mitochondrial function does not seem to be significantly altered because of aging associated physical inactivity. Therefore, untrained elderly can partially compensate for their lower cardiac output by increasing oxygen extraction to levels comparable with those of trained elderly.