Integrative physiology of human aerobic fitness and the influence of the ACE I/Dp genotype

The search for genes that influence human performance and health constitutes a popular topic of current research. One such genetic constituent that has caused much interest over the last 20 years is the angiotensin converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism (ACE I/Dp). There is much controversy in the literature regarding the role (if any) of this polymorphism as effects and effect size vary between populations of different origin and training status. The aim of this thesis was to analyse at the whole organism level whether skeletal muscle plasticity explains the association of the ACE I/D polymorphism with metabolic fitness. Regular endurance exercise reduces the risk of a plethora of diseases, but the exact molecular mechanisms are not fully understood – the ability of muscle to adapt to exercise stimulus is key. Trained individuals demonstrated clear physiological differences of aerobic processes such as increased oxygen usage, greater power output and reduced body fat that would be expected (T-Test: p