Abstract:

Angiotensin converting enzyme is one of the key components of cardiovascular system, effecting athletic performance. In this study, we aimed to analyze the angiotensin converting enzyme insertion/ deletion (ACE I/D) gene polymorphism in Turkish Hip-hop and Latin dancers. 25 professional dancers were recruited. Genotyping procedure was carried out by conventional PCR methodology. 8 (32%) of the dancers had DD, 13 (52%) had ID and 4 (16%) had II genotypes. Number and the percentages of D and I alleles were 29 (58%) and 21 (42%), respectively. Respective numbers and percentages of male dancers for DD, ID and II genotypes were 5 (33%), 7 (47%), 3 (20%). For females, 3 (30%) had DD, 6 (60%) had ID and 1 (10%) had II genotypes. D allele was found as 17 (57%) in males, and 12 (60%) for females. 13 (43%) male and 8 (40%) female dancers had I allele. This first study analyzing the distribution of ACE I/D alleles in professional dancers suggest that ID genotype and D allele may have a genetic advantage for the physical predisposition for dancers. But to fulfill the role of the ACE on dancing, further studies with extended numbers of subjects should be carried out.

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