Gene Polymorphism in Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme and Physical Activity Among Normotensive Chinese

The angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D gene polymorphism has been studied for its role in determining habitual physical activity level, but there is no information from Asian populations. The objective of this study was to determine whether this ACE gene polymorphism was associated with physical activity level among Chinese in Singapore. In this cross-sectional study, 110 normotensive Chinese in Singapore, age 21–61 yr, completed the short-form version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and contributed buccal cell samples for genotyping of the ACE I/D gene polymorphism using polymerase chain-reaction amplification. They also provided demographic information and underwent anthropometric measurements. Physical activity level was expressed as continuous (in kcal/wk) and categorical (low, moderate, or high) data. The 3 genotypes of ACE were DD (homozygous for the deletion allele), II (homozygous for the insertion allele), and ID. Among the participants, 28.2% reported low, 49.1% moderate, and 22.7% high physical activity level. Frequencies of the genotypes were 11.8% for DD, 42.7% for ID, and 45.5% for II. ACE genotype was independently associated with physical activity level. After age, gender, and body-mass index were adjusted for, individuals with DD or ID genotypes were more likely to report insufficient or low physical activity level than those with II genotypes (odds ratio = 6.88; 95% confidence interval: 2.26, 20.94). In conclusion, the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene is significantly associated with self-reported physical activity level in normotensive Chinese Singaporeans.