Abstract

The serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) level in individuals with a DD genotype is two-fold higher than those with an II genotype. The DD genotype is correlated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, lower adaptability to hypoxic conditions, as well as lower cardio-respiratory capacity. The aim of the study was to examine the role of I/D polymorphisms in the ACE gene in surgical patients vs. healthy, active individuals. Two groups were investigated in the study: 91 surgical patients and 39 physically active controls. The level of adaptation to physical stress, compensating processes, and sense of well-being of participants were determined with subjective and objective inferential methods. Additionally, the represented ACE gene polymorphism was evaluated using molecular analyses.
The role of the DD vs. II genotype is unclear in healthy, active individuals. Whilst in patients who regularly participated in sport accrued shorter hospital stay time (P = 0.04). The type of surgery performed significantly affects patients’ time to convalescence (P = 0.03). Patients’ time in hospital after oncological surgeries is longer, regardless of whether chemotherapy was received or not. Based on the collected data, it was not possible to indicate a common genotype predisposing resistance to physical stress in both examined groups, with no statistically significant correlation between the ID polymorphism of ACE gene in either group. However, the noted tendencies may suggest a role of allele I and II genotypes in patient convalescence and as such, necessitates further investigation.

Keywords: Genotype; Maximal intensity effort; Climbers; Surgical patients