Peculiarities of interaction of oxygen transport components in young men depending on physical activity and ACE gene polymorphism

Objective: to investigate the association between the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and hemoglobin oxygenation and its affinity for oxygen, as well as to assess the contribution of individual components of the oxygen transport system in young men depending on physical activity and the ACE gene polymorphism.

Materials and methods: The study involved 201 young men aged 21 ± 2 years. Depending on their level of physical activity (PA), the subjects were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of student-athletes engaged in track and field (middle- and long-distance running) (n = 50). The second group comprised students with low PA (n = 151). General blood parameters were determined: total red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hematocrit (HTC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Additionally, oxygen tension at 50 % blood desaturation (p50), partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide (pO₂ and pCO₂), concentrations of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin (HbO₂, HHb), and pH were measured. Hemodynamic parameters were assessed. DNA was extracted from blood lymphocytes using a sorbent-based method. Genotyping of samples was performed using real-time PCR.

Results. Factor analysis revealed that the presence of the D allele of the ACE genotype determines an association between decreased PA levels and impaired oxygen saturation parameters, which increases the likelihood of adverse changes in the functional state of the cardiovascular system. In carriers of the I/I genotype, a decrease in PA level is associated with a reduction in the total respiratory surface of red blood cells without placing strain on the circulatory system.

Conclusion. Differences in hemoglobin affinity for oxygen are genetically determined. In carriers of the D allele, hemoglobin oxygenation depends on the level of PA. In individuals with the I/I genotype of the ACE gene, a decrease in hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen, regardless of the intensity of muscular activity, ensures the body’s ability to maintain the necessary level of oxygen delivery to tissues.

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