ASSOCIATION BETWEEN A SOLUTE CARRIER FAMILY 25, MEMBER 4 GENE POLYMORPHISM AND VO2MAX

The solute carrier family 25, member 4 (SLC25A4) formerly known as adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT1) is the most abundant mitochondrial protein. We examined the association between a polymorphism in the promoter region of the SLC25A4 gene and VO2max in the sedentary (SS) and trained states (TS), as well as its response (Δ = after training - before training) to a 20-week endurance-training program. DNA was available from 737 subjects (111 Blacks and 235 Whites). The polymorphism was detected by PCR and restriction digest with Mbo II. VO2max was measured during maximal cycle ergometer tests. Allele and genotype frequencies were not significantly different between sexes or races. Associations were tested with ANCOVA. Significant (P < 0.05) genotype-race interactions were noted for the age and sex adjusted SS and TS VO2max. Among Blacks significantly (P < 0.05) higher SS and TS VO2max were detected for homozygotes of the rare allele. This genotypic effect was not evident among Whites. DVO2max values adjusted for age, sex, and SS VO2max were not significantly associated with genotype in any of the groups. In conclusion, the present findings provide support to the hypothesis of an association between a solute carrier family 25, member 4 (SLC25A4) marker in the promoter region and VO2max in sedentary and endurance-trained Blacks but not in Whites. Supported by multiple grants from NHLBI of NIH. UPR Clinical RCMI