Gene expression can impact muscle performance. In this aspect genetic polymorphism of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE), depending on its insertion or deletion can strengthen different muscle qualities. Similarly, if we consider ventilation as a vital process, it would be important to research whether or not, there is an influence of this polymorphism on the muscles that perform such an important function. The aim of this study was to determine the inspiratory and expiratory muscle performance according alleles and polymorphisms of the ACE gene. We subjected 83 individuals (18-35 years), 46 men and 37 women, to forced vital capacity evaluations, maximum inspiratory pressure and expiratory pressure. Genotyping was subsequently performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis. The variables were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis by parametric distribution, the significance level was set at p <0.05. The genotype distribution was: Ins/Ins: 28 %, Ins/Del: 62 % and Del/Del: 19 %. Women homozygous Ins, exhibited a higher maximum inspiratory pressure and expiratory pressure in models for genotypes (p = 0.043; p = 0.0001 respectively) and for dominance (p = 0.019; p = 0.0008 respectively). The genotype distribution and allele frequency was similar to that described above, in Chilean population. Furthermore, women carrying the Ins allele had a higher maximum inspiratory pressure and expiratory pressure.

KEY WORDS: Maximum inspiratory pressure; Maximum expiratory pressure; Angiotensin converting enzyme.