Maximal Oxygen Consumption is Associated with VEGF Sequence Variation

Abstract

0711 As the delivery of oxygen to working skeletal muscle can impose a limit on maximal oxygen consumption (OV2max), factors that can affect the supply of oxygen to exercising skeletal muscle may impact maximal oxygen consumption before or after exercise training. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one such agent as its expression is regulated by hypoxia and it is involved in the process of angiogenesis. Several polymorphisms in the DNA sequence of VEGF have been identified, and two (C-2578A & C936T) have been chosen for study here based on previous reports of associations with plasma VEGF levels. PURPOSE: To determine if sequence variation in VEGF is associated with Vo 2max before and after aerobic exercise training. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral lymphocytes and RFLP genotyping was performed on the C-2578A and C936T variants in VEGF. Indirect calorimetry during a graded treadmill exercise test was used to assess OV2max. Subjects (50–75 years of age) underwent 24 weeks of aerobic exercise training, with an initial training volume of 20 minutes at 50% of HR reserve that was increased over 10 weeks to 40 minutes at 70% of HRreserve, a level maintained for 14 weeks. ANCOVA was used to test for associations between VEGF genotype and Vo 2max, with age, sex, and baseline OV2max included as covariates where appropriate. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in OV2max among genotype groups for the C936T variant. Significant differences in OV2max were observed among C-2578A genotype groups such that carriers of the A-allele (CA & AA groups) exhibited higher OV2maxafter aerobic exercise training (27.7 ± 0.59 vs. 25.1 ± 0.80 ml/kg·min, p = 0.02) and greater change in OV2max in response to aerobic exercise training (2.66 ± 0.59 vs. 0 ± 0.80 ml/kg·min, p = 0.02) than those homozygous for the C-allele. CONCLUSION: Variation in the DNA sequence of VEGF appears to be associated with Vo 2max after aerobic exercise training. Supported by NIH AG17474, AG15389, & AG22791.