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The association between the val/ala-55 polymorphism of the uncoupling protein 2 gene and exercise efficiency

International Journal of Obesity volume 25, pages 467–471 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Energy expenditure may partly be determined by genetic variations in uncoupling proteins. We have previously found an increased physical activity but a similar 24-h energy expenditure (EE) in subjects with the val/val-55 UCP2 genotype compared to those with the ala/ala genotype which indicates that the val-55 allele is statistically associated with a higher metabolic efficiency.

DESIGN: EE during bicycling was determined by indirect calorimetry at three different loads (30, 40 and 60% of VO2max in eight subjects with the val/val-55 genotype (35±6 y weight=76.8±13.6 kg, VO2max=2.79±0.71 l/min) and eight subjects with the ala/ala-55 genotype (37±3 y, weight=78.3±16.5 kg, VO2max=2.66±0.41 l/min).

RESULTS: Incremental exercise efficiency across the three different work levels was higher in the val/val (25.3%, c.i. 24.2–26.4%) than in the ala/ala (23.6%, c.i. 22.5–24.7%) genotype P<0.05. Gross exercise efficiency at 40% VO2max was higher in the val/val (15.3±0.6%) than in the ala/ala (13.5±0.4%) group.

CONCLUSION: As the val/ala-55 polymorphism is located in a domain of the protein without any known function, the different exercise efficiency between the two genotypes most likely reflects a linkage disequilibrium with a functionally significant polymorphism in UCP2 or in the neighbouring UCP3 gene. The study suggests that variations in the UCP genes may affect not only basal metabolic rate but also influence energy costs of exercise.

International Journal of Obesity (2001) 25, 467–471

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Martin Kreutzer for his dedicated support with the exercise tests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Department of Human Nutrition, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark

    B Buemann, B Schierning, S Toubro & A Astrup

  2. Mathematical Section, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark

    BM Bibby

  3. Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Institute of Preventive Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark

    T Sørensen

  4. Steno Diabetes Center, Gentofte, Denmark

    L Dalgaard & O Pedersen

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  1. B Buemann
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Correspondence to B Buemann.

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Buemann, B., Schierning, B., Toubro, S. et al. The association between the val/ala-55 polymorphism of the uncoupling protein 2 gene and exercise efficiency. Int J Obes 25, 467–471 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801564

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