Half-ironman induces changes in the kidney function of triathletes

Abstract

Long duration exercise may lead to the occurrence of urine abnormalities. Aiming to investigate the effects of triathlon training and competition on the renal function, twelve male triathletes (32.60 ± 5.10 years, 175.04 ± 6.67m, 71.83 ± 7.42Kg) were studied during the 12-week training protocol and after a Half Ironman. Urine was collected in M-1 – beginning of the training season, M-2 – before the competition and M-3 – after the half ironman. Urine pH was measured using reagent strips, density with a refractometer, proteinuria by Bradford assay, creatinine with a colorimetric assay and blood cells by microscopy. Data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test, One-Way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer test (p < 0,05). Changes were found after the competition in the protein (M-1= 7.41 ± 2.48; M-2= 7.57 ± 3.74; M-3= 86.10 ± 76.21 mg/mL), creatinine (M-1= 157.66 ± 41.59; M-2= 177.68 ± 44.46; M-3= 316.46 ± 132.86 mg/mL), erythrocytes (M-1= 1060.00 ± 0.30; M-2= 1142.86 ± 377.96; M-3= 52555.56 ± 58.65 units/mL) and leucocytes (M-1= 2375.00 ± 744.02; M-2= 2090.00 ± 0.50; M-3= 5000.00 ± 2738.60 units/mL) excretion when compared to the other collection times. These effects are probably due to the exercise-induced modifications in the glomerular membrane and endocrine variables such as anti diuretic hormone, catecholamines and aldosterone.