Effect of prolonged physical exercise on urinary proANP1-30 and proANP31-67

Dynamic exercise strongly affects atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP), in particular the mature bioactive alphaANP and the proANP fragments, namely proANP1-98, proANP1-30 and proANP31-67. The proANPs influence kidney functions and their plasma levels increase after physical exercise. We measured urinary proANP1-30 and proANP31-67 levels before and at the end of physical exercise in 28 well-trained male cyclists. For the first time, the proANP1-30 and proANP31-67 urinary levels in athletes before and at the end of a prolonged agonistic bicycle race were measured. Urinary creatinine and total proteins were also measured. The urinary proANP31-67, creatinine and total protein levels were significantly higher at the end of exercise than before. In contrast, proANP1-30/protein and proANP31-67/protein ratios decreased after exercise. Even proANP1-30/creatinine and proANP31-67/creatinine ratios were lower after exercise. A significant correlation between proANP1-30 and proANP31-67 urinary levels at the end of exercise was found. The proANP31-67/creatinine ratio before and after exercise also showed a significant correlation. The variation of urinary proANP fragments confirmed their possible role in physical exercise. In particular, it could be interpreted as a response of the body or kidney to renal impairment occurring during exercise.