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Transcutaneous Assessment of Renal Function in Conscious Rodents
Published on: March 26, 2016
Exercise-induced changes in renal URAT1 activity and expression in rats
Selma Cirrik1, Bahriye Uğur Yavuzer, Gülsen Oner
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
Renal Failure
|July 29, 2010
Summary
Exercise increases plasma urate levels. This study found that while exercise decreases urate transporter-1 (URAT1) protein levels, it increases URAT1 transporter activity, suggesting a link to elevated urate concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Exercise Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Exercise elevates plasma urate and urinary excretion due to increased purine degradation.
- Urate transporter-1 (URAT1) is crucial for renal urate reabsorption.
- The impact of exercise on URAT1 activity and expression remains uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of heavy muscle activity on renal URAT1 activity and expression.
- To explore the relationship between exercise-induced hyperuricemia and URAT1 function.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were subjected to an exercise protocol or induced hyperuricemia using oxonic acid.
- URAT1 activity was measured in isolated proximal tubules.
- URAT1 mRNA and protein levels were assessed via RT-PCR and Western blot.
Main Results:
- Exercise increased plasma and urinary urate levels, similar to the hyperuricemia group.
- Both groups exhibited increased URAT1 transporter activity.
- URAT1 protein levels significantly decreased in both exercise and hyperuricemia groups.
Conclusions:
- Exercise-induced alterations in URAT1 expression and activity are likely mediated by elevated plasma urate concentrations.
- This suggests a compensatory mechanism to manage increased urate load during physical exertion.

