Related Experiment Videos
Kidney Injury and Repair Biomarkers in Marathon Runners.
Sherry G Mansour1, Gagan Verma2, Rachel W Pata3
1Program of Applied Translational Research, Department of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Section of Nephrology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
Summary
Marathon runners frequently experience acute kidney injury (AKI) and tubular damage after races. Biomarker increases suggest renal tubule injury post-marathon, warranting further study in larger groups.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Increasing marathon participation highlights the need to understand strenuous activity's impact on kidney function.
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a growing concern in endurance athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of AKI in marathon runners.
- To assess kidney injury and repair biomarkers following marathon completion.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 22 marathon runners.
- Collected serum and urine samples pre-marathon, immediately post-marathon, and 24 hours post-marathon.
- Measured serum creatinine, creatine kinase, urine albumin, and 8 urine biomarkers for kidney injury and repair.
Main Results:
- 82% of runners met AKIN criteria for AKI (Stage 1 or 2).
- 73% showed evidence of tubular injury via urine microscopy.
- Elevated kidney injury and repair biomarkers peaked 24 hours post-marathon, indicating renal tubule damage.
Conclusions:
- Marathon running is associated with AKI and tubular injury.
- Increased biomarkers suggest structural damage to renal tubules after marathons.
- Results require validation in larger cohorts with extended follow-up.