Salivary iga response during one week of adventure sports activities with altitude exposure

Abstract

Salivary IgA has been used as a marker for the mucosal immune system status and may decrease after periods of intense exercise. The aim of this research was to investigate the changes in salivary IgA levels after a week at 2140m above sea level and the salivary IgA (sIgA) response to three different exercise activities at altitude, and to evaluate the recovery time needed to restore the baseline sIgA concentration and secretion rate levels. Eighteen participants (12 male and 6 female, aged between 20 and 38 years old) were enrolled in the study. Saliva samples were collected at wake up, 2h and 24h after the sports activities. Nine collection points were analyzed for saliva flow rate, sIgA concentration and secretion rate. Heart rate data was collected using heart rate monitors. The adventure sports activities consisted of a mountain trekking activity, fulfilled on the 1st day with a positive altitude difference of 339m above sea level (ASL) a mountain climbing activity, fulfilled on the 3rd day with a positive altitude difference of 1340m ASL and a canyoning activity, fulfilled on the 5th day with a positive altitude difference of 230m ASL. No altitude effects were seen on salivary IgA values after 5 nights at 2140m ASL. Salivary IgA concentration and secretion rates showed statistically significant decreases 2h after the mountain trekking activity, 2h after the mountain climb event (Aneto, 3404m) and 2h after the canyoning descent. 24h hours after these activities sIgA values had not yet recovered, and were still significantly different from the baseline values.