Salivary levels of immunoglobulin A in Triathletes

Abstract

We Investigated whether the physical exercise of an olympic distance triathlon affected the salivary lgA exerction of triathletes, ad a Biomarker for mucosal immune defence. 42 triathletes participated in the study. It was found that the salivary flow rate was decreased significantly after the race, thereby resulting in a significant reducation of the total salivary lgA output. The salivary Lga concentration (Mg lga/ml) did not differ, but expressed as total salivary protein, a significant reduction was observed. This was on the account of the salivary protein concentration (mg protein/ml), which was significantly increased, in contrast to the lgA secretion, the salivary amylase actitivy was increased significantly after the race. Therefore, our date suggest that the exercise of a triathlon may decrease the level of lgA mediated immune protection at the mucosal surface. As triathletes may during the race be exposed to micro-organisms present in the swimming water, a decreased IgA- mediated immunity during the race may pose triathletes at an increased risk of infections.