Comparison of urine toxic metals concentrations in athletes and in sedentary subjects living in the same area of Extremadura (Spain)

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd), tungsten (W), tellurium (Te), beryllium (Be), and lead (Pb), are non-essential metals pervasive in the human environment. Studies on athletes during training periods compared to non-training control subjects, indicate increased loss of minerals through sweat and urine. The aim of this study was to compare the level of these trace elements, determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in urine samples, between athletes and age-matched sedentary subjects living in the same geographical area, although anthropometric and cardiovascular measurements showed that athletes have significantly (P ≤ 0.001) lower BMI, body fat and heart rate, whereas the muscle and bone percentage was significantly (P ≤ 0.001) higher than in sedentary subjects. The validity of the methodology was checked by the biological certified reference material. Trace element analysis concentrations, expressed in μg/mg creatinine, of five toxic elements in urine from athletes (n = 21) versus sedentary subjects, (n = 26) were as follows: Cd (0.123 ± 0.075 vs. 0.069 ± 0.041, P ≤ 0.05); W (0.082 ± 0.053 vs. < limit of detection); Te (0.244 ± 0.193 vs. 0.066 ± 0.045, P ≤ 0.001), Be (0.536 ± 0.244 vs. 0.066 ± 0.035, P ≤ 0.001); Pb (0.938 ± 0.664 vs. 2.162 ± 1.444 P ≤ 0.001). With the exception of Pb, urine toxic metal concentrations from athletes were higher than from sedentary subjects. This fact suggests that physical activity counteracts, at least in part, the cumulative effect of toxic environment by increasing the urine excretion of toxic metals in trained people.

Serum and urinary concentrations of arsenic, beryllium, cadmium and lead after an aerobic training period of six months in aerobic athletes and sedentary people

“…Previous studies in subjects exposed to Pb, reported decreases in blood Pb after aerobic training [32]. In urine, similar results were obtained previously [17]. This could indicate, as in the case of Cd, a natural strategy (physical activity) to reduce the Pb levels in the body, especially in industrialized areas or big cities, due to the high amounts of this mineral in the air.…”

“…Furthermore, previous studies found a significant increase in Cd excretion after an exercise until exhaustion [19], and a higher urinary concentration in athletes with respect to the control group [17]. In this respect, major excretion could be expected after 6 months of physical training, but no time effect was observed.…”

“…Previous studies have reported lower concentrations of Cd and Pb in high level Spanish athletes than recreational ones [ 16 ]. Later, Llerena et al (2012) found a higher urinary excretion of Cd and another toxic elements in athletes with a high level of training than sedentary people [ 17 ]. Recently, Maynar-Mariño et al (2018) have observed that serum concentrations of potentially toxic metals could be different, depending on the type of physical activity [ 18 ]..…”

Correlations between Basal Trace Minerals and Hormones in Middle and Long-Distance High-Level Male Runners

“…Recent data have shown that exposure to Cd leads to an increase in plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) [60], a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that controls the release of C in the adrenal gland [61]. Pérez-Cadahía et al [62] reported positive relationships between C and Cd, that indicate that this mineral could have an implication with the catabolic processes that occur in the body, so the runner's body attempts to eliminate Cd although its concentrations are normal in order to avoid this negative effect [63]. Future studies are required to clarify this point.…”

An update to the toxicological profile for water-soluble and sparingly soluble tungsten substances

“…Urinary tungsten in 21 athletes was reported to be 82 ± 53 μg/g-creatinine whereas levels in 26 sedentary subjects were below the limit of detection ( Llerena et al 2012 ). Another investigation examined the possible relationship between metals in children and severity of autism.…”