Salivary Immunoglobulin A Response to a Match in Top-Level Brazilian Soccer Players

Abstract

It has been suggested that several parameters of mucosal immunity, including salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA), are affected by heavy exercise either in field sports or in the laboratory environment. Few observations have been made during a true sporting environment, particularly in professional soccer. We tested the hypothesis that salivary IgA levels will be decreased after a 70-minute regulation in a top-level professional soccer friendly match. Saliva samples from 24 male professional soccer players collected before and after the match were analyzed. Salivary immunoglobulin A concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and expressed as the absolute concentration (s-IgAabs), s-IgA relative to total protein concentration (IgA-Pro), and the secretion rate of IgA (s-IgArate). Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was used to monitor the exercise intensity. The paired t-test showed no significant changes in s-IgAabs and s-IgArate (p > 0.05) from PRE to POST match. However, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in total protein concentration (1.46 +/- 0.4 to 2.00 +/- 07) and a decrease in IgA-Pro were observed. The best and most significant correlation was obtained with the RPE and changes in IgA-Pro (rs = -0.43) and could indicate that this expression may be an interesting marker of intensity in a soccer match. However, further investigation regarding exercise intensity, protein concentration, and immune suppression, particularly in team sports, is warranted. From a practical application, the variability of the responses among the players leads us to suggest that there is a need to individually analyze the results with team sports. Some athletes showed a decrease in s-IgA expressions, suggesting the need for taking protective actions to minimize contact with cold viruses or even reducing the training load.

Salivary cortisol in top-level professional soccer players

“…In our previous study with top-level soccer player considering distinct expressions of salivary immunoglobulin A responses after a match, this large variability was also emerged (Moreira et al 2009). This fact motivated us to investigate the salivary cortisol response after a competitive training match in a cohort of top-level professional soccer players.…”

Realising the Potential of Urine and Saliva as Diagnostic Tools in Sport and Exercise Medicine

“…However, it has been suggested that correction with total protein is inappropriate and misleading [52]. Studies have identified no change in sIgA or flow rate following intense exercise, but an increase in total salivary protein, which indicates an evaporative loss of saliva when breathing through the mouth during exercise [53,54]. 4.…”

Salivary Cortisol and Immunoglobulin A Responses to Simulated and Official Jiu-Jitsu Matches

“…Immediately after collection, the saliva samples were frozen and stored at 280°C until assaying for sC and sIgA concentrations. The sIgA and sC concentrations were measured in duplicate as done in previous studies (13,14). Briefly, sIgA concentration was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, SIgA EIA kit, Alpco Diagnostics, Salem, MA, USA).…”