The effects of heat stress on kidney function are now better understood according to new research just published in the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.

The study included 16 healthy adults who participated in two versions of such a trial; the first version included exposure to normal heat conditions, and the other included exposure to moderate heat stress. Each subject was given a whey protein smoothie after the researchers took baseline renal function measurements and monitored them for two and a half hours.

The researchers observed that the heat stress trial showed higher levels of creatinine after consuming the shake than the usual temperature trial, depicting that an individuals kidneys under mild heat stress were unable to enhance their filtration rate to the extent they did under normal conditions. They most likely drained their reserve to maintain a minimal operation level. The study confirms that young, healthy adults use their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) reserve to keep their GFR stable during modest passive heat stress.

This study clarifies a potential mechanism underlying the rise in kidney damage during heat waves. The authors point out that individuals with lower GFR reserves, such as elderly adults, are more at risk of renal impairment during heat waves. (News-medical.net, Sep 23 2022)

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220923/Study-sheds-light-on-how-heat-stress-affects-kidney-function.aspx