Effect of ramadan fasting on renal function markers and serum electrolytes after a rugby sevens match

–The effect of Ramadan fasting on renal function markers, serum electrolytes and cardiovascular parameters at basal conditions and after a simulation of a rugby sevens match was studied in twelve recreational rugby sevens players. Three matches were played: one day before Ramadan (before Ramadan), at the end of the first week of Ramadan (Beg-R) and at the end of Ramadan (End-R). Before and immediately after each match, subjects provided a fasting blood sample for the measurement of hematological parameters and serum biochemistry. In addition, systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) were measured. At rest, players experienced an increase in the following parameters from before Ramadan to End-R: urea (+9.9%, p<0.001), uric acid (+15.2%, p<0.001), creatinine (+22.4%, p<0.001), sodium (+2.9%, p<0.001), and chloride (+2%, p<0.001). Following the competition, players experienced an increase in the following parameters from before Ramadan to End-R: urea (+8.7%, p<0.05), uric acid (+15.2%, p<0.001), creatinine (+17.1%, p<0.001), sodium (+3.2%, p<0.001) and chloride (+2.9%, p<0.001). Post match values of SAP were significantly higher at End-R compared to the control period (p<0.05).The percentage of change of all biochemical and cardiovascular parameters in response to matches remained unchanged over the whole period of the investigation. We conclude that at basal conditions, the state of dehydration induced by Ramadan fasting was implicated in the increase of renal function markers values and serum electrolytes. Also, rugby sevens match played during Ramadan did not exacerbate the magnitude of responses to matches of biochemical and cardiovascular