Could occupational physical activity mitigate the link between moderate kidney dysfunction and coronary heart disease?

- Chronic kidney disease is now considered as major component of cardiovascular risk, requiring an early preventive strategy.
- The results suggested that occupational physical activity could have the potential to exert dual roles on early impairments of renal function, in employed men.
- Sedentary behaviors such as sitting could increase the risk, while activities such as lifting and carrying or being active at work could have a protective renal effect.
- Occupational physical activity does not influence the relationship between cardiovascular events and moderate decrease of kidney function.

BackgroundChronic kidney disease is now regarded as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The impact of occupational or non-occupational physical activity (PA) on moderate decreases of renal function is uncertain.ObjectivesWe aimed to identify the potential association of PA (occupational and leisure-time) on early decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and to determine the potential mediating effect of PA on the relationship between eGFR and heart disease.MethodsFrom the PRIME study analyses were conducted in 1058 employed men. Energy expended during leisure, work and commuting was calculated. Linear regression analyses were used to determine the link between types of PA and moderate decrements of eGFR determined with the KDIGO guideline at the baseline assessment. Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to explore the potential effect of PA on the relationship between eGFR and heart disease, ascertained during follow-up over 10 years.ResultsFor these employed men, and after adjustment for known confounders of GFR change, more time spent sitting at work was associated with increased risk of moderate decline in kidney function, while carrying objects or being active at work was associated with decreased risk. In contrast, no significant link with leisure PA was apparent. No potential mediating effect of occupational PA was found for the relationship between eGFR and coronary heart disease.ConclusionOccupational PA (potential modifiable factors) could provide a dual role on early impairment of renal function, without influence on the relationship between early decrease of e-GFR and CHD risk.