Early detection of the nephrotoxic effects in the environment: a survey

Number of potentially nephrotoxic substances is growing continuously. The objective of preventive measures taken is to find such concentrations of chemicals in the environment which do not represent any risk for renal function. Sensitive methods are thus required which are able to detect early changes in renal function which are still reversible and when changes of glomerular filtration do not appear yet. The paper points out practical problems associated with determining sensitive biochemical parameters utilized as noninvasive renal function tests both in man and experimental animals. The most recent literary reports and the authors' experience show that beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase are the most suitable indicators of tubular cells damage and albumin is the best indicator of a damage located in glomerular cells.