Bone mineral density is related with previous renal dysfunction caused by cadmium exposure

Relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and previous renal dysfunction caused by cadmium exposure was investigated. A total of 457 persons, living in polluted and control areas, were followed up in this study. The inhabitants living in exposure areas ceased ingesting cadmium-contaminated rice in 1996. Blood and urinary cadmium levels and BMD in 1998 and 2006 were measured. Urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase and albumin determined in 1998 and 2006 were used to evaluate kidney status. BMD of subjects with tubular damage was significant lower than those without damage in female (p < 0.05). The prevalence of osteoporosis was significantly different between those with and without kidney damage (p = 0.003, in total population; p = 0.039, in female) and those with and without tubular damage (p = 0.0005, in total population; p = 0.007, in female). The results suggested that BMD was correlated with previous kidney impairment caused by cadmium exposure, especially to tubular damage and especially for female.