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The Concentration of Vanadium in Pathologically Altered Human Kidneys
Aleksandra Wilk1, Barbara Wiszniewska2, Dagmara Szypulska-Koziarska2
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland. aleksandra.wilk@pum.edu.pl.
Vanadium (V) accumulates more in cancerous kidneys than in transplanted ones, with higher concentrations linked to advanced tumor stages. This finding may relate to immunosuppressive drug use in transplant patients.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Vanadium (V) exhibits dual effects: beneficial in low doses but toxic at excessive levels, potentially causing kidney damage.
- Kidney tissue analysis is crucial for understanding heavy metal accumulation and its health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine vanadium (V) concentrations in human kidneys with tumor lesions and in transplanted kidney grafts.
- To investigate the influence of biological and environmental factors on vanadium levels in kidney tissues.
- To compare vanadium accumulation between cancerous kidneys and kidney grafts.
Main Methods:
- Kidney samples (tumor lesions n=27, grafts n=10) from patients in north-western Poland were analyzed.
- Vanadium concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with inductively coupled argon plasma.
- V concentrations were expressed in dry weight (dw) and statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in V concentrations were found in the renal medulla between tumor-affected kidneys and kidney grafts.
- Kidney grafts showed the lowest V concentrations.
- Kidneys with advanced tumors (T3+T4 stages) had higher V concentrations (median 2.07 dw) compared to earlier stages (T1+T2 stages, median 1.51 dw).
Conclusions:
- Transplanted kidneys accumulate less vanadium than cancerous kidneys.
- Higher vanadium levels in cancerous kidneys correlate with tumor advancement.
- Immunosuppressive drugs used by transplant patients may influence lower vanadium accumulation in renal grafts.
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