Progress of renal dysfunction in inhabitants environmentally exposed to cadmium

The reversibility of beta 2-microglobulinuria, glucosuria, and aminoaciduria was examined in 74 inhabitants (32 males and 42 females) over 50 yr of age, who lived in a cadmium-polluted area. The subjects participated in two examinations conducted just after the cessation of cadmium exposure and 5 yr later. All urinary parameters did not show reversible changes. During the 5 yr the geometric mean concentrations of beta 2-microglobulinuria, glucosuria, and aminoaciduria indicated significant increases in excretion. In cases where greater than 1,000 micrograms/g creatinine of beta 2-microglobulinuria was observed (at the time cadmium exposure ended), almost all individuals exposed to cadmium showed deterioration of beta 2-microglobulinuria, whereas in the case of less than 1,000 micrograms/g creatinine of beta 2-microglobulinuria, no significant changes were observed. The present study indicates that cadmium-induced renal dysfunction in individuals environmentally exposed to cadmium is irreversible.