Acrolein exposure associated with kidney damage: a cross‑sectional study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Nephrology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Acrolein (Acr) is a common volatile toxic substance excreted by the kidneys.
• No prior studies have specifically investigated the effects of Acr on kidney function.
• Understanding Acr's impact is crucial for public health and clinical nephrology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between urinary acrolein (Acr) concentration and kidney damage.
• To assess the association between Acr exposure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing data from 4951 participants in the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
• Urinary Acr concentration, eGFR, and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured.
• Multivariate regression analyses, smooth curve fitting, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses were employed to evaluate Acr's association with CKD and eGFR.

Main Results:

• Urinary Acr concentration was significantly associated with increased CKD risk and decreased eGFR.
• Each unit increase in log2Acr was linked to a 6% higher CKD risk (OR=1.06) and a 0.54 mL/min/1.73 m² decrease in eGFR.
• Participants in the highest quartile of Acr (Q4) showed a 29% higher CKD risk and a 1.90 mL/min/1.73 m² lower eGFR compared to the lowest quartile (Q1).

Conclusions:

• Acrolein exposure is significantly associated with kidney damage, including increased CKD risk and impaired kidney function.
• This study provides novel evidence linking the volatile toxic substance acrolein to a decline in kidney function.
• Findings highlight the potential nephrotoxic effects of acrolein and warrant further investigation into its role in kidney disease pathogenesis.