Interactive effects between lead-cadmium co-exposure and VEGFA gene polymorphisms on renal dysfunction: a...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Genetics

Background:

• Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are persistent environmental pollutants linked to renal dysfunction.
• Gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in kidney disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if vascular endothelial growth factor a (VEGFA) gene polymorphisms alter the association between Pb and Cd exposure and renal dysfunction risk.
• To examine gene-environment interactions in the context of heavy metal-induced kidney damage.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 408 workers from a Pb-Cd smelter.
• Measured blood and urine metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• Analyzed VEGFA polymorphisms (rs3025010, rs10434, rs833061) using genetic models and interaction analyses with Pb and Cd exposure.

Main Results:

• Blood lead (BPb) and urinary cadmium (UCd) were identified as risk factors for renal dysfunction (ORs 1.40-3.46).
• Significant interactions were found between VEGFA polymorphisms rs3025010 and rs10434 with Pb-Cd co-exposure.
• Specific interactions included BPb × rs3025010 (dominant model) and Pb/Cd × rs10434 (additive and recessive models).

Conclusions:

• Significant gene-environment interactions between VEGFA polymorphisms (rs3025010, rs10434) and Pb-Cd co-exposure contribute to renal dysfunction.
• Screening for these VEGFA polymorphisms may identify individuals at higher risk, enabling targeted prevention strategies.