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Biochemical renal changes in workers exposed to soluble nickel compounds
1Département de médecine du travail et hygiène du milieu, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
Human & Experimental Toxicology
|April 1, 1994
Summary
High exposure to soluble nickel compounds can harm kidney tubular function, particularly in male and female chemical plant workers. Elevated urinary markers like N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) indicate adverse effects at high exposure levels.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Workers in chemical plants can be exposed to soluble nickel compounds.
- Nickel exposure is a potential risk factor for kidney damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate biochemical markers of kidney damage in workers exposed to soluble nickel compounds.
- To compare kidney function markers between exposed workers and matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical analysis of urine samples from exposed workers and controls.
- Measurement of nickel concentration in urine.
- Assessment of various kidney damage markers including lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, total proteins, beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m), retinol-binding protein (RBP), lysozyme, and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG).
Main Results:
- Exposed male workers showed increased urinary lysozyme and NAG.
- Exposed female workers exhibited increased total proteins, beta 2-m, NAG, and RBP.
- Significant correlations were found between urinary nickel levels and beta 2-m in both sexes and NAG in males.
- No differences in certain markers like albumin and transferrin were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Soluble nickel compounds adversely affect kidney tubular function in highly exposed workers.
- These effects appear to occur primarily at high exposure levels.
- Urinary NAG and beta 2-m are sensitive indicators of nickel-induced kidney tubular damage.