Biochemical renal changes in workers exposed to soluble nickel compounds

1. Biochemical markers of kidney damage were examined in 14 male and 12 female workers highly exposed to soluble nickel compounds in a chemical plant. The results were compared to those obtained in 12 male and 12 female matched controls. 2. The concentration of nickel in urine of male and female workers averaged 5.0 and 10.3 micrograms g-1 creatinine, respectively. The mean duration of exposure in male and female workers was 25 and 15 years. 3. No difference was found in the mean urinary excretion of lactate dehydrogenase, albumin and transferrin in both sexes, total proteins, beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in males and lysozyme in females. Lysozyme and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were increased in male and total proteins, beta 2-m, NAG and RBP in female exposed workers. Significant correlations between urinary concentrations of nickel on one side and that of beta 2-m in women (r = 0.462, P = 0.022) and men (r = 0.41, P = 0.018) and of NAG in men (r = 0.405, P = 0.019) on the other side were found in exposed subjects. 4. Results indicate adverse effects of soluble nickel compounds on the kidney tubular function. In agreement with literature data it seems that those effects occur only at high exposure levels.