Enzymuria in workers exposed to inorganic mercury.
Urinary excretion of beta-hexosaminidase (NAG = N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase) and albumin was examined in 41 chlor-alkali workers exposed to inorganic mercury and 41 age-matched controls. Either U-HG or B-Hg levels for these workers were available dating from the 1960s to the present. Increased U-NAG was seen in workers with a U-Hg today of more than 4 micrograms/mmol creat (about 50 micrograms/l: 35 ug/g creat). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that U-NAG was correlated to U-Hg and integrated dose but not to the present B-Hg level. No albuminuria (detection limit 12.5 mg/l) was found in any of the subjects. In a longitudinal study, no decrease in U-NAG levels was seen in 15 chlor-alkali workers after their vacation (means = 20d). In five workers followed for ten months after a short exposure period, no definite time trend could be seen. The results show that there is a slight effect on renal tubules even at rather low levels of exposure to mercury vapour. The clinical significance of the enzymuria levels found here is, however, debatable.
Barregård
L
L
Department of Occupational Medicine, Sahlgren Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Hultberg
B
B
Schütz
A
A
Sällsten
G
G
D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase / Q000652:urine*; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000139:chemically induced; D002617:Chemical Industry; D004796:Clinical Enzyme Tests; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006596:Hexosaminidases / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013548:Sweden
D006596:Hexosaminidases; D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase; D008628:Mercury