title: Renal function of workers with low-level cadmium exposure.
abstract: The influence of occupational exposure to cadmium on renal function was examined in 27 male cadmium workers from plants with second-degree usage of cadmium. The levels of cadmium in the blood and urine and various protein concentrations in the urine and serum were determined. The urinary levels of beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase were statistically significantly increased in workers with urinary cadmium levels above 50 nmol/l. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis with silver staining is probably a sensitive indicator of the early effects of cadmium on protein excretion. The currently recommended biological exposure limits may have to be lowered.
mesh_terms: D002104:Cadmium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D002104:Cadmium