Biological monitoring of cadmium exposure in itai-itai disease epidemiology.
Cadmium (Cd) concentrations in blood and urine were significantly higher in itai-itai disease patients, suspected patients and inhabitants in Cd-polluted areas in Japan. Urinary Cd concentrations were mainly related to the body burden of Cd and did not decrease for several years following cessation of Cd exposure. There was a close association between urinary Cd excretion and the occurrence of beta 2-microglobulinuria (beta 2-mg-uria). Probit regression analysis between urinary Cd excretion and, beta 2-mg-uria indicated that the threshold value may be set around 4 micrograms/g creatinine (cr.). Studies on inhabitants in Cd-polluted areas showed that urinary, beta 2-mg levels of more than 1000 micrograms/l or 1000 micrograms/g cr. were irreversible, while increased urinary excretion of beta 2-mg was associated with increased mortality. At present, beta 2-mg in urine is not a suitable indicator for monitoring renal tubular dysfunction in the general population since the significance of slightly increased excretion of urinary beta 2-mg has yet to be clarified.
Nogawa
K
K
Department of Hygiene, Chiba University School of Medicine, Japan.
Kido
T
T
D000328:Adult; D002104:Cadmium / Q000032:analysis*; D002105:Cadmium Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005198:Fanconi Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000652:urine
D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D002104:Cadmium