Urinary protein excretion in humans exposed to arsenic and cadmium.
OBJECTIVE
In mice, the renal toxicity of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) has been shown to be exacerbated by the simultaneous administration of both elements. To verify the existence of such an interaction in humans, cohorts slightly (Belgian) and moderately (Chinese) exposed to both elements were examined.


METHODS
Biological indicators of exposure (Cd in urine and in blood; As in urine) and renal effect parameters (retinol binding protein (RBP); beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)M); albumin (ALB); N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG) in urine) were determined and their relationships studied by multiple regression analyses.


RESULTS
Changes in renal effect parameters could be ascribed to Cd body burden. RBP and beta(2)M urinary concentration were influenced by exposure to As only in Chinese women, directly and in interaction with Cd exposure.


CONCLUSIONS
A synergistic action of As on the tubular effects of Cd is observed in women moderately exposed to these elements and leads to RBP urinary excretion slightly above normal values.
Unité de toxicologie industrielle et médecine du travail, Université Catholique de Louvain, Clos Chapelle-aux-Champs, 30.54, 1200 Brussels, Belgium. buchet@toxi.ucl.ac.be
Jean-Pierre
JP
Buchet
Jean-François
JF
Heilier
Alfred
A
Bernard
Dominique
D
Lison
Taiyi
T
Jin
Xunwei
X
Wu
Qinhu
Q
Kong
Gunnar
G
Nordberg
D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase / Q000652:urine; D000328:Adult; D000418:Albumins / Q000378:metabolism; D001151:Arsenic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001822:Body Burden; D002104:Cadmium / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000652:urine*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins / Q000652:urine
D000418:Albumins; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins; D002104:Cadmium; D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase; D001151:Arsenic