[Renal dysfunction in workers exposed to arsenic and cadmium].
OBJECTIVE
To examine the nephrotoxicity induced caused by combined effect of arsenic and cadmium in exposed workers.


METHODS
Urinary cadmium and arsenic were used as the exposure biomarkers of cadmium and arsenic. Urinary beta2-microglobulin (Ubeta2-MG), albumin (UALB) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (UNAG) were measured as the effective biomarkers of tubular and glomerular dysfunction induced by cadmium and arsenic.


RESULTS
The combination of cadmium and arsenic induced more severe renal injury than that caused by either of the chemicals given alone. There were positive correlations and significant dose-effect among the concentrations of urinary cadmium, arsenic and levels of Ubeta2-MG, UALB, UNAG (P<0.05, P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Cadmium combined with arsenic may have additive effect on renal dysfunction in workers exposed to arsenic and cadmium.
Hong
Feng
F
Department of Occupational Health & Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Jin
Tai-yi
TY
Lu
Guo-dong
GD
Yin
Zheng-yu
ZY
D000328:Adult; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000139:chemically induced; D001151:Arsenic / Q000633:toxicity* / Q000652:urine; D002104:Cadmium / Q000633:toxicity* / Q000652:urine; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000652:urine
D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D002104:Cadmium; D001151:Arsenic