Nephrotoxicity of organic solvents: biomarkers for early detection.
OBJECTIVE
Evidence for a relationship between chronic kidney diseases or progression of already existing diseases (glomerulonephritides) and occupational solvent exposure has been found in case reports, in case-control studies and also in cross-sectional studies. An analysis of the available literature was performed with respect to markers measured in cross-sectional studies that might be useful for an early detection of solvent-induced effects on the kidney.


METHODS
The relevant cross-sectional studies were evaluated and the following markers were analyzed with respect to their suitability as biomarker for renal damage: total protein, albumin, transferrin, IgG, beta(2)-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, N-acetyl-beta-D: -glucosaminidase, alanine aminopeptidase, beta-galactosidase, beta-glucuronidase, leucin aminopeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme, Tamm-Horsfall protein and laminin fragments in urine as well as E-selectin, laminin and anti-laminin antibodies and anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies in serum.


RESULTS
An increased albumin excretion was observed more frequently in groups of workers exposed to various solvents (like toluene, styrene, aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures, tetrachloroethene, mixtures of chlorinated hydrocarbons) than in controls. No clear pattern emerged for the other markers.


CONCLUSIONS
The determination of albumin excretion in the urine appears to be a useful parameter for monitoring solvent-exposed workers.
Voss
Jens-Uwe
JU
Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Nikolai-Fuchs-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany.
Roller
Markus
M
Brinkmann
Elke
E
Mangelsdorf
Inge
I
D015415:Biomarkers; D006801:Humans; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000633:toxicity*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012997:Solvents / Q000633:toxicity*
D015415:Biomarkers; D006838:Hydrocarbons; D012997:Solvents