A Preliminary Evaluation of the Kidney Function of Sugarcane Cutters From Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate clinical parameters, markers of kidney function, and skeletal muscle damage in a group of sugarcane cutters during harvesting season. Methods: Seventeen volunteers were assessed for anthropometrics and cardiorespiratory fitness. Blood and urine samples were collected 48-hours after the last work session. Blood was analyzed for glucose, creatine kinase, cholesterol, and a complete hemogram. Urine and blood samples were also analyzed for markers related to kidney function. Results: Volunteers were young (26 ± 6 y), had low body fat (13 ± 5%), and good cardiorespiratory fitness (41 ± 6 mL/kg/min). Classical markers of kidney function (eGFR, creatinine, cystatin C) were within the normal range. However, ten volunteers presented elevated resting serum creatine kinase (221 ± 68 U/L). Conclusion: Manual sugarcane harvesting is associated with sustained skeletal muscle damage which may increase the risk for kidney injury in Brazilian sugarcane cutters.

Biochemical Assessment of Insulin and Dopamine 2 Receptors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

“…These results of urea and creatinine were consistent with [15], who studied Egyptian patients with T2DM, and discovered that the patient group had considerably higher urea and creatinine levels than the control group, suggesting compromised kidney function. Additionally, another study conducted by [16] on Brazilian people with T2DM found that the levels of urea and creatinine among type-2 diabetic patients were considerably higher than those of the control group, suggesting decreased kidney function.…”

Trabalho a céu aberto: passado, presente e futuro sobre exposição ocupacional ao calor

“…Os cortadores de cana-de-açúcar de São Paulo, por exemplo, são fortemente impactados pelo calor, inclusive com a ocorrência de morte em pleno exercício da atividade 9 . Esses trabalhadores sofrem danos musculares, o que eleva o risco de lesão renal 10 . O limite legal de exposição para esses trabalhadores é ultrapassado durante todo o turno de trabalho em cerca de 7% dos dias para uma atividade considerada pesada e em 3% para uma atividade moderada 11 .…”

Outdoor work: past, present, and future on occupational heat exposure

“…Sugarcane cutters in São Paulo, for instance, are strongly affected by heat, with occurrences of death while working 9 . These workers suffer muscular damage, which increases the risk of kidney injury 10 . The legal heat exposure limit set for these workers is exceeded during approximately 7% of their workday while they carry out heavy activity 11 and 3% while they perform moderate activity.…”