Assessment of Renal Biomarkers of Renal Function in Commercial Automobile Workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Blood-urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid and electrolytes are important biomarkers of renal function which could be considered as suitable prognostic indicators of renal dysfunction. Aim: The aim of this work was to assess renal biomarkers of renal function in commercial automobile workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 158 males within the ages of 18-60 years participated in this study, 50 of which are control subjects. They were recruited for this study from various workshops in Benin City, while controls are unexposed volunteers. Results: It was observed that serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, chloride and bicarbonate levels in all the exposed groups were significantly higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) compared with the non-exposed group. Apart from blood urea, the values of all the other biomarkers of renal function fell within normal reference range. However, there were no significant differences in all the renal biomarkers when compared among all the exposed groups. Conclusion: This study indicated greater levels of some renal biomarkers in automobile workers compared with the controls. In addition, blood urea levels were elevated above normal range of values. These findings suggest that the occupationally exposed automobile workers may be at risk of renal diseases. This calls for urgent need for policy formulation that will prevent the vulnerable groups from kidney damage.

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