Biochemical Renal Changes in Workers Exposed to Soluble Nickel Compounds

Abstract

<jats:p> 1 Biochemical markers of kidney damage were examined in 14 male and 12 female workers highly exposed to soluble nickel compounds in a chemical plant. The results were compared to those obtained in 12 male and 12 female matched controls. </jats:p><jats:p> 2 The concentration of nickel in urine of male and female workers averaged 5.0 and 10.3 μg g<jats:sup>-1</jats:sup> creatinine, respectively. The mean duration of exposure in male and female workers was 25 and 15 years. </jats:p><jats:p> 3 No difference was found in the mean urinary excretion of lactate dehydrogenase, albumin and transferrin in both sexes, total proteins, β<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>microglobulin (β<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>-m) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in males and lysozyme in females. Lysozyme and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were increased in male and total proteins, β<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>-m, NAG and RBP in female exposed workers. Significant correlations between urinary concentrations of nickel on one side and that of β<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>-m in women (r = 0.462, P = 0.022) and men ( r = 0.41, P = 0.018) and of NAG in men ( r = 0.405, P = 0.019) on the other side were found in exposed subjects. </jats:p><jats:p> 4 Results indicate adverse effects of soluble nickel compounds on the kidney tubular function. In agreement with literature data it seems that those effects occur only at high exposure levels. </jats:p>

Effect of nickel exposure on serum amylase activity in nickel-plating workers

“…The variability of urine output on the urine Ni content was corrected with urine Effects of nickel exposure in nickel-plating workers 397 creatinine as per recommendation of international standard setting organizations such as the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. The level of urine Ni reported in this study was similar to that reported in the study of Vyskocil et al [25]. Since the estimation of serum amylase is more sensitive compared with that of the amylase creatinine clearance ratio and serum lipase, the determination of serum amylase activity is used for assessing the exocrine pancreatic function in subjects exposed to Ni.…”

Effects of Oxide Layer Composition and Radial Compression on Nickel Release in Nitinol Stents

“…Mitigating toxicity concerns is especially important for Ni released in the body. There have been many studies investigating the non-cancer toxicity of nickel through various routes of exposure [20][21][22][23]. However, for implantable nickel-based devices, there have been no definitive tolerable intake values reported.…”

Direct Effect of CoCl2 and NiCl2 on Citrate Uptake by the Rat Renal Brush Border Membrane

“…These findings also might have been due to a direct interaction of these metals with the Na-citrate cotransporter, and at higher concentrations, this binding might be irreversible. High occupational exposure to Ni was found to induce renal tubular dysfunction in a chemical plant that produces several Ni compounds 33) . The time-weighted average exposure to Ni in the plant greatly exceeded the TLV of 0.05 mg/m 3 , was 0.75 mg/m 3 on average with a range of 0.04-2.86.…”

“…The time-weighted average exposure to Ni in the plant greatly exceeded the TLV of 0.05 mg/m 3 , was 0.75 mg/m 3 on average with a range of 0.04-2.86. Among Ni workers, significant elevations of lysozyme concentration, β 2 -MG and NAG activity have been reported 33) . Although the concentration of Co and Ni in this study (0-25 mM) might be too high, these exposure could be accidentally occurred.…”