Effects of environmental levels of cadmium, lead and mercury on human renal function evaluated by structural equation modeling

Abstract

A relationship between exposure to heavy metals, including lead and cadmium, and renal dysfunction has long been suggested. However, modeling of the potential additive, or synergistic, impact of metals on renal dysfunction has proven to be challenging. In these studies, we used structural equation modeling (SEM), to investigate the relationship between heavy metal burden (serum and urine levels of lead, cadmium and mercury) and renal function using data from the NHANES database. We were able to generate a model with goodness of fit indices consistent with a well-fitting model. This model demonstrated that lead and cadmium had a negative relationship with renal function, while mercury did not contribute to renal dysfunction. Interestingly, a linear relationship between lead and loss of renal function was observed, while the maximal impact of cadmium occurred at or above serum cadmium levels of 0.8 µg/L. The interaction of lead and cadmium in loss of renal function was also observed in the model. These data highlight the use of SEM to model interaction between environmental contaminants and pathophysiology, which has important implications in mechanistic and regulatory toxicology.

Mitochondrial permeability transition and its regulatory components are implicated in apoptosis of primary cultures of rat proximal tubular cells exposed to lead

“…Kidney is the primary site for the initial accumulation of Pb and a sensitive target organ of following acute or chronic Pb exposure (Patrick 2006). Mechanisms of Pb-induced nephrotoxicity have been more investigated in in vivo studies (Ponce-Canchihuamán et al 2010;Liu et al 2012;Trzeciakowski et al 2014;Yuan et al 2014). As the major site of Pb-induced renal injury, proximal tubular cells were less applied.…”

Analysis of Urine Test Results of Han and Tibetan 0-6 Years Old Children in Gansu Province, Western China: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…At present, few studies have been conducted on the correlation between urinary white blood cells and lead exposure [14]. The ability of kidneys to resist in ammation caused by blood-borne pathogens might be weakened by the effect of lead intake on kidney structure and function [15]. However, since blood-borne infections account for less than 3% of urinary tract infections, the in uence of lead intake on kidney needs further con rmation.…”

Lead Poisoning and Measurement of Body Burdens of Lead: A Perspective

“…Skeletal remains of the upper echelons of ancient empires can be potentially linked with study of modern exposures, both occupational and domestic. As an example, and relating to occupational lead exposure, the work of Roels et al (Roels et al, 1994) typifies in vivo XRF study, linked to potential nephrotoxicity, renal dysfunction being known to occur at IJFPS, Vol 5, No 3, pp 71-76, Sept , 2015 D. A. Bradley Copyright © 2015 Fund Jour IJFPS 74 elevated levels of lead exposure (A. C. Todd & Chettle, 1994;Trzeciakowski, Gardiner, & Parrish, 2014). The detector type, source and measurement geometry all play crucial roles in the accuracy of data obtained.…”