The effects of environmental chemicals on renal function

Abstract

The global incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing among individuals of all ages. Despite advances in proteomics, genomics and metabolomics, there remains a lack of safe and effective drugs to reverse or stabilize renal function in patients with glomerular or tubulointerstitial causes of CKD. Consequently, modifiable risk factors that are associated with a progressive decline in kidney function need to be identified. Numerous reports have documented the adverse effects that occur in response to graded exposure to a wide range of environmental chemicals. This Review summarizes the effects of such chemicals on four aspects of cardiorenal function: albuminuria, glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure and serum uric acid concentration. We focus on compounds that individuals are likely to be exposed to as a consequence of normal consumer activities or medical treatment, namely phthalates, bisphenol A, polyfluorinated alkyl acids, dioxins and furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental exposure to these chemicals during everyday life could have adverse consequences on renal function and might contribute to progressive cumulative renal injury over a lifetime. Regulatory efforts should be made to limit individual exposure to environmental chemicals in an attempt to reduce the incidence of cardiorenal disease.

Indoor air pollution and its association with poor lung function, microalbuminuria and variations in blood pressure among kitchen workers in India: a cross-sectional study

“…Hence, these small effects observed in the present study related to the lung functions due to indoor air pollutant exposure in kitchen can have a large impact on occupational health, morbidity, loss of workdays, and future health management costs. Reduced lung function (FVC and FEV 1 ) and its relationship with MAU in the general population were reported in earlier studies [20, 44, 45]. In the present study, a similar inverse relationship between lung function and MAU was observed in the kitchen workers.…”

Environmental exposure to arsenic and chromium in children is associated with kidney injury molecule-1

“…A consensus exists that cumulative lifetime environmental exposure in conjunction with other comorbid conditions, accelerates the rate of deterioration in kidney function, increasing the risk for kidney diseases (Kataria et al , 2015; Weidemann, Weaver and Fadrowski, 2015). In Mexico, the environmental hazards from natural or anthropological sources are widespread.…”

Serum bisphenol A as a predictor of chronic kidney disease progression in primary hypertension

“…Environmental factors are thought to play an important role in the development and progression of CKD [4]. Bisphenol A (BPA), which was initially designed as a synthetic estrogen, is now a common endocrine-disrupting chemical [5].…”

“…Bisphenol A (BPA), which was initially designed as a synthetic estrogen, is now a common endocrine-disrupting chemical [5]. BPA is widely used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins; therefore, BPA is present in human daily necessities such as food and beverage containers and dental sealants [4]. Epidemiological studies have suggested that BPA could have many effects on human health [6].…”