Urinary and blood cadmium and lead and kidney function: NHANES 2007–2012

Abstract

Background Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are widespread environmental contaminants that are known nephrotoxins. However, their nephrotoxic effects at low-environmental exposure levels are debated. Objective We examined the association of blood Pb (B-Pb), blood Cd (B-Cd), urinary Pb (U-Pb) and urinary Cd (U-Cd) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin (ALB). Methods We used multivariate linear regression to analyze the association between B-Pb, B-Cd, U-Pb, and U-Cd with eGFR and ALB in adult participants (≥20 years of age) in NHANES 2007–2012. The dataset was limited to NHANES individuals with both blood and urinary metal measurements. Results We found a statistically significant inverse association between eGFR and B-Cd and statistically significant positive associations between eGFR and both U-Cd and U-Pb, as well as statistically significant associations between ALB and the 3rd and 4th quartiles of U-Cd. Conclusions The inverse association between eGFR and B-Cd, in conjunction with positive associations between eGFR and ALB with U-Cd, suggest that U-Cd measurement at low levels of exposure may result from changes in renal excretion of Cd due to kidney function and protein excretion. However, renal effects such as hyperfiltration from Cd-mediated kidney damage or creatinine-specific Cd effects cannot be excluded with this cross-sectional design.

Cadmium and lead exposure and risk of cataract surgery in U.S. adults

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Kidney Cadmium Toxicity, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: The Perfect Storm

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Impact of chronic lead exposure on liver and kidney function and haematologic parameters

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