Progress of Renal Dysfunction in Inhabitants Environmentally Exposed to Cadmium

Abstract

The reversibility of β₂-microglobulinuria, glucosuria, and aminoaciduria was examined in 74 inhabitants (32 males and 42 females) over 50 yr of age, who lived in a cadmium-polluted area. The subjects participated in two examinations conducted just after the cessation of cadmium exposure and 5 yr later. All urinary parameters did not show reversible changes. During the 5 yr the geometric mean concentrations of β₂-microglobulinuria, glucosuria, and aminoaciduria indicated significant increases in excretion. In cases where > 1,000 μg/g creatinine of β2-microglobulinuria was observed (at the time cadmium exposure ended), almost all individuals exposed to cadmium showed deterioration of β₂-microglobulinuria, whereas in the case of < 1,000 μg/g creatinine of β₂-microglobulinuria, no significant changes were observed. The present study indicates that cadmium-induced renal dysfunction in individuals environmentally exposed to cadmium is irreversible.