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Nephrotoxicity of organic solvents: biomarkers for early detection

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Abstract

Objectives: Evidence for a relationship between chronic kidney diseases or progression of already existing diseases (glomerulonephritides) and occupational solvent exposure has been found in case reports, in case-control studies and also in cross-sectional studies. An analysis of the available literature was performed with respect to markers measured in cross-sectional studies that might be useful for an early detection of solvent-induced effects on the kidney. Methods: The relevant cross-sectional studies were evaluated and the following markers were analyzed with respect to their suitability as biomarker for renal damage: total protein, albumin, transferrin, IgG, β2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, alanine aminopeptidase, β-galactosidase, β-glucuronidase, leucin aminopeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme, Tamm-Horsfall protein and laminin fragments in urine as well as E-selectin, laminin and anti-laminin antibodies and anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies in serum. Results: An increased albumin excretion was observed more frequently in groups of workers exposed to various solvents (like toluene, styrene, aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures, tetrachloroethene, mixtures of chlorinated hydrocarbons) than in controls. No clear pattern emerged for the other markers. Conclusions: The determination of albumin excretion in the urine appears to be a useful parameter for monitoring solvent-exposed workers.

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Abbreviations

AAP:

Alanine aminopeptidase

1,3-DCP:

Dichloropropene

β-Gal:

β-Galactosidase

β-Glu:

β-Glucuronidase

β2M:

β2-Microglobulin

NAG:

N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase

OR:

Odds ratio

RBP:

Retinol binding protein

TWA:

Time weighted average

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Nikolai-Fuchs-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany

    Jens-Uwe Voss, Markus Roller & Inge Mangelsdorf

  2. German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (BAUA), Germany

    Elke Brinkmann

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  1. Jens-Uwe Voss
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  2. Markus Roller
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  3. Elke Brinkmann
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  4. Inge Mangelsdorf
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Correspondence to Inge Mangelsdorf.

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Voss, JU., Roller, M., Brinkmann, E. et al. Nephrotoxicity of organic solvents: biomarkers for early detection. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 78, 475–485 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-005-0611-0

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