Urinary metallothionein as an indicator of cadmium body burden and of cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8454171· OSTI ID:5761773

Shaikh, Z A; Tohyama, C

There is a need to identify specific biological indicator(s) of cadmium exposure so that the renal damage can be prevented. Towards this end, the usefulness of urinary metallothionein as an indicator of cadmium body burden has been examined. It is found that, in both animals and humans, urinary metallothionein level is related to the hepatic and renal cadmium burdens. Significant correlations are also found between the urinary metallothionein and urinary cadmium and ..beta../sub 2/-microglobulin. Furthermore, it is noted that cadmium-exposed individuals with renal dysfunction excrete significantly more metallothionein than those with normal renal function. Thus it appears that there is merit to include metallothionein among the clinical parameters monitored in cadmium-exposed individuals. More tests are needed to define a critical concentration of metallothionein in urine which is related to the onset of renal dysfunction.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rhode Island, Kingston
• OSTI ID: 5761773
• Journal Information: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States) Vol. 54; ISSN EVHPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BIOLOGICAL WASTES
BODY
BODY BURDEN
BODY FLUIDS
CADMIUM
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CLEARANCE
CORRELATIONS
DATA
ELEMENTS
EXCRETION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
INFORMATION
KIDNEYS
MAMMALS
MAN
MATERIALS
METALLOPROTEINS
METALLOTHIONEIN
METALS
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PRIMATES
PROTEINS
QUANTITY RATIO
TOXICITY
URINE
VERTEBRATES
WASTES