Nephrotoxicity of organic solvents: biomarkers for early detection.

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, beta(2)-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, N-acetyl-beta-D: -glucosaminidase, alanine aminopeptidase, beta-galactosidase, beta-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.