[A latex immunologic method of analysis of low-molecular proteins and albumin in urine. II. Beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein and albumin levels in the urine of general Polish population and workers exposed to cadmium].

The aim of the work was to collect data about beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M), retinol-binding protein (RBP) and albumin (Alb) levels in subjects not exposed to nephrotoxic agents in Poland. The data are necessary to interpret determination results in persons occupationally exposed to these chemicals. Concentrations of beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein and albumin in urine were determined using latex-immunological method. Examination of levels of low molecular proteins and albumin was made on population from agricultural regions of Poland (the Suwałki region) and on textile plant workers from Lódź not exposed to nephrotoxic agents. It was found that upper normal level of low molecular proteins in urine was 300 micrograms/l and of albumin 60 mg/l. The data obtained indicate that sex and age play an important role in beta 2-M and RBP excretion. In the workers of an alkaline accumulator plant who were occupationally exposed to cadmium, a statistically increased excretion of low molecular proteins in urine was observed compared to the controls from Lódź. In 20% of the subjects beta 2-M and RBP concentration in urine were higher than the accepted upper normal levels. Collected data make one aware of necessity to study the above determinations which lead to an early detection of renal function disorders.