Occupational exposure to cadmium: effect on metallothionein and other biological indices of exposure and renal function.

The effect of duration of employment at a North American cadmium smelter on urinary metallothionein (MT), total protein, beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG), glucose, cadmium, copper and zinc of 53 men was studied. The levels of all urinary parameters increased with the duration of employment. Smoking history did not affect any of the above parameters studied. Although age was responsible for some of the changes noted in protein, glucose and beta 2-MG levels, its effect on MT and cadmium was insignificant. All urinary parameters were significantly related with each other. The relationship of elevated urinary MT levels with respect to renal dysfunction was also examined. Subjects with abnormal renal function excreted significantly higher amounts of MT than did those with normal renal function. The results confirm not only that occupational exposure to cadmium over long periods results in renal dysfunction but also that urinary MT could be used to monitor exposure and ultimately the appearance of the renal dysfunction.