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Med. Pr. 2006;57(4):389-400

Secondary nephropathies in occupational health practice. I. Secondary nephropathies due to occupational exposure

Nefropatie wtórne w praktyce lekarza medycyny pracy. I. Nefropatie wtórne w przebiegu narażenia zawodowego

Jolanta Antonowicz-Juchniewicz, Anna Jodkowska, Dobrosława Kwiecińska Medical University of Wrocław, Poland

Abstract

Kidneys are particularly susceptible to the effect of toxic agents that can cause renal damage and even renal failure. The aim of this study was to present current knowledge of the influence of occupational toxic agents on renal functions. The authors describe the major nephrotoxic factors, such as heavy metals (including lead, cadmium, and mercury), organic solvents, pesticides and silica. They discuss changes in the kidney structure and molecular mechanisms of nephrotoxicity and carcinogenesis induced by occupational exposure to major toxic agents and also indicate possibilities of detecting the predicted nephrotoxicity symptoms so that clinical, overt renal insufficiency could be prevented.

Key words

nephropathy, heavy metals, organic solvents, pesticides, biomarkers, occupational exposure