Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
Organotin compounds (OTs) are persistent organometallic chemicals extensively used in various industrial applications, particularly in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, antifouling paints, and agricultural pesticides. These compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT), are known for their endocrine-disrupting properties and harmful effects on the environment. Recent studies have focused on their nephrotoxic effects, particularly their impact on kidney function, which has not been widely investigated compared to their effects on other organs. Exposure to OTs, especially through contaminated food or drinking water, is linked to kidney damage, kidney stones, and impaired renal function. The review emphasizes the effects of OTs on kidney tissue, including oxidative stress, hypokalemia, and the formation of kidney stones, which pose significant health risks to both the exposed population and the environment.
Who is affected?
The primary stakeholders affected by the toxicity of organotin compounds are individuals working in industries where OTs are used, such as PVC manufacturing, agriculture, and ship maintenance. People in coastal or industrial areas who consume seafood contaminated with these compounds are also at risk. The kidney toxicity associated with OTs is particularly relevant to workers in environments where they may be exposed to chemicals like tributyltin (TBT) through inhalation or skin contact. Furthermore, public health officials, environmental agencies, and food manufacturers must address these risks, ensuring that exposure to organotin compounds is minimized through monitoring, regulation, and safe practices.
Most important findings
Recent research has revealed significant nephrotoxic effects of organotin compounds, particularly trimethyltin (TMT), tributyltin (TBT), and triphenyltin (TPT). These compounds induce oxidative stress in renal tissue, resulting in lipid peroxidation and cell damage. Oxidative stress is a primary pathway for the renal damage caused by OTs, leading to impaired kidney function. OTs also inhibit H+/K+-ATPase activity in kidney cells, resulting in hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can exacerbate kidney dysfunction. Chronic exposure to these compounds is associated with an increased prevalence of kidney stones, as they disrupt the normal pH levels in urine, creating an alkaline environment conducive to stone formation. Moreover, TBT has been shown to lead to glomerular and tubular damage, while TMT induces acute renal failure in experimental models. The environmental persistence of these compounds, especially in contaminated seafood, is a significant concern for human health, with many people unknowingly exposed to them.
Key implications
The nephrotoxic effects of organotin compounds pose significant public health concerns, particularly for those who are chronically exposed through contaminated food, water, and occupational settings. For the food industry, especially seafood producers, there is a pressing need for robust testing and monitoring systems to ensure that organotin contamination levels in food products remain below regulatory thresholds. Environmental agencies must continue to enforce regulations aimed at reducing the release of organotin compounds into water sources and marine ecosystems. Public health bodies should raise awareness of the risks associated with exposure to these compounds, particularly kidney stones, and implement strategies to reduce exposure. Future regulatory measures may need to be more stringent, and better monitoring systems should be in place to ensure public safety from these toxicants.
Citation
Barbosa, L., Ferrão, F. M., & Graceli, J. B. (2018). Organotin Compounds Toxicity: Focus on Kidney. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 9, 256. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2018.00256
Tin and its compounds, especially organotins, pose significant health risks ranging from neurological effects to reproductive toxicity. The HMTC program's stringent certification standards aim to minimize these risks and protect consumer health.
