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?
The study investigates the impact of low-level cadmium exposure on kidney function, particularly focusing on tubular and glomerular damage. The research was conducted within the context of a population-based cohort of Swedish women aged 50 to 59, using data collected from the Women’s Health in the Lund Area (WHILA) study. The study highlights the associations between cadmium concentrations in blood and urine and kidney function markers such as glomerular filtration rate (GFR), creatinine clearance, and urinary excretion of specific proteins and enzymes. The study found that even at low exposure levels, cadmium significantly affected kidney function, particularly tubular damage, and showed potential effects on glomerular function. The research stresses the importance of early detection, even with low environmental cadmium exposure, which may otherwise go unnoticed due to the subtle nature of early kidney damage.
Who is affected?
The study specifically targets women aged 50 to 59 in southern Sweden, where cadmium exposure is present but not at levels typically associated with industrial pollution. It finds that even low levels of cadmium exposure can lead to kidney damage. The population is particularly vulnerable due to their higher cadmium accumulation compared to men, largely attributed to dietary habits and lower iron stores. Individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and those who use nephrotoxic drugs are at an elevated risk for exacerbated kidney damage. Furthermore, non-smokers with low cadmium levels also show signs of kidney dysfunction, underlining the widespread risk across various demographic groups.
Most important findings
The study reveals that even at relatively low levels of cadmium exposure, significant kidney effects can be observed. Cadmium in both blood and urine showed a strong correlation with increased urinary excretion of proteins (such as human complex-forming protein and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase), indicators of tubular damage. Furthermore, associations were noted between cadmium exposure and decreased glomerular function, measured through GFR and creatinine clearance. Notably, the effects were present even among women who had never smoked, suggesting environmental exposure, such as dietary sources like cereals and vegetables, as significant contributors. The study found that the lowest observed effect level for kidney markers was around 0.6 µg/L urinary cadmium, which is significantly lower than levels typically associated with kidney dysfunction in industrial settings. Additionally, diabetes was found to potentiate the effects of cadmium exposure, increasing the risk of kidney damage.
Key implications
For regulatory bodies, the study’s findings underline the need for stricter environmental and occupational cadmium exposure limits, especially in non-industrial regions where populations may still face low-level exposure through diet. Public health initiatives should focus on monitoring cadmium exposure, particularly for at-risk groups like women, diabetics, and the elderly. Food safety standards should consider the potential for cadmium contamination in common dietary staples like rice, vegetables, and shellfish. Industries, particularly those in agriculture and food production, must ensure that their products are free from excessive cadmium contamination. Moreover, public health strategies should promote better awareness of the risks of cadmium exposure and its potential to cause long-term health issues, especially kidney damage. Interventions should include dietary guidelines and iron supplementation for populations at higher risk, to reduce the cumulative effects of cadmium exposure.
Citation
Åkesson, A., Lundh, T., Vahter, M., Bjellerup, P., Lidfeldt, J., Nerbrand, C., Samsioe, G., Strömberg, U., & Skerfving, S. (2005). Tubular and Glomerular Kidney Effects in Swedish Women with Low Environmental Cadmium Exposure. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(11), 1627. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8033
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
