[Effect of tobacco smoking on albumin concentration and β-glucuronidase activity in urine of smelters]

Przegl Lek. 2014;71(11):581-4.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

The aim of present study was to estimate the nephrotoxicity of occupational exposure to heavy metals on albumin concentration and β-glucuronidase activity in the urine of smoking and non-smoking smelters. The study was performed in urine of 101 smoking and non-smoking smelters as well as 65 smoking and non-smoking male subjects unexposed to heavy metals. Section into smoking and non-smoking groups was made on basis on direct personal interview and by determination of serum cotinine concentration. The concentration of albumin in urine was measured with commercial test (Micro-Albumin ELISA Cat. No 5MA 74212, ORGENTEC Diagnostika Gmbh, Germany). The activity of β-glucuronidase in urine were determined in urine using 4-nitrophenyl β D-glucuronide (Cat. No 73677, Sigma Aldrich, Germany) as a substrate. We have observed higher albumin concentration and β-glucuronidase activity in urine of smoking and non-smoking smelters when compared to control groups. We have also found the influence of tobacco smoke as well as amount of cigarettes smoked on albumin concentration in urine of smoking smelters. A statistically significant difference was detected between activity of β-glucuronidase in urine of smoking and non-smoking smelters, which suggest as additional negative factor of exposure to tobacco smoke. Analyzing the impact of smoking intensity we have found higher albumin concentration and β-glucuronidase activity in urine of smelters smoking ≥20 cigarettes per day when compared to smelters smoking <20 cigarettes per day. The elevation of albumin concentration and β-glucuronidase activity in urine of workers occupational exposure to heavy metals and tobacco smoke indicated, that environmental exposure on these factors can disorders kidney functions.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Albuminuria / epidemiology*
  • Biomarkers / urine
  • Comorbidity
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Germany
  • Glucuronidase / urine*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metallurgy*
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis
  • Metals, Heavy / toxicity*
  • Occupational Exposure / analysis*
  • Smoking / epidemiology*
  • Smoking / urine*
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / analysis

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution
  • Glucuronidase