Enzymuria in workers exposed to inorganic mercury

Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 1988;61(1-2):65-9. doi: 10.1007/BF00381609.

Abstract

Urinary excretion of beta-hexosaminidase (NAG = N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase) and albumin was examined in 41 chlor-alkali workers exposed to inorganic mercury and 41 age-matched controls. Either U-HG or B-Hg levels for these workers were available dating from the 1960s to the present. Increased U-NAG was seen in workers with a U-Hg today of more than 4 micrograms/mmol creat (about 50 micrograms/l: 35 ug/g creat). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that U-NAG was correlated to U-Hg and integrated dose but not to the present B-Hg level. No albuminuria (detection limit 12.5 mg/l) was found in any of the subjects. In a longitudinal study, no decrease in U-NAG levels was seen in 15 chlor-alkali workers after their vacation (means = 20d). In five workers followed for ten months after a short exposure period, no definite time trend could be seen. The results show that there is a slight effect on renal tubules even at rather low levels of exposure to mercury vapour. The clinical significance of the enzymuria levels found here is, however, debatable.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylglucosaminidase / urine*
  • Albuminuria / chemically induced
  • Chemical Industry*
  • Clinical Enzyme Tests*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Hexosaminidases / urine*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Kidney Diseases / diagnosis
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Mercury / adverse effects*
  • Mercury / analysis
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Sweden

Substances

  • Hexosaminidases
  • Acetylglucosaminidase
  • Mercury