RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of harmful factors in tank cabins on renal function of tank crews. METHODS: One hundred and fifty two tank crews as the observation group and 37 soldiers without tank environment exposure as control group were selected in the study. α1-microglobulin(α1-MG), ß2-microglobulin(ß2-MG), IgG, N-acetyl-ß-glucosidase (NAG) and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) in morning and 24 h urine were measured. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the levels of α1-MG, ß2-MG, NAG, UAER in observation group were increased significantly (P < 0.05). ß2-MG, NAG, UAER of Soldiers with more than 50 motorized hours in observation group were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.05). ß2-MG, NAG and UAER of soldiers divorced from tank occupation more than 3 years decreased to the normal levels. ß2-MG of soldiers divorced from tank occupation more than 10 years was significantly higher than that of 6-10 years group. CONCLUSION: Tank occupational exposure influences the renal function of tank crews but not to a degree of clinical kidney disease. The renal function of crews divorced from tank occupation may recover but dysfunction of renal tubular reabsorption still exists.