RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Lead nephropathy usually starts silent. This study aimed to evaluate using kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) as an early nephrotoxicity predictor of long-term low-level occupational lead exposure. METHODS: History, examination, and laboratory investigations including: blood lead, urinary KIM-1, serum uric acid, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, serum albumin, and urine analysis were done on 35 lead-exposed workers and a matched control group. RESULTS: Higher blood lead levels were found among the exposed group compared to the control one. No statistically significant difference was found regarding renal failure manifestations or standard renal functions (uric acid, blood urea, and creatinine). Urinary KIM-1 was statistically significantly increased among the exposed group. CONCLUSION: Renal adverse effects were associated to lead fumes exposure. KIM-1 can be used as biomarker for detecting early renal affection among lead-exposed workers.
