Impact of Long-Term Exposure to Waterborne Toxic Elements (Cd, As, Hg) on Renal Function and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
Waterborne Toxic Elements and Renal Oxidative Stress
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69750/dmls.03.04.0202Keywords:
Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury, Renal Dysfunction, Oxidative Stress, Heavy Metal ToxicityAbstract
Background: Persistent exposure to toxic heavy metals through contaminated drinking water is now a critical global environmental and public health issue. Cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) are elements with high nephrotoxic properties and are able to induce oxidative stress, renal dysfunction, and progressive cellular injury after long-term exposure.
Objective: To assess the effect of chronic exposure to waterborne Cd, As, and Hg on renal function parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers in the chronically exposed population.
Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed from January 2025 to August 2025 involving 160 participants. The exposed group included 100 individuals with long-term consumption of contaminated groundwater, while 60 healthy individuals consuming treated water served as controls. Blood and urine samples were collected to measure serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum uric acid, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The heavy metal levels were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
Results: Cadmium, arsenic, and mercury levels in blood were found to be significantly higher in the exposed individuals as compared to the control (p<0.001). The renal function parameters were significantly elevated serum creatinine, BUN, serum uric acid, and urinary albumin, in addition to significantly decreased eGFR among the exposed participants. The antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, catalase, and GPx were found to be significantly reduced, while MDA levels were found to be significantly increased in both groups (p<0.001). Heavy metal concentrations, renal function markers, and oxidative stress markers showed good correlation.
Conclusion: Waterborne toxic elements can be a significant cause of renal dysfunction and nephrotoxicity in chronically exposed populations, likely through oxidative stress.
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