The effects of environmental chemicals on renal function

Nat Rev Nephrol. 2015 Oct;11(10):610-25. doi: 10.1038/nrneph.2015.94. Epub 2015 Jun 23.

Abstract

The global incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing among individuals of all ages. Despite advances in proteomics, genomics and metabolomics, there remains a lack of safe and effective drugs to reverse or stabilize renal function in patients with glomerular or tubulointerstitial causes of CKD. Consequently, modifiable risk factors that are associated with a progressive decline in kidney function need to be identified. Numerous reports have documented the adverse effects that occur in response to graded exposure to a wide range of environmental chemicals. This Review summarizes the effects of such chemicals on four aspects of cardiorenal function: albuminuria, glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure and serum uric acid concentration. We focus on compounds that individuals are likely to be exposed to as a consequence of normal consumer activities or medical treatment, namely phthalates, bisphenol A, polyfluorinated alkyl acids, dioxins and furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental exposure to these chemicals during everyday life could have adverse consequences on renal function and might contribute to progressive cumulative renal injury over a lifetime. Regulatory efforts should be made to limit individual exposure to environmental chemicals in an attempt to reduce the incidence of cardiorenal disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Albuminuria / chemically induced
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / adverse effects
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Dioxins / adverse effects
  • Environmental Pollutants / adverse effects*
  • Furans / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / adverse effects
  • Kidney / drug effects*
  • Kidney / physiopathology*
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Phenols / adverse effects
  • Phthalic Acids / adverse effects
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / adverse effects
  • Polycyclic Compounds / adverse effects

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Dioxins
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Furans
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated
  • Phenols
  • Phthalic Acids
  • Polycyclic Compounds
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls
  • bisphenol A