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. 2003 Nov;88(11):966–968. doi: 10.1136/adc.88.11.966

Renal tubular dysfunction in children living in the Aral Sea Region

K Kaneko 1, M Chiba 1, M Hashizume 1, O Kunii 1, S Sasaki 1, T Shimoda 1, Y Yamashiro 1, W Caypil 1, D Dauletbaev 1
PMCID: PMC1719339  PMID: 14612357

Abstract

Background: The Aral Sea region is a natural area seriously polluted by human activities. Recent surveillance revealed the increased prevalence of diverse chronic diseases in children.

Aims: To investigate the function of renal tubules, which are most at risk of damage as a result of heavy metal intoxication, in children of the Aral Sea region.

Methods: A group of 205 children living in Kazalinsk, close to the Aral Sea, and a group of 187 children living in Zhanakorgan, far from the Aral Sea, were examined by means of random urine samples. Both urinary N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG; U/mmol Cr) and ß2 microglobulin (BMG; µg/mmol Cr) were calculated for each subject.

Results: Mean urinary NAG and BMG were both significantly higher in Kazalinsk than in Zhanakorgan (NAG: 0.77 (0.58) and 0.62 (0.37) U/mmol Cr; BMG: 41.8 (54.8) and 22.5 (20.4) µg/mmol Cr, respectively; mean (SD), p < 0.01). The number of children with abnormal values of NAG (>1.5 U/mmol Cr) was significantly more prevalent in Kazalinsk than in Zhanakorgan (7.9% and 2.6%, respectively, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Renal tubular function of children around the Aral Sea region is profoundly impaired. This should be taken into account when considering the health problems of this area.

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Figure 1 .

Figure 1

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Study areas in Republic of Kazakhstan.

Figure 2 .

Figure 2

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Mean urinary BMG (µg/mmol creatinine) and NAG (U/mmol creatinine) of children of the Aral Sea region (Kazalinsk) and the control region (Zhanakorgan). Error bars indicate SEM. **p < 0.01 (difference between regions).

Selected References

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