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Review
. 2016 Nov;31(11):2043-54.
doi: 10.1007/s00467-015-3222-3. Epub 2015 Oct 12.

Toxic environmental exposures and kidney health in children

Darcy K Weidemann  1 , Virginia M Weaver  2   3 , Jeffrey J Fadrowski  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Toxic environmental exposures and kidney health in children

Darcy K Weidemann et al. Pediatr Nephrol. 2016 Nov.

Abstract

High-level exposures to a number of agents are known to have direct nephrotoxic effects in children. A growing body of literature supports the hypothesis that chronic, relatively low-level exposure to various nephrotoxicants may also increase the risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) or accelerate its progression. In this review we highlight several environmental nephrotoxicants and their association with CKD in children and adolescents. We also discuss unique epidemiological challenges in the use of kidney biomarkers in environmental nephrotoxicology.

Keywords: Aristolochic acid; Arsenic; Cadmium; Chronic kidney disease; Environmental nephrotoxicants; Lead; Melamine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The nephron and associated sites of action of various nephrotoxicants. NSAIDs Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Adapted from: Lote C (2012) Principles of renal physiology, 5th edn, Springer, New York, p 23, with permission
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Histopathology of a patient with chronic lead nephropathy, characterized by a normal glomerulus, nonspecific tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. (Image courtesy of Vecihi Batuman)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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