Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Aug 2023
Plasma selenium and zinc alter associations between nephrotoxic metals and chronic kidney disease: Results from NHANES database 2011-2018.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition defined as a persistent change in kidney structure or function, or both, that compromises human health. Environmental exposure to heavy metals (e.g. cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury) is common, and high exposure levels are known to cause nephrotoxicity. Micronutrients such as selenium and zinc are positively associated with better kidney function and renal outcomes. This study determined the associations between CKD and heavy metal exposures measured in blood or urine within a community-dwelling population, and assessed whether and how selenium and zinc modified the associations. ⋯ Elevated blood levels of heavy metals increase CKD, whereas elevated concentrations of plasma selenium and serum zinc decrease CKD. A high serum zinc concentration appears to interact with low-toxicity heavy metals to reduce CKD risk. This study suggests that increased selenium and zinc in the body along with avoidance of heavy metal exposures could protect against CKD.