Gender Difference of Cadmium- induced Renal Tubular Dysfunction for Inhabitants in Toyama, Japan

摘要

Objective The aim of the present study was to compare the gender difference for cadmium-induced renal tubular dysfunction between the male and female inhabitants. Methods Urinary β_2-microglobulin was measured in 299 male (94%) and 342 female (92%) inhabitants aged 54 - 72 years, and the development of renal tubular dysfunction for 11 years was studied in the 62 married couples from them. Results A significantly higher cumulative incidence was found in both men and women in cadmium- polluted area, showing 68.4% in men and 64.8% in women compared to 15.3% in men and 5.9% in women in the reference areas. Relative risk of renal tubular dysfunction in females (11.0) was higher than males (4.5). The ratios of urinary β_2-microglobulin and glucose were higher in women than those in men in both the cadmium- polluted areas and the reference areas. Conclusion Although almost identical incidences were detected between men and women, the changes in excretion of β_2-microglobulin and glucose was greater in women than those in men. These findings suggest that renal tubular dysfunction might be more progressive in women than that in men.