Beta-2-Microglobulin: Renal Biomarker of Workplace U Exposure

摘要

This study explored uses of beta-2-microglobulin as a biomarker for uranium exposure using a laboratory data and occupational history information previously collected from a population of over 2200 workers. Clinical reference intervals for this exposed population were calculated using traditional and recently developed methods incorporating outlier detection and a robust approach. Uranium exposure was characterized by several approaches. NIOSH developed estimates for job title specific exposure levels will be used in conjunction with calendar year, duration and length of employment to assign one measure of exposure to each worker. Site work location for each period of employment was used to assign a probability of exposure to several different chemical forms of uranium present at the site. In statistical analyses designed to evaluate the association between parameters of uranium exposure (amount, duration, age at exposure and chemical form) and level of urinary beta-2-microglobulin, we found that urinary log beta-2-microglobulin was associated with total cumulative exposure to uranium (p