Urinary KIM-1 Transcript Detectability in Workers Chronically Exposed to Arsenic and Antimony in an Industrial Area of Central Chile: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND

Chronic arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) exposure causes renal toxicity in experimental models, but early molecular indicators of tubular stress in humans remain uncharacterised.

METHODS

We assessed 12 male workers from Puchuncaví, Chile. Urinary and blood As and Sb were quantified by hydride-generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). Urinary KIM-1, NGAL, CTGF and PAI-1 transcripts were assessed by RT-qPCR, with 18S rRNA confirming amplifiability; detection required Ct < 35 with a single melting peak.

RESULTS

Ten samples passed quality control. KIM-1 was detected in 5 of 10 participants (50%); NGAL, CTGF and PAI-1 were detected sporadically. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen remained within reference ranges in all but one participant. Detection was not associated with urinary or blood metalloid concentrations (Mann-Whitney U, p ≥ 0.11).

CONCLUSION

Urinary KIM-1 transcripts are detectable in workers chronically exposed to As and Sb despite normal conventional renal function. Establishing biomarker performance requires larger studies with unexposed reference populations.