Micronutrients and kidney health.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a structural and functional disorder of the kidney caused by many diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and glomerular disease.1 There are many factors that contribute to the development and progression of CKD, and often, we do not look at the exposure of heavy metals as a risk factor for the development and accelerant of CKD.2 Heavy metals, such as cadmium, mercury, arsenic and lead, can enter the body through various sources, including contaminated water, food, air pollution, occupational exposure and certain medications. Prolonged or excessive exposure to these metals can lead to their accumulation in the kidneys and cause nephrotoxicity. The kidney has the ability to reabsorb and concentrate divalent ions and metals. The renal proximal tubules are responsible for the reabsorption of essential substances from the glomerular filtrate. Heavy metals in the blood can bind to metallothionein and glutathione in inert forms, and the conjugates are then released into the blood through the liver and kidneys. These substances are then reabsorbed through the endocytic process in the S1 segment of the proximal tubule, which may eventually lead to chronic inflammation, renal fibrosis and renal failure.