Systematic evaluation of exposure to trace elements and minerals in patients with chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka

Publication date: Available online 29 April 2019Source: Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and BiologyAuthor(s): Shanika Nanayakkara, STMLD Senevirathna, Kouji H. Harada, Rohana Chandrajith, Toshiaki Hitomi, Tilak Abeysekera, Eri Muso, Takao Watanabe, Akio KoizumiAbstractChronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) in areas in and around Sri Lanka’s North Central Province has been identified as a major non-communicable disease due to its high prevalence and the burden on the public health system. Controversial evidence relating to the etiology and risk factors of CKDu has been reported. The most debated is the role of trace elements such as Cd and As in the pathogenesis of CKDu.Urine and hair samples collected from CKDu patients and healthy controls were measured for the concentration of different elements including Cd and As. To assess the possible environmental exposures, drinking water and rice samples collected from the affected areas as well as unaffected areas in the country were analyzed. Transmission electronic microscopic analysis of renal biopsies from CKDu patients was also performed. Analysis of drinking water and rice samples indicated that the levels of all minerals and trace elements analyzed including Cd and As were within the levels recommended by World Health Organization and Sri Lanka drinking water guidelines and did not suggest any form of contamination. Analysis of biological samples, including urine, hair and renal tissue, did not provide ev...
Source: Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research