Long-term exposure to air pollution can heighten kidney disease risk

Among adults with normal kidney function, exposure to higher concentrations of components of air pollution was linked with higher risks of later developing chronic kidney disease.

Compared with individuals with high genetic risk of developing kidney disease, those with high air pollution exposure and low genetic risk faced a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Results from the study to be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2022 November 3-November 6.

As the AQI in Delhi touches the 500 mark, concerns about its grave health implications also go up. We all know how air pollution is damaging for our lungs and respiratory system in general but new research by the AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY has identified that among adults with normal kidney function, exposure to higher concentrations of components of air pollution was linked with higher risks of later developing chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, involves a gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then removed in your urine. Advanced chronic kidney disease can cause dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes to build up in your body.

Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD). New research assessed the interaction of air pollution and genetic factors on the development of CKD. The research will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2022 November 3–November 6.

Investigators analyzed data from 350,994 participants without CKD at baseline in the UK Biobank. Exposure to higher concentrations of components of air pollution was linked with higher risks of developing CKD. Compared with individuals with high genetic risk of developing CKD, those with high air pollution exposure and low genetic risk faced a higher risk of developing CKD.

"Long-term exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of CKD, especially in those with low genetic risk," the authors wrote.

Reference:

"Air pollution, genetic factors, and the risk of incident chronic kidney disease: a prospective study of polygenic risk score analysis in the UK Biobank"MEETING

ASN Kidney Week 2022