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Sex-specific impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals on renal function in U.S. adults: Mediating roles of inflammation, oxidative stress and aging

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous research has established associations between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals (HMs), and kidney damage. However, the impact of PAHs and HMs mixtures on chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly gender differences, remains unclear. METHODS: This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data spanning 2003-2016 to investigate the association between PAHs and HMs with CKD, employing weighted logistic regression analyses. This exploration was complemented by gender-stratified restricted cubic spline (RCS) methods. Multiple mixture analysis models were applied to evaluate the combined effects of PAHs and HMs on kidney damage. Mediation analyses were conducted to explore the mediating effects of inflammation, oxidative stress, and aging biomarkers. RESULTS: The results of the mixture analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between PAHs and HMs with the CKD risk in the general population, with cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and 2-naphthalene (2-NAP) contributing prominently to this relationship. These findings were consistent in the female subgroup. However, no effect of co-exposure to PAHs and HMs on CKD and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was observed in the male subgroup. PAHs and HMs mixtures with CKD risk mediated by the biological age (BA) and phenotypic age (PA), with mediation proportions of 44.1 % and 61.4 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study reveals a significant association between PAHs and HMs mixtures and CKD in the US population, with females being particularly susceptible. Biological aging emerges as a primary mediator in this relationship. Further prospective cohort studies are required to validate these findings.

Source: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118380

Authors: Qi Liu, Yue Huang, Qiang He

Institutions: Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of TCM

Language: English

Topic: Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,650