BPA adversely affects kidney function in children

By Helen Albert, Senior medwireNews Reporter

Children with high levels of exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) are at increased risk for low-grade albuminuria, report researchers.

These findings add to those of previous research showing an association between BPA exposure and adverse cardiometabolic and renal symptoms in adults, as well as an increased risk for obesity in children.

"While our cross-sectional study cannot definitively confirm that BPA contributes to heart disease or kidney dysfunction in children, together with our previous study of BPA and obesity, this new data adds to already existing concerns about BPA as a contributor to cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents," said study author Leonardo Trasande (New York University School of Medicine, USA) in a press statement.

The researchers analyzed data from 710 children and adolescents, aged 6-19 years, who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2010 and had measures of urinary BPA and degree of albuminuria, from morning urine samples of creatinine, calculated. Children with pre-existing kidney disease were excluded from the study.

As reported in Kidney International, the team found that children in the highest quartile of BPA exposure (≥4.3 ng/mL) had a significant 0.91 mg/g higher albumin-to-creatinine ratio than children in the lowest quartile of exposure (<1.1 ng/mL) after adjusting for insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, and various environmental and sociodemographic risk factors.

The authors also estimated that each log unit increase in urinary BPA was associated with a significant 0.28 mg/g increase in the albumin-to-creatinine ratio.

Commenting to the press, study co-author Howard Trachtman, also from New York University School of Medicine, noted that BPA exposure may have an even greater effect on children with kidney disease.

"Because their kidneys are already working harder to compensate and have limited functional reserve, they may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of environmental toxins," he explained.

Trasande adds that the results of this study further support calls to limit BPA exposure in the USA, especially in children.

"Removing it from aluminum cans is probably one of the best ways we can limit exposure. There are alternatives that manufacturers can use to line aluminum cans," he suggested.

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