Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) as a biomarker for detection of subclinical nephrotoxic effect of chronic organophosphorus exposure

Bibliographic Information
Authors: Gaballah I.F.; Abdelazeem O.M.; Ali A.M.; Mourad B.H.
Journal: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Publisher: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Publication Date: 17 March 2026
ISSN: 10762752
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003710
Scopus: View on Scopus
PubMed: 41839780
Document Type: Article
Authors and Affiliations
Gaballah I.F., Occupational and Environmental Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Abdelazeem O.M., Nephrology Department, Theodore Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Ali A.M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Mourad B.H., Occupational and Environmental Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Abstract
Objectives: – This study investigated subclinical renal impairment in workers chronically exposed to organophosphorus compounds (OPs) using Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) as a biomarker. Methods: – A comparative cross-sectional study included 74 participants, divided into exposed and control groups. After excluding other renal risk factors, all participants underwent clinical assessment and laboratory investigations, including serum urea, creatinine, cholinesterase, and KIM-1. Results: – Exposed workers had significantly lower mean cholinesterase levels (3610.54±436.41 U/L) than controls (5975.68±860.69 U/L). Median KIM-1 was higher in the exposed group (5.96 ng/ml) compared to controls (0.84 ng/ml). Longer exposure duration and farming occupation were linked with elevated KIM-1. KIM-1 positively correlated with kidney function markers, while cholinesterase showed a negative correlation. Conclusion: – Chronic OP exposure may cause progressive renal damage. KIM-1 is a sensitive biomarker for early detection and monitoring of subclinical tubular injury. Copyright © 2026 American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Keywords
Chronic occupational exposure; KIM-1; Organophosphates; Serum cholinesterase; Subclinical nephrotoxicity
Citation Information
Scopus Citations: 0
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