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

Gaballah, Inas Fawzy; Abdelazeem, Osama Mosbah; Ali, Ahmed Maher; Mourad, Basma Hussein · J Occup Environ Med · 2026

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

This study investigated subclinical renal impairment in workers chronically exposed to organophosphorus compounds (OPs) using Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) as a biomarker. 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. 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. Chronic OP exposure may cause progressive renal damage. KIM-1 is a sensitive biomarker for early detection and monitoring of subclinical tubular injury.