Publication Details
Abstract
This study focused on evaluating the levels of certain heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), as well as indicators of oxidative stress and antioxidants, namely interleukin-6 (IL-6) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The study included 90 blood samples, divided into a control group of 60 patients with renal failure and a control group of 30 apparently healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected between January 2024 and March 2024. Serum cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations were estimated, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured using standard laboratory methods.
The results showed a significant increase in the levels of cadmium (2.86 ± 0.73), lead (6.858 ± 1.191), and interleukin-6 (18.72 ± 5.64) in the patient group compared to the healthy control group (p ≤ 0.001). Conversely, a significant decrease in SOD enzyme concentration (1.91 ± 0.54) was observed in the renal failure patient group compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.001). These results indicate a disruption in the antioxidant capacity to combat inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as the role of heavy metals in the development and exacerbation of inflammation in renal failure patients. The study concludes that the role of heavy metals in causing inflammatory and oxidative imbalances may play a significant part in the development and progression of the pathological mechanisms associated with renal failure, making these variables important biomarkers for assessing, diagnosing, and monitoring the disease's progression.