The Application of Novel Renal Biomarkers in Clinical and Environmental Nephrology
Abstract List
20 Sep 2026
09:20
10:10
Room 101C
Kai-Fan TsaiTaiwan
Speaker
The Application of Novel Renal Biomarkers in Clinical and Environmental NephrologyOrganophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and phthalates are emerging organic pollutants and have “pseudo-persistent” properties in the environment. With widespread utilization in consumer products, OPFRs and phthalates have led to extensive human exposure, and their potential health hazard is a topic of increasing concern. However, the exposure pattern and health effects of OPFRs and phthalates are yet to be investigated in patients with renal disease in Taiwan. Since 2020, the research team at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital has initiated a study project addressing OPFR and phthalates exposure in the population in Taiwan and its impact on renal diseases. We utilized novel renal biomarkers to detect the subtle renal injury associated with exposure to these environmental pollutants. In our analysis, exposure to these environmental pollutant was universal in the participants, with an overall detection rate of beyond 90%. The associations between OPFR and phthalate exposure and renal disease were identified in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and urinary concentrations of these chemicals were correlated with urinary biomarkers of renal tubular injury and oxidative stress in the CKD population. Our findings highlight the multisystemic health impact of OPFR and phthalate exposure, which warrants particular attention and further investigations, and also underscore the role of novel renal biomarkers in environmental medicine.