Abstract
Research on the impact of prolonged exposure to inorganic contaminants, such as perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate (PNT), on the kidney health of individuals in the 12 ∼ 19 age range is lacking. We analyzed data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) over the period 2005-2016 to investigate the linear relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related parameters and PNT exposure levels, and to explore population heterogeneity from multiple aspects. Weighted multiple regression analysis estimated the independent associations between water or urine exposure indicators and CKD-related parameters. We utilized stratified subgroup analysis and smooth linear fitting as supplements. Lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (non- or new-creatinine (CR)-adjusted), albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were associated with urine PNT exposure. Water exposure may not be the primary source of PNT exposure. Females had a stronger negative association between nitrate and eGFR after non- or new-CR adjustment. With the most demographic heterogeneity, perchlorate affected eGFR, ACR, and BUN. Our findings associated urinary PNT exposure with altered renal parameters (eGFR, ACR, BUN) in adolescents aged 12-19, suggesting potential environmental health implications that warrant further investigation.