Question:

A patient presents with proximal tubule proteinuria. Which metal is most likely associated with it?

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Think of itai-itai disease and low molecular weight tubular proteinuria.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Cadmium
  • Mercury
  • Gold
  • Lead
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Chronic exposure to certain heavy metals damages the renal tubules. The proximal convoluted tubule is responsible for reabsorbing low molecular weight proteins, so injury here causes tubular (low molecular weight) proteinuria.

Step 2: Cadmium is the classic cause of proximal tubular dysfunction. Occupational or environmental cadmium exposure produces early kidney damage with tubular proteinuria, marked by increased urinary beta-2 microglobulin.

Step 3: Cadmium nephropathy is a recognised feature of itai-itai disease and chronic industrial exposure, where it injures the proximal tubule.

Step 4: Lead causes Fanconi-type changes mainly in children and chronic interstitial disease; mercury and gold are more often linked with membranous nephropathy and glomerular (nephrotic) proteinuria. Hence cadmium (option A) is the best answer.
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