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Few studies have examined the effects of multi-pollutant air pollution on renal health, especially in children and adolescents. This study investigated the association between long-term ambient air pollution exposure and renal health in Asian children and adolescents. This study included 10,942 children and adolescents from Taiwan and Hong Kong between 2000 and 2017. PM 2.5 , NO 2 and O 3 concentrations were estimated using satellite-based spatiotemporal regression models. Two-year average concentrations, those of the year of visit and the preceding year, were used. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between air pollution and yearly changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Cox regression models with time-dependent covariates were used to examine the association between air pollution and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Median age of the participants was 19 years (range: 2–25). The overall average concentration of PM 2.5 , NO 2 and O 3 was 26.7 μg/m3, 44.1 μg/m3 and 51.1 μg/m3, respectively. The mean yearly change in eGFR was 0.37 μL/min/1.73 m2 and the incidence rate of CKD was 6.8 per 1,000 person-years. In single-pollutant models, each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM 2.5 was associated with a 0.45 μL/min/1.73 m2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28–0.63] reduction in the yearly increase in eGFR and 53% [hazard ratio (HR): 1.53 (95%CI: 1.07–2.2)] greater risk of incident CKD. Each 10 μg/m3 increase in NO 2 was associated with a 7% [HR (95%CI): 1.07 (1.00–1.15)] higher risk of incident CKD, while an equivalent increase in O 3 was associated with a 19% [HR (95%CI): 0.81 (0.67–0.98)] lower risk. Long-term exposure to ambient PM 2.5 and NO 2 was associated with a slower growth of eGFR and a higher risk of incident CKD in children and adolescents. Our findings suggest that air pollution control in early life is imperative to improve lifelong renal health and alleviate the CKD burden. • Novel study that investigated the associations between early-life exposure to air pollution and renal health in children. • Long-term exposure to ambient PM 2.5 and NO 2 was associated with a slower growth in eGFR and a higher risk of CKD. • Long-term exposure to ozone was associated with a lower risk of CKD. • Linear and monotonic concentration-response curves were found between air pollution and CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The results of long-term renal evolution in HCV-infected patients using sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), with or without ribavirin (RBV), are lacking. Aims: We evaluated the renal safety for HCV-infected patients receiving SOF/VEL. Methods: Between 1 June 2019 and 6 July 2020, we included 594 HCV-infected patients receiving SOF/VEL +/− RBV for 12 weeks in Taiwan. Viral eradication rate (defined by sustained virological response at week 12 post-treatment; SVR12) and changes to renal function were considered. Results: SVR12 was achieved in 99.3% (590/594) upon per-protocol analysis. Patients saw improved hepatobiliary function and fibrosis after the start of SOF/VEL therapy. For renal function, those with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 (mL/min/1.73 m2) experienced transient on-treatment reduction in renal function that improved upon ending treatment, but recurrent eGFR degradation during one-year follow-up. The use of RBV (OR = 5.200, 95% CI: 1.983–13.634, p = 0.001) was a significant risk factor at SVR24, while diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.765, 95% CI: 1.104–6.922, p = 0.030) and the use of RBV (OR = 3.143, 95% CI: 1.047–9.435, p = 0.041) were identified as significant risk factors of worsening renal function at SVR48. SOF/VEL did not worsen renal function among those with stage 4–5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) who were not receiving dialysis. Conclusions: A trend of decline in eGFR at 1 year after SOF/VEL treatment was observed among diabetic patients with baseline eGFR ≥ 60 (mL/min/1.73 m2) and concomitant use of RBV. The close monitoring of renal function is warranted. Further study should be conducted in order to weigh the risks and benefit of RBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the combined effects of chronic PM2.5 exposure and habitual exercise on the decline of renal function and the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a large cohort in Taiwan.Methods: The present data analysis included a total of 108,615 participants aged 18 years or above who were recruited between 2001 and 2016. All participants underwent at least two medical examinations. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. The incident of eGFR decline ≥30% was defined as a decline in eGFR of ≥30% during the study period, while the incident CKD was defined as an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or a newly self-reported physician-diagnosed CKD in the subsequent visits. The satellite-based spatiotemporal model was used to estimate PM2.5 exposure at each participant's address. Information on habitual exercise was collected using a standard self-administered questionnaire. The Cox regression model with time-dependent covariates was used for data analyses.Results: Higher habitual exercise was associated with lower risks of renal function decline and CKD development, whereas higher PM2.5 exposure was associated with higher risks of renal function decline and CKD development. We found no significant interaction effect between PM2.5 and habitual exercise, with an HR (95% CI) of 1.02 (0.97, 1.07) for incident eGFR decline ≥30% and 1.00 (0.95, 1.05) for CKD development. Compared to participants with inactive-exercise and high-PM2.5, participants with high-exercise and low-PM2.5 had 74% and 61% lower risks of renal function decline and CKD development, respectively.Conclusion: Increased habitual exercise and reduced PM2.5 exposures are associated with lower risks of renal function decline and CKD development. Habitual exercise reduces risks of renal function decline and CKD development regardless of the levels of chronic PM2.5 exposure. Our study suggests that habitual exercise is a safe approach for kidney health improvement even for people residing in relatively polluted areas and should be promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing annually in Taiwan. In addition to traditional risk factors, heavy metals contribute to the development of CKD. The aim of this study was to investigate associations among heavy metals and proteinuria and CKD in the general population in Southern Taiwan. We also explored the interaction and synergetic effects among heavy metals on proteinuria. Methods: We conducted a health survey in the general population living in Southern Taiwan between June 2016 and September 2018. Seven heavy metals were measured: blood lead (Pb) and urine nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd). Proteinuria was measured using reagent strips. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Results: The mean age of the 2447 participants was 55.1 ± 13.2 years and included 977 males and 1470 females. Participants with high blood Pb and high urine Ni, Mn, Cu, and Cd were significantly associated with proteinuria. Interactions between blood Pb and urine Cr, and between urine Cd and Cu, had significant effects on proteinuria. The participants with high blood Pb and high urine Cu were significantly associated with an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusion: High blood Pb and high urine Cu may be associated with proteinuria and an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. High urine Ni, Mn, and Cd were significantly associated with proteinuria. Co-exposure to Cd and Cu, and Pb and Cr, may have synergistic effects on proteinuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]