RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the nephrotoxicity induced caused by combined effect of arsenic and cadmium in exposed workers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Urinary cadmium and arsenic were used as the exposure biomarkers of cadmium and arsenic. Urinary beta2-microglobulin (Ubeta2-MG), albumin (UALB) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (UNAG) were measured as the effective biomarkers of tubular and glomerular dysfunction induced by cadmium and arsenic.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The combination of cadmium and arsenic induced more severe renal injury than that caused by either of the chemicals given alone. There were positive correlations and significant dose-effect among the concentrations of urinary cadmium, arsenic and levels of Ubeta2-MG, UALB, UNAG (P<0.05, P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cadmium combined with arsenic may have additive effect on renal dysfunction in workers exposed to arsenic and cadmium.</p>