Environmental pollution significantly impacts global disease burden. However, the contribution of environmental pollution to kidney disease is often overlooked in nephrology. This review examines the growing body of research demonstrating the significant impacts of environmental pollutants, with a focus on air pollution as a primary factor, and acknowledges the roles of other pollutants, such as heavy metals, in the development and progression of kidney diseases. Short-term exposure to air pollution is linked with an increased risk of kidney disease-related events, including hospital admissions, and death, predominantly occurring in vulnerable populations. In contrast, long-term exposure, even at low to moderate levels, may lead to progressive pathophysiological changes, such as chronic systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, that contribute to the development of kidney disease. In addition, air pollution may exacerbate traditional kidney disease risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, thereby accelerating disease progression. The review also explores how climate change may interact with various pollutants, including air pollution, influencing kidney disease indirectly. The examined evidence underscores the urgent need for an interdisciplinary approach to research further into environmental kidney disease. Environmental health policies could play a crucial role in the prevention, intervention, and improvement of kidney health worldwide.

中文翻译：

---

环境污染对肾脏疾病的影响：当前知识和未来方向的最新回顾


环境污染严重影响全球疾病负担。然而，环境污染对肾脏疾病的影响在肾脏病学中常常被忽视。本综述审查了越来越多的研究表明环境污染物的重大影响，重点关注空气污染作为主要因素，并承认重金属等其他污染物在肾脏疾病发生和进展中的作用。短期暴露于空气污染与肾脏疾病相关事件的风险增加有关，包括住院和死亡，主要发生在弱势群体中。相反，长期接触，即使是低至中等水平，也可能导致进行性病理生理变化，例如慢性全身炎症和氧化应激，从而导致肾脏疾病的发展。此外，空气污染可能会加剧高血压、糖尿病等传统肾病危险因素，从而加速疾病进展。该综述还探讨了气候变化如何与包括空气污染在内的各种污染物相互作用，从而间接影响肾脏疾病。审查的证据强调迫切需要采用跨学科方法来进一步研究环境肾病。环境卫生政策可以在全球肾脏健康的预防、干预和改善方面发挥至关重要的作用。