Study on Kidney Disease and EnviromenTal Chemical

1. Background In daily life, people are exposed to various environmental hormones
(Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) such as phthalates, bisphenols, heavy metals, and
perfluorinated compounds. Due to the recent pandemic of the COVID-19, behavior patterns
such as wearing a mask and refraining from going out in daily life have changed. Such
behavioral changes have the potential to change the level of exposure to environmental
hazards, like intervention studies. In addition, studies have been reported that
exposure to various environmental hormones can affect kidney function, but
epidemiological studies are insufficient. Therefore, the research team is trying to
determine whether exposure to environmental hormones changes due to changes in
behavioral patterns according to the new corona epidemic, and to determine the effect on
renal function indices in patients with chronic kidney disease.

2. Hypothesis and Purpose

- Differences in risk perception for disease after the COVID-19 pandemic can explain
the degree of change in lifestyle.

- The changed lifestyle will lead to reduced exposure to environmentally hazardous
substances.

- Reduction of exposure to environmentally harmful substances will reduce the level
of exposure to harmful substances related to kidney disease, which will lead to
changes in the prevalence of kidney disease and indicators related to kidney
disease.

- After the COVID-19 pandemic, it is verified whether the exposure level of
environmentally hazardous chemicals decreases due to changes in the way of life and
differences in perception of the risk of infectious diseases, and confirms which
indicators related to chronic kidney disease change accordingly. Identify the role.

3. Methods (1) During the COVID-19 pandemic

- Acquisition of consent (using explanations and posters) by explaining the research
purpose and method

- Survey on changes in awareness of diseases and changes in hygiene activities since
the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before

- Measurement of the concentration of environmentally hazardous substances through
the acquisition of blood (serum, residual samples after blood tests for treatment)
and urine samples that are normally performed in the office (3 months cycle, 4
times)

- Acquisition of clinical information related to kidney disease (2) Recovery period
of the COVID-19 pandemic

- Survey on changes in awareness of diseases and hygiene activities that have changed
since the end of the COVID-19 outbreak

- Measurement of the concentration of environmentally harmful substances by obtaining
blood (serum, residual sample after blood test for medical treatment) and urine
sample (once after 6 months of termination)

- Acquisition of clinical information related to kidney disease (3) Investigation
variable

a) Survey

- Demographic information

- Anthropometric information

- Risk perception for the COVID-19

- Individual behavior associated with hygiene

- Social distancing pattern b) Chemical material in human sample (blood, urine)

- Phthalate metabolite

- Paraben metabolite

- Benzophenone

- Triclosan and triclocarban

- Bisphenols

- Phosphate metabolites

- Organochlorine pesticides

- Polychlorinated biphenyls c) Clinical information including estimated glomerular
filtration rate, urine protein/creatinine ratio