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Zheng R, Romero-Del Rey R, Ruiz-Moreno F, Garcia-Gonzalez J, Requena-Mullor M, Navarro-Mena AÁ, López-Villén A, Alarcon-Rodriguez R. Depressive symptoms and suicide attempts among farmers exposed to pesticides. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 108:104461. [PMID: 38723701 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Pesticides safeguard crop health but may diminish cholinesterase activity in farmers, potentially leading to psychiatric disorders like depression and suicide attempts. This study, with 453 participants (225 pesticide-exposed farmers, 228 non-farmers) in Almería, Spain, aimed to investigate the presence of depressive symptoms and suicide attempts, the decrease acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity, and their relationship with pesticide exposure in farmers. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Spanish adaptation of the Beck Depression Inventory, and blood samples were analyzed for AChE and BChE activity. Farmers showed significantly increased risk of moderate/severe depression and suicide attempts compared to non-farmers (OR = 2.18; p = 0.001), with highest risks observed among mancozeb users (OR = 2.76; p = 0.001 for depression) and malathion users (OR = 3.50; p = 0.001 for suicide attempts). Findings emphasize elevated depression and suicide risks among pesticide-exposed farmers, particularly associated with chlorpyrifos, mancozeb, and malathion exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Zheng
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, Almería 04120, Spain
| | - Raúl Romero-Del Rey
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, Almería 04120, Spain.
| | | | - Jessica Garcia-Gonzalez
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, Almería 04120, Spain
| | - Mar Requena-Mullor
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, Almería 04120, Spain
| | | | | | - Raquel Alarcon-Rodriguez
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, Almería 04120, Spain
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Ssekkadde P, Tomberge VMJ, Brugger C, Atuhaire A, Dalvie MA, Rother HA, Röösli M, Inauen J, Fuhrimann S. Evaluating and Enhancing an Educational Intervention to Reduce Smallholder Farmers' Exposure to Pesticides in Uganda Through a Digital, Systematic Approach to Behavior Change: Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e55238. [PMID: 38718387 PMCID: PMC11112482 DOI: 10.2196/55238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smallholder farmers receive educational interventions on safe pesticide handling by governmental agencies, industries, or nongovernmental organizations to reduce exposure risks. However, existing educational interventions have limited effects on changing behaviors. Targeting psychosocial determinants of behavior change in educational interventions through theory- and evidence-based approaches may enhance their effectiveness. OBJECTIVE We aim at describing the intervention development and study design of a 3-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial to assess the effects in improving safe pesticide handling and reducing pesticide exposure of (1) an existing educational intervention and (2) a newly developed SMS text messaging intervention based on the Risks, Attitudes, Norms, Abilities, and Self-regulation (RANAS) behavior change approach. METHODS We enrolled 539 Ugandan smallholder farmers in 12 clusters (subcounties). The clusters, each with 45 farmers, were randomly allocated to one of the three arms: (1) educational intervention, (2) educational intervention+RANAS-based SMS text messages, or (3) control group. The educational intervention comprised a 2-day workshop that targeted multiple aspects of safe pesticide handling, whereas the SMS text messages targeted the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and were based on the RANAS approach. For intervention development in this study, this approach includes identifying psychosocial determinants of PPE use at baseline and selecting behavior change techniques to target them in SMS text messages. The primary outcomes of the study are (1) pesticide knowledge, attitude, and practice scores indicating performance throughout the educational intervention; and (2) frequency of PPE use. Secondary outcomes are the RANAS-based behavioral determinants of PPE use, the frequency of glove use, algorithm-based pesticide exposure intensity scores, and signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning. The outcomes were assessed in structured interviews before the intervention (baseline) and at the 12-month follow-up. The effect of the interventions among the arms will be analyzed using the intervention arms and baseline measures as predictors and the follow-up measures as outcomes in linear multivariable mixed models including the clusters as random effects. The mediating psychosocial determinants of the interventions will be assessed in multiple mediation models. RESULTS The study was conducted from 2020 to 2021-baseline interviews were conducted in October 2020, and the educational intervention was delivered in November 2020. The RANAS-based SMS text messages were developed based on the baseline data for relevant behavioral determinants of PPE use and sent between February 2021 and September 2021. Follow-up interviews were conducted in October 2021. Overall, 539 farmers were enrolled in the study at baseline; 8.3% (45/539) were lost to follow-up by the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS This study will contribute to a better understanding of the effectiveness and behavior change mechanisms of educational interventions by using an experimental, cluster-randomized study design to improve pesticide handling among smallholder farmers. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 18237656; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN18237656. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/55238.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ssekkadde
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vica Marie Jelena Tomberge
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Curdin Brugger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aggrey Atuhaire
- Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hanna-Andrea Rother
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Inauen
- Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Rosa MJ, Armendáriz-Arnez C, Gudayol-Ferré E, Prehn M, Fuhrimann S, Eskenazi B, Lindh CH, Mora AM. Association of pesticide exposure with neurobehavioral outcomes among avocado farmworkers in Mexico. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 256:114322. [PMID: 38219443 PMCID: PMC10956701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM To date, few studies have focused on the health effects of pesticide exposure among avocado farmworkers. We examined the association of exposure to insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides with cognitive and mental health outcomes among these avocado workers from Michoacan, Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 105 avocado farmworkers between May and August 2021. We collected data on self-reported pesticide use during the 12 months prior to the baseline survey and estimated annual exposure-intensity scores (EIS) using a semi-quantitative exposure algorithm. We calculated specific gravity adjusted average concentrations of 12 insecticide, fungicide, or herbicide metabolites measured in urine samples collected during two study visits (8-10 weeks apart). We assessed participants' cognitive function and psychological distress using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery and the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18), respectively. We examined individual associations of EIS and urinary pesticide metabolites with neurobehavioral outcomes using generalized linear regression models. We also implemented Bayesian Weighted Quantile Sum (BWQS) regression to evaluate the association between a pesticide metabolite mixture and neurobehavioral outcomes. RESULTS In individual models, after adjusting for multiple comparisons, higher concentrations of hydroxy-tebuconazole (OH-TEB, metabolite of fungicide tebuconazole) were associated with higher anxiety (IRR per two-fold increase in concentrations = 1.26, 95% CI:1.08, 1.48) and Global Severity Index (GSI) (IRR = 1.89, 95% CI:1.36, 2.75) scores, whereas higher concentrations of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy, metabolite of chlorpyrifos) were associated with lower GSI scores (IRR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.85). In BWQS analyses, we found evidence of a mixture association of urinary pesticide metabolites with higher anxiety (IRR = 1.72, 95% CrI: 1.12, 2.55), depression (IRR = 4.60, 95% CrI: 2.19, 9.43), and GSI (IRR = 1.99, 95% CrI: 1.39, 2.79) scores. OH-TEB and hydroxy-thiabendazole (metabolite of fungicide thiabendazole) combined contributed 54%, 40%, and 54% to the mixture effect in the anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and overall psychological distress models, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We found that exposure to tebuconazole and thiabendazole, fungicides whose effects have been rarely studied in humans, may be associated with increased psychological distress among avocado farmworkers. We also observed that exposure to chlorpyrifos may be associated with decreased psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José Rosa
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Cynthia Armendáriz-Arnez
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores (ENES) Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Morelia, Mexico
| | - Esteve Gudayol-Ferré
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Mexico
| | - Manuela Prehn
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores (ENES) Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Morelia, Mexico
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ana M Mora
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
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Yang AM, Chu PL, Wang C, Lin CY. Association between urinary glyphosate levels and serum neurofilament light chain in a representative sample of US adults: NHANES 2013-2014. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:287-293. [PMID: 37674008 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00594-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glyphosate, the herbicide with the highest global usage, has been found to have links to neurological impairment in some occupational studies. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a protein that is released into the bloodstream following neuroaxonal damage and has emerged as a reliable biomarker for various neurological disorders. However, no research has investigated the potential link between glyphosate exposure and neurological damage or serum NfL levels in the general population. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the possible correlation between glyphosate exposure and serum NfL levels in a population that is representative of the United States. METHODS We analyzed data from 597 adults (aged ≥20 years) from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to explore the potential correlation between urinary glyphosate levels and serum NfL levels. RESULTS We found a significant positive association between urinary glyphosate levels and serum NfL levels (ß-coefficient = 0.110; S.E. = 0.040; P = 0.015), indicating that higher levels of glyphosate exposure may be linked to higher levels of neuroaxonal damage. Furthermore, when glyphosate levels were divided into quintiles, we observed a significant trend of increasing mean NfL concentrations with increasing quintiles of glyphosate exposure (P for trend = 0.036). Notably, the association was more pronounced in certain subgroups, including those aged ≥40 years, non-Hispanic whites, and those with a BMI between 25 and 30. IMPACT STATEMENT This is the first research to suggest an association between glyphosate exposure and biomarkers indicative of neurological damage in general U.S. adults. If the correlation observed is causal, it raises concerns about the potential effects of glyphosate exposure on neurological health among U.S. adults. The study is noteworthy due to its representation of American adults aged 20 and above, as well as the use of reliable and comprehensive data from the NHANES database.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Ming Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, 237, Taiwan
- Department of Healthcare Management, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lun Chu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, 242, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, 242, Taiwan
| | - ChiKang Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Health, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, 237, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, 242, Taiwan.
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Health, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.
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Chávez-Reyes J, Gutiérrez-Reyes CD, Hernández-Cuellar E, Marichal-Cancino BA. Neurotoxicity of glyphosate: Focus on molecular mechanisms probably associated with alterations in cognition and behavior. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 106:104381. [PMID: 38311300 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) have been extensively used in agriculture all over the world. Initially, they were considered safe, but rising evidence suggests that these molecules reach the central nervous system producing metabolic, functional, and permanent alterations that impact cognition and behavior. This theoretical and non-systematic review involved searching, integrating, and analyzing preclinical evidence regarding the effects of acute, sub-chronic, and chronic exposure to glyphosate and GBH on cognition, behavior, neural activity, and development in adult and juvenile rodents following perinatal exposition. In addition, this review gathers the mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity of glyphosate mediating cognitive and behavioral alterations. Furthermore, clinical evidence of the effects of exposition to GBH on human health and its possible link with several neurological disorders was revised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Chávez-Reyes
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | | | | | - Bruno A Marichal-Cancino
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico.
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Ren J, Yu Y, Wang Y, Dong Y, Shen X. Association Between Urinary Glyphosate Exposure and Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults from NHANES 2013-2014. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:609-620. [PMID: 38143355 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide with potential neurotoxicity. However, limited epidemical evidence is found in the relationship between glyphosate and cognitive impairment, especially in the cognitive-disrupting sensitive elderly populations. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association of urinary glyphosate exposure with cognitive impairment in the United State (US) older adults. METHODS Cognitive impairment was determined by the following four tests: the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD) Immediate Recall test (IR), the CERAD Delayed Recall tests (DR), the Animal Fluency (AF) test and the Digit Substitution test (DSST). Survey weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were applied to evaluate and visualize the association between glyphosate and cognitive impairment. RESULTS A total of 465 elderly adults were identified in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 cycle, and among them, 83.87% individuals had detectable urinary levels of glyphosate (0.628 ng/mL in average). After adjusting for the potential covariates, glyphosate was significantly linked to increased DR and AF impairment, and the corresponding ORs were 1.52 (1.01 to 2.30, p = 0.049) and 1.69 (1.11 to 2.59, p = 0.019), respectively. No significant association was identified between glyphosate and IR or DSST impairment. The RCS plot further confirmed the linear and positive relationships between glyphosate and DR and AF impairment. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggested that exposure to glyphosate might be associated with declined cognitive function in the elderly, and it might be prudent to evaluate cognitive outcomes for aged individuals with glyphosate exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Ren
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongquan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Dong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaobing Shen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Ruirui Z, Raúl RDR, Jessica GG, Mar RM, Navarro-Mena Á, López-Villén A, Raquel AR. Indicators of occupational pesticide exposure are associated with psychiatric symptoms. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 105:104357. [PMID: 38158030 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
In southeastern Spain, intensive and highly productive agriculture under plastic also poses a risk to human health, as evidenced by reports on acute pesticide poisoning and its effects on mental health. However, knowledge of chronic exposures and their relationship to psychiatric disorders is still limited. This study analyzed the relationship between occupational exposure to pesticides and psychiatric disorders in farmers from Almería. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst a coastal population in Almería, where over 32,800 ha of land are dedicated to intensive agriculture in plastic greenhouses. A total of 409 people participated in the study: 203 farmers and 206 control subjects. The highest risk of psychiatric disorders was observed in farmers living in areas of high exposure to pesticides, working in greenhouses (intensive agriculture), without protective goggles and without wearing masks. This study supports previous evidence of an elevated risk of psychiatric disorders among farm workers exposed to pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Ruirui
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Romero-Del Rey Raúl
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain.
| | - Garcia-Gonzalez Jessica
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Requena-Mullor Mar
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | | | | | - Alarcon-Rodriguez Raquel
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
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Bonilla-Santos J, González-Hernández A, Cala-Martínez DY, Gómez-Morales DF, Calceto-Garavito LN, Forero-Aldana AE, González-Montealegre RA, Cardona Cumaco YA, Rojas-Bernal LA, Zabaleta-Orozco MA, Parra MA. Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Southern Regions of Colombia. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:1455-1464. [PMID: 38225967 PMCID: PMC10789289 DOI: 10.3233/adr-230041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Recent reports suggest that by 2050 there will be an increase of around 310% of cases affected by dementia in Latin American countries. A previous study in a Southern region reported one of the highest prevalences of dementia in Latin America. Objective To investigate the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment associated with low education, rurality, and demographic characteristics. Methods A cross-sectional study recruited a community-dwelling sample of 823 adults from rural and urban areas of two Southern provinces of Colombia from 2020-2022. Participants were assessed with a neuropsychological protocol validated in Colombia. To obtain general and region-specific prevalence rates, age, sex, schooling, and socioeconomic level were considered and controlled for. Results Most of the participants reported low education and socioeconomic level, the participation of women was higher. It was determined that the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was 53.6%, with 56.6% in the province of Caquetá followed by 51.9% in the province of Huila. The amnestic MCI represented 42.6%, the amnestic multi-domain was 39%, the non-amnestic 16.55%, and the non-amnestic multi-domain 1.81%. Our participants reported comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. We also observed a relationship between exposure to pesticides and MCI. Conclusions We observed one of the highest prevalences of MCI in Latin America reported to date. Variables such as age, gender, and education proved risk factors for MCI in the explored regions. Our findings are very much in line with recent studies that highlight the influence of non-canonical risk factors of dementia in underrepresented countries from Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Bonilla-Santos
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Neiva, Colombia
- Neurocognition and Psychophysiology Laboratory, Universidad Surcolombiana, Neiva, Colombia
| | | | - Dorian Yisela Cala-Martínez
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Neiva, Colombia
- Neurocognition and Psychophysiology Laboratory, Universidad Surcolombiana, Neiva, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luz Angela Rojas-Bernal
- Instituto del cerebro, Hospital Universitario Mayor Méderi, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Clinical Neuropsychology, Universidad Surcolombiana, Neiva, Colombia
| | | | - Mario Alfredo Parra
- Department of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Fuhrimann S, Mueller W, Atuhaire A, Ohlander J, Mubeezi R, Povey A, Basinas I, van Tongeren M, Jones K, Sams C, Galea KS, Kromhout H. Self-reported and urinary biomarker-based measures of exposure to glyphosate and mancozeb and sleep problems among smallholder farmers in Uganda. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 182:108277. [PMID: 38006769 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to showcase the impact of applying eight different self-reported and urinary biomarker-based exposure measures for glyphosate and mancozeb on the association with sleep problems in a study among 253 smallholder farmers in Uganda. METHODS The questionnaire-based exposure measures included: (1) the number of application days of any pesticide in the last 7 days (never, 1-2; >2 days) and six glyphosate and mancozeb-specific measures: (2) application status over the last 12 months (yes/no), (3) recent application status (never, last 7 days and last 12 months), (4) the number of application days last 12 months, (5) average exposure-intensity scores (EIS) and (6) EIS-weighted number of application days in last 12 months. Based on 384 repeated urinary biomarker concentrations of ethylene thiourea (ETU) and glyphosate from 84 farmers, we also estimated (7) average biomarker concentrations for all 253 farmers. Also in the 84 farmers the measured pre-work and post-work biomarker concentrations were used (8). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the exposure measures and selected Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-SS) indices (6-item, sleep inadequacy and snoring). RESULTS We observed positive associations between (1) any pesticide application in the last 7 days with all three MOS-SS indices. Glyphosate application in the last 7 days (3) and mancozeb application in the last 12 months (3) were associated with the 6-item sleep problem index. The estimated average urinary glyphosate concentrations showed an exposure-response association with the 6-item sleep problem index and sleep inadequacy in the same direction as based on self-reported glyphosate application in the last 7 days. In the analysis with the subset of 84 farmers, both measured and modelled post-work urinary glyphosate concentration showed an association with snoring. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported, estimated average biomarker concentrations and measured urinary biomarker exposure measures of glyphosate and mancozeb showed similar exposure-response associations with sleep outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Fuhrimann
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - William Mueller
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Aggrey Atuhaire
- Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Johan Ohlander
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth Mubeezi
- Makarere University, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew Povey
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Basinas
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Jones
- Health and Safety Executive, Buxton, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Sams
- Health and Safety Executive, Buxton, United Kingdom
| | - Karen S Galea
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Srivastava A, Srivastava AK, Pandeya A, Pant AB. Pesticide mediated silent neurotoxicity and its unmasking: An update on recent progress. Toxicology 2023; 500:153665. [PMID: 37944577 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Being human's one of the most protected organs, brain is yet most vulnerable to xenobiotics exposure. Though pesticide-mediated neurotoxicity is well-explored, the fraternity of neurotoxicologists is less focused on the phenomenon of "silent" or "clinically undetectable" neurotoxicity. Silent neurotoxicity defines continual trivial changes in the nervous system that do not manifest any overt signs of toxicity unless unmasked by any natural or experimental event. Although this perception is not novel, insufficient experimental and epidemiological evidence makes it an outlier among toxicological research. A report in 2016 highlighted the need to investigate silent neurotoxicity and its potential challenges. The limited existing experimental data unveiled the unique responsiveness of neurons following silent neurotoxicity unmasking. Concerned studies have shown that low-dose developmental exposure to pesticides sensitizes the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system towards silent neurotoxicity, making it vulnerable to advanced cumulative neurotoxicity following pesticide challenges later in life. Therefore, conducting such studies may explain the precise etiology of pesticide-induced neurological disorders in humans. With no updates on this topic since 2016, this review is an attempt to acquaint the neurotoxicologist with silent neurotoxicity as a serious threat to human health, and proof-of-concept through a narrative using relevant published data so far with future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Ankur Kumar Srivastava
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, P.O. Box No. 80, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001, India
| | - Abhishek Pandeya
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, P.O. Box No. 80, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001, India
| | - Aditya Bhushan Pant
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, P.O. Box No. 80, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
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11
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Hsiao CC, Yang AM, Wang C, Lin CY. Association between glyphosate exposure and cognitive function, depression, and neurological diseases in a representative sample of US adults: NHANES 2013-2014 analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116860. [PMID: 37562738 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide globally, has been linked to neurological impairments in some occupational studies. However, the potential neurotoxic effects of glyphosate exposure in the general population are still not fully understood. We conducted analyses on existing data collected from 1532 adults of the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to explore the possible relationship between glyphosate exposure and cognitive function, depressive symptoms, disability, and neurological medical conditions. Our results showed a significant negative association between urinary glyphosate levels and the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word List Memory Test (CERAD-WLT) trial 3 recall and delayed recall scores in both models, with ß coefficients of -0.288 (S.E. = 0.111, P = 0.021) and -0.426 (S.E. = 0.148, P = 0.011), respectively. Furthermore, the odds ratio did not show a significant increase with the severity of depressive symptoms with a one-unit increase in ln-glyphosate levels. However, the odds ratio for severe depressive symptoms was significantly higher than for no symptoms (odds ratio = 4.148 (95% CI = 1.009-17.133), P = 0.049). Notably, the odds ratio showed a significant increase for individuals with serious hearing difficulty (odds ratio = 1.354 (95% CI = 1.018-1.800), P = 0.039) with a one-unit increase in ln-glyphosate levels, but not for other neurological medical conditions. In conclusion, our findings provide the first evidence that glyphosate exposure may be associated with neurological health outcomes in the US adult population. Additional investigation is necessary to understand the potential mechanisms and clinical significance of these correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching Chung Hsiao
- Department of Nephrology, New Taipei Municipal Tucheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - An-Ming Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, 237, Taiwan; Department of Healthcare Management, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.
| | - ChiKang Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Health, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, 237, Taiwan; Department of Environmental Engineering and Health, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, 242, Taiwan.
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12
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Khademi N, Rajabi S, Fararouei M, Rafiee A, Azhdarpoor A, Hoseini M. Environmental exposure to organophosphate pesticides and effects on cognitive functions in elementary school children in a Middle Eastern area. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:111076-111091. [PMID: 37798522 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30080-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Although the fundamental reasons for cognitive function disorders have been well documented, little is known about the impact of environmental exposures, such as pesticides, on children's cognitive function development. This study investigated the effect of exposure to organophosphate pesticides on children's cognitive function. In order to determine various factors of exposure, hair samples were collected from 114 elementary school children who lived in Boyer-Ahmad County in the province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Iran. A detailed questionnaire was utilized to gather demographic information and exposure profile. Pesticides were detected in hair samples using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS); also, cognitive function was assessed using the trail-making test (TMT), which was divided into two parts: TMT-part A and TMT-part B. Participants in the study were 10.12 ± 1.440 years old on average. Children in rural areas had higher mean total pesticide concentrations (13.612 ± 22.01 ng/g) than those who lived in the urban areas (1.801 ± 1.32). The results revealed that boys (46.44 s and 92.37 s) completed the TMT-part A and part B tests in less time than girls (54.95 s and 109.82 s), respectively, and showed better performance (2.14) on the cognitive function exam than girls (2.07). Diazinon and TMT-part B were positively correlated (p < 0.05). With the increase in pesticides, there was no discernible difference in cognitive function. Pesticide use throughout a child's development may affect certain cognitive function indicators. In order to assess causal relationships, group studies and case studies are required because the current research was cross-sectional in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Khademi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Rajabi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Fararouei
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ata Rafiee
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Abooalfazl Azhdarpoor
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Ückert AK, Rütschlin S, Gutbier S, Wörz NC, Miah MR, Martins AC, Hauer I, Holzer AK, Meyburg B, Mix AK, Hauck C, Aschner M, Böttcher T, Leist M. Identification of the bacterial metabolite aerugine as potential trigger of human dopaminergic neurodegeneration. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 180:108229. [PMID: 37797477 PMCID: PMC10666548 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The causes of nigrostriatal cell death in idiopathic Parkinson's disease are unknown, but exposure to toxic chemicals may play some role. We followed up here on suggestions that bacterial secondary metabolites might be selectively cytotoxic to dopaminergic neurons. Extracts from Streptomyces venezuelae were found to kill human dopaminergic neurons (LUHMES cells). Utilizing this model system as a bioassay, we identified a bacterial metabolite known as aerugine (C10H11NO2S; 2-[4-(hydroxymethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]phenol) and confirmed this finding by chemical re-synthesis. This 2-hydroxyphenyl-thiazoline compound was previously shown to be a product of a wide-spread biosynthetic cluster also found in the human microbiome and in several pathogens. Aerugine triggered half-maximal dopaminergic neurotoxicity at 3-4 µM. It was less toxic for other neurons (10-20 µM), and non-toxic (at <100 µM) for common human cell lines. Neurotoxicity was completely prevented by several iron chelators, by distinct anti-oxidants and by a caspase inhibitor. In the Caenorhabditis elegans model organism, general survival was not affected by aerugine concentrations up to 100 µM. When transgenic worms, expressing green fluorescent protein only in their dopamine neurons, were exposed to aerugine, specific neurodegeneration was observed. The toxicant also exerted functional dopaminergic toxicity in nematodes as determined by the "basal slowing response" assay. Thus, our research has unveiled a bacterial metabolite with a remarkably selective toxicity toward human dopaminergic neurons in vitro and for the dopaminergic nervous system of Caenorhabditis elegans in vivo. These findings suggest that microbe-derived environmental chemicals should be further investigated for their role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Katharina Ückert
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Sina Rütschlin
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Simon Gutbier
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Nathalie Christine Wörz
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute for Biological Chemistry & Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2 (UZA II), 1090 Vienna, Austria; Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem), University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mahfuzur R Miah
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 10641 Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Airton C Martins
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 10641 Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 10641 Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Isa Hauer
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Holzer
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Birthe Meyburg
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Mix
- Lehrstuhl Zellbiologie, Universität Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, Postablage 621, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Christof Hauck
- Lehrstuhl Zellbiologie, Universität Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, Postablage 621, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 10641 Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 10641 Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Thomas Böttcher
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany; Faculty of Chemistry, Institute for Biological Chemistry & Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2 (UZA II), 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marcel Leist
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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14
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Chronister BN, Yang K, Yang AR, Lin T, Tu XM, Lopez-Paredes D, Checkoway H, Suarez-Torres J, Gahagan S, Martinez D, Barr D, Moore RC, Suarez-Lopez JR. Urinary Glyphosate, 2,4-D and DEET Biomarkers in Relation to Neurobehavioral Performance in Ecuadorian Adolescents in the ESPINA Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:107007. [PMID: 37819080 PMCID: PMC10566341 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herbicides are the most used class of pesticides worldwide, and insect repellents are widely used globally. Yet, there is a dearth of studies characterizing the associations between these chemical groups and human neurobehavior. Experimental studies suggest that glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicides can affect neurobehavior and the cholinergic and glutamatergic pathways in the brain. We aim to assess whether herbicides and insect repellents are associated with neurobehavioral performance in adolescents. METHODS We assessed 519 participants (11-17 years of age) living in agricultural communities in Ecuador. We quantified urinary concentrations of glyphosate, 2,4-D, and two N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) insect repellent metabolites [3-(diethylcarbamoyl)benzoic acid (DCBA) and 3-(ethylcarbamoyl)benzoic acid (ECBA)] using isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. We assessed neurobehavioral performance using 9 subtests across 5 domains (attention/inhibitory control, memory/learning, language, visuospatial processing, and social perception). We characterized the associations using generalized estimating equations and multiple imputation for metabolites below detection limits. Models were adjusted for demographic and anthropometric characteristics, urinary creatinine, and sexual maturation. Mediation by salivary cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17 β -estradiol , and testosterone was assessed using structural equation modeling. RESULTS The mean of each neurobehavioral domain score was between 7.0 and 8.7 [standard deviation (SD) range: 2.0-2.3]. Glyphosate was detected in 98.3% of participants, 2,4-D in 66.2%, DCBA in 63.3%, and ECBA in 33.4%. 2,4-D was negatively associated with all neurobehavioral domains, but statistically significant associations were observed with attention/inhibition [score difference per 50% higher metabolite concentration ( β ) = - 0.19 95% confidence interval (CI): - 0.31 , - 0.07 ], language [β = - 0.12 (95% CI: - 0.23 , - 0.01 )], and memory/learning [β = - 0.11 (95% CI: - 0.22 , 0.01)]. Glyphosate had a statistically significant negative association only with social perception [β = - 0.08 (95% CI: - 0.14 , - 0.01 )]. DEET metabolites were not associated with neurobehavioral performance. Mediation by gender and adrenal hormones was not observed. CONCLUSION This study describes worse neurobehavioral performance associated with herbicide exposures in adolescents, particularly with 2,4-D. Replication of these findings among other pediatric and adult populations is needed. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11383.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana N.C. Chronister
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kun Yang
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Audrey R. Yang
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tuo Lin
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Xin M. Tu
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Harvey Checkoway
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Sheila Gahagan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Dana Barr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Raeanne C. Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jose R. Suarez-Lopez
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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15
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Finhler S, Marchesan GP, Corona CF, Nunes AT, De Oliveira KCS, de Moraes AT, Soares LC, Lima FO, Dalmolin C, Benvegnú DM. Influence of pesticide exposure on farmers' cognition: A systematic review. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2023; 14:574-581. [PMID: 38059229 PMCID: PMC10696351 DOI: 10.25259/jnrp_58_2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Pesticide application has become necessary to increase crop productivity and reduce losses. However, the use of these products can produce toxic effects. Farmers are individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides, thus subject to associated diseases as well as cognitive impairment. However, this relation is not well established in the literature, requiring further investigation. To assess the potential association between farmers' pesticide exposure and cognitive impairment, we followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, considering participants, interventions, comparators, outcomes, and study strategies. Materials and Methods This study included articles published between 2000 and 2021 on the Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases, retrieved by the terms "pesticides and cognition" and "pesticides and memory." Results In total, ten studies fit the established criteria and were included in the sample. All had farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides in their sample and only one study dispensed with a control group. Of the neurobehavioral tests, four studies used mini-mental state examination, six neurobehavioral core test batteries (tests recognized in the area), and the remaining, other tests. We observed that 90% of articles found an association between cognitive impairment and pesticide exposure. Overall, five studies measured the activity of cholinesterases in their sample, of which three found significant differences between groups, confirming intoxication in those exposed. Conclusion Despite the limited number of trials, we found scientific evidence to support the existence of adverse effects of pesticides on farmers' cognition. We recommend that future studies research similar projects, expanding knowledge on the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suelen Finhler
- Campus Realeza, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Realeza, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Camila Dalmolin
- Campus Pato Branco, Centro Universitário Mater Dei, Pato Branco, Paraná, Brazil
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Gois MFB, Fernández-Pato A, Huss A, Gacesa R, Wijmenga C, Weersma RK, Fu J, Vermeulen RCH, Zhernakova A, Lenters VC, Kurilshikov A. Impact of occupational pesticide exposure on the human gut microbiome. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1223120. [PMID: 37637104 PMCID: PMC10448898 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1223120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising use of pesticides in modern agriculture has led to a shift in disease burden in which exposure to these chemicals plays an increasingly important role. The human gut microbiome, which is partially responsible for the biotransformation of xenobiotics, is also known to promote biotransformation of environmental pollutants. Understanding the effects of occupational pesticide exposure on the gut microbiome can thus provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the impact of pesticide exposure on health. Here we investigate the impact of occupational pesticide exposure on human gut microbiome composition in 7198 participants from the Dutch Microbiome Project of the Lifelines Study. We used job-exposure matrices in combination with occupational codes to retrieve categorical and cumulative estimates of occupational exposures to general pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. Approximately 4% of our cohort was occupationally exposed to at least one class of pesticides, with predominant exposure to multiple pesticide classes. Most participants reported long-term employment, suggesting a cumulative profile of exposure. We demonstrate that contact with insecticides, fungicides and a general "all pesticides" class was consistently associated with changes in the gut microbiome, showing significant associations with decreased alpha diversity and a differing beta diversity. We also report changes in the abundance of 39 different bacterial taxa upon exposure to the different pesticide classes included in this study. Together, the extent of statistically relevant associations between gut microbial changes and pesticide exposure in our findings highlights the impact of these compounds on the human gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milla F. Brandao Gois
- Department of Genetics and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Asier Fernández-Pato
- Department of Genetics and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anke Huss
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ranko Gacesa
- Department of Genetics and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Cisca Wijmenga
- Department of Genetics and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rinse K. Weersma
- Department of Genetics and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jingyuan Fu
- Department of Genetics and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Roel C. H. Vermeulen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Zhernakova
- Department of Genetics and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Virissa C. Lenters
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alexander Kurilshikov
- Department of Genetics and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Costas-Ferreira C, Durán R, Faro LF. Neurotoxic effects of exposure to glyphosate in rat striatum: Effects and mechanisms of action on dopaminergic neurotransmission. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:105433. [PMID: 37248010 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects and possible mechanisms of action of glyphosate and a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) on dopaminergic neurotransmission in the rat striatum. Acute exposure to glyphosate or GBH, administered by systemic (75 or 150 mg/kg, i.p.) or intrastriatal (1, 5, or 10 mM for 1 h) routes, produced significant concentration-dependent increases in dopamine release measured in vivo by cerebral microdialysis coupled to HPLC with electrochemical detection. Systemic administration of glyphosate also significantly impaired motor control and decreased striatal acetylcholinesterase activity and antioxidant capacity. At least two mechanisms can be proposed to explain the glyphosate-induced increases in extracellular dopamine levels: increased exocytotic dopamine release from synaptic vesicles or inhibition of dopamine transporter (DAT). Thus, we investigated the effects of intrastriatal administration of glyphosate (5 mM) in animals pretreated with tetrodotoxin (TTX) or reserpine. It was observed that TTX (10 or 20 μM) had no significant effect on glyphosate-induced dopamine release, while reserpine (10 mg/kg i.p) partially but significantly reduced the dopamine release. When glyphosate was coinfused with nomifensine (50 μM), the increase in dopamine levels was significantly higher than that observed with glyphosate or nomifensine alone. So, two possible hypotheses could explain this additive effect: both glyphosate and nomifensine act through different mechanisms at the dopaminergic terminals to increase dopamine levels; or both nomifensine and glyphosate act on DAT, with glyphosate simultaneously inhibiting reuptake and stimulating dopamine release by reversing the DAT function. Future research is needed to determine the effects of this pesticide at environmentally relevant doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Costas-Ferreira
- Department of Functional Biology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Rafael Durán
- Department of Functional Biology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Lilian Ferreira Faro
- Department of Functional Biology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain.
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Zheng R, García-González J, Romero-del Rey R, López-Villén A, García-Alvarez R, Fadul-Calderon R, Requena-Mullor M, Alarcón-Rodríguez R. Occupational Exposure to Pesticides as a Risk Factor for Sleep Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3149. [PMID: 36833840 PMCID: PMC9964445 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Inadequate sleep has been linked to a variety of impairments in bodily functions, including endocrine, metabolic, higher cortical function, and neurological disorders. For this reason, the aim of this study was to analyze the link between occupational pesticide exposure and sleep health among farmers in Almeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a population living on the coast of Almeria (southeastern Spain), where about 33,321 hectares of land are used for intensive agriculture in plastic greenhouses. A total of 380 individuals participated in the study: 189 greenhouse workers and 191 control subjects. The participants were contacted during their annual scheduled occupational health survey. Data on sleep disturbances were collected using the Spanish version of the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire. Agricultural workers were found to be at a significantly higher risk of insomnia, especially among those who did not wear protective gloves (OR = 3.12; 95% C.I. = 1.93-3.85; p = 0.04) or masks (OR = 2.43; 95% C.I. = 1.19-4.96; p = 0.01). The highest risk of insomnia related to pesticide applicators was observed in those who did not wear a mask (OR = 4.19; 95% C.I. = 1.30-13.50; p = 0.01) or goggles (OR = 4.61; 95% C.I. = 1.38-10.40; p = 0.01). This study supports previous findings indicating an increased risk of sleep disorder in agricultural workers exposed to pesticides at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Zheng
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Jessica García-González
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Raúl Romero-del Rey
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | | | - Rafael García-Alvarez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Human Sexuality Institute, Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo 10103, Dominican Republic
| | - Rosario Fadul-Calderon
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Human Sexuality Institute, Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo 10103, Dominican Republic
| | - Mar Requena-Mullor
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
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19
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Chang ET, Odo NU, Acquavella JF. Systematic literature review of the epidemiology of glyphosate and neurological outcomes. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:1-26. [PMID: 35604441 PMCID: PMC9823069 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01878-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human health risk assessments of glyphosate have focused on animal toxicology data for determining neurotoxic potential. Human epidemiological studies have not yet been systematically reviewed for glyphosate neurotoxicity hazard identification. The objective of this systematic literature review was to summarize the available epidemiology of glyphosate exposure and neurological outcomes in humans. METHODS As of December 2021, 25 eligible epidemiological studies of glyphosate exposure and neurological endpoints were identified and assessed for five quality dimensions using guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Studies that assessed personal use of glyphosate were prioritized, whereas those assessing indirect exposure (other than personal use) were rated as low quality, since biomonitoring data indicate that indirect metrics of glyphosate exposure almost always equate to non-detectable glyphosate doses. RESULTS Overall, the scientific evidence on glyphosate and neurotoxicity in humans is sparse and methodologically limited, based on nine included epidemiological studies of neurodegenerative outcomes (two high quality), five studies of neurobehavioral outcomes (two high quality), six studies of neurodevelopmental outcomes (none high quality), and five studies of other and mixed neurological outcomes (one high quality). The five high-quality studies showed no association between glyphosate use and risk of depression, Parkinson disease, or peripheral nerve conduction velocity. Results were mixed among the eight moderate-quality studies, which did not demonstrate consistent associations with any neurological endpoints or categories. Low-quality studies were considered uninformative about possible neurotoxic effects due primarily to questionable assessments of indirect exposure. CONCLUSIONS No association has been demonstrated between glyphosate and any neurological outcomes in humans. To move the state of science forward, epidemiological studies should focus on scenarios involving direct and frequent use of glyphosate while collecting information on validated health outcomes, concomitant agricultural exposures, and relevant personal characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen T Chang
- Center for Health Sciences, Exponent, Inc., 149 Commonwealth Dr, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Nnaemeka U Odo
- Center for Health Sciences, Exponent, Inc., Oakland, CA, USA
| | - John F Acquavella
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
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20
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Mora AM, Baker JM, Hyland C, Rodríguez-Zamora MG, Rojas-Valverde D, Winkler MS, Staudacher P, Palzes VA, Gutiérrez-Vargas R, Lindh C, Reiss AL, Eskenazi B, Fuhrimann S, Sagiv SK. Pesticide exposure and cortical brain activation among farmworkers in Costa Rica. Neurotoxicology 2022; 93:200-210. [PMID: 36228750 PMCID: PMC10014323 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous epidemiological studies have reported associations of pesticide exposure with poor cognitive function and behavioral problems. However, these findings have relied primarily on neuropsychological assessments. Questions remain about the neurobiological effects of pesticide exposure, specifically where in the brain pesticides exert their effects and whether compensatory mechanisms in the brain may have masked pesticide-related associations in studies that relied purely on neuropsychological measures. METHODS We conducted a functional neuroimaging study in 48 farmworkers from Zarcero County, Costa Rica, in 2016. We measured concentrations of 13 insecticide, fungicide, or herbicide metabolites or parent compounds in urine samples collected during two study visits (approximately 3-5 weeks apart). We assessed cortical brain activation in the prefrontal cortex during tasks of working memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We estimated associations of pesticide exposure with cortical brain activation using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age and education level. RESULTS We found that higher concentrations of insecticide metabolites were associated with reduced activation in the prefrontal cortex during a working memory task. For example, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy; a metabolite of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos) was associated with reduced activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (β = -2.3; 95% CI: -3.9, -0.7 per two-fold increase in TCPy). Similarly, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA; a metabolite of pyrethroid insecticides) was associated with bilateral reduced activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (β = -3.1; 95% CI: -5.0, -1.2 and -2.3; 95% CI: -4.5, -0.2 per two-fold increase in 3-PBA for left and right cortices, respectively). These associations were similar, though weaker, for the attention and cognitive flexibility tasks. We observed null associations of fungicide and herbicide biomarker concentrations with cortical brain activation during the three tasks that were administered. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides may impact cortical brain activation in the prefrontal cortex - neural dynamics that could potentially underlie previously reported associations with cognitive and behavioral function. Furthermore, our study demonstrates the feasibility and utility of fNIRS in epidemiological field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Mora
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 265, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Joseph M Baker
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Carly Hyland
- School of Public Health and Population Science, Boise State University, 1910 W University Dr, Boise, ID 83725, USA
| | - María G Rodríguez-Zamora
- Escuela de Ingeniería en Seguridad Laboral e Higiene Ambiental (EISLHA), Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Calle 15, Avenida 14, 1 km Sur de la Basílica de los Ángeles, Cartago 30101, Provincia de Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Daniel Rojas-Valverde
- Centro de Investigación y Diagnóstico en Salud y Deporte, Escuela Ciencias del Movimiento Humano y Calidad de Vida, Campus Benjamin Nuñez, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
| | - Mirko S Winkler
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 55, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Peterspl. 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Staudacher
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG), Ueberlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa A Palzes
- Drug and Alcohol Research Team at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California's Division of Research, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
| | - Randall Gutiérrez-Vargas
- Centro de Investigación y Diagnóstico en Salud y Deporte, Escuela Ciencias del Movimiento Humano y Calidad de Vida, Campus Benjamin Nuñez, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Scheelevägen 2, 22363 Lund, Sweden
| | - Allan L Reiss
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 265, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 55, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Peterspl. 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sharon K Sagiv
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 265, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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21
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Costa C, Teodoro M, Giambò F, Catania S, Vivarelli S, Fenga C. Assessment of Mancozeb Exposure, Absorbed Dose, and Oxidative Damage in Greenhouse Farmers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710486. [PMID: 36078202 PMCID: PMC9518406 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Mancozeb (MNZ) is a fungicide commonly employed in many countries worldwide. This study assesses MNZ absorption dynamics in 19 greenhouse farmers, specifically following dermal exposure, aiming to verify the efficacy of both preventive actions and protective equipment. For data collection, a multi-assessment approach was used, which included a survey to record study population features. MNZ exposure was assessed through the indirect measurement of ethylene thiourea (ETU), widely employed as an MNZ biomarker. The ETU concentration was measured with the patch method, detecting environmental ETU trapped in filter paper pads, applied both on skin and working clothes, during the 8 h work shift. Urine and serum end-of-shift samples were also collected to measure ETU concentrations and well-known oxidative stress biomarkers, respectively, namely reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), and biological antioxidant potential (BAP). It was observed that levels of ETU absorbed and ETU excreted were positively correlated. Additionally, working clothes effectively protected workers from MNZ exposure. Moreover, following stratification of the samples based on the specific working duty (i.e., preparation and spreading of MNZ and manipulation of MNZ-treated seedlings), it was found that the spreading group had higher ETU-related risk, despite lower chronic exposure levels. AOPP and ROM serum levels were higher in MNZ-exposed subjects compared with non-exposed controls, whereas BAP levels were significantly lower. Such results support an increase in the oxidative stress upon 8 h MNZ exposure at work. In particular, AOPP levels demonstrated a potential predictive role, as suggested by the contingency analysis results. Overall, this study, although conducted in a small group, confirms that ETU detection in pads, as well as in urine, might enable assessment of the risk associated with MNZ exposure in greenhouse workers. Additionally, the measurement of circulating oxidative stress biomarkers might help to stratify exposed workers based on their sensitivity to MNZ. Pivotally, the combination of both ETU measurement and biological monitoring might represent a novel valuable combined approach for risk assessment in farmhouse workers exposed to pesticides. In the future, these observations will help to implement effective preventive strategies in the workplace for workers at higher risk, including greenhouse farmers who are exposed to pesticides daily, as well as to clarify the occupational exposure levels to ETU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Teodoro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Giambò
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Stefania Catania
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Silvia Vivarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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22
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Ong-Artborirak P, Boonchieng W, Juntarawijit Y, Juntarawijit C. Potential Effects on Mental Health Status Associated with Occupational Exposure to Pesticides among Thai Farmers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9654. [PMID: 35955007 PMCID: PMC9367823 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide-related mental health issues in Thailand, an upper-middle-income country, are not well known. This study aimed to investigate the association between the history of occupational exposure to pesticides and the mental health of Thai farmers. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the areas around Chiang Mai, a large city in Northern Thailand, between June 2020 and January 2021. A total of 6974 farmers from six districts were interviewed to determine whether they regularly experienced symptoms related to mental health by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) as well as their lifetime history of agricultural pesticide exposure from 31 active ingredients and five functional categories: insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and molluscicides. The cut-off of 6 was used to evaluate probable mental disorder. Most of the farmers under investigation were men (53.8%), with a mean age of 55.2 (11.7) years, and were involved mainly in the planting of rice, fruit, and vegetables. About 86.7% reported having used pesticides on their crops at some point in their lives-mostly glyphosate, paraquat, 2,4-D, methomyl, and carbofuran. All functional groups, as well as pesticide classes like organochlorines, organophosphates, and carbamates, were significantly associated with a higher risk of probable mental disorder based on exposure duration, frequency, personal protective equipment usage, and hygienic behavior. In a model with multiple pesticides, there was an association between mental disorder and exposure to endosulfan (AOR = 2.27, 95%CI = 1.26-4.08) and methyl parathion (AOR = 2.26, 95%CI = 1.26-4.06). Having previously reported pesticide poisoning symptoms was related to mental disorder (AOR = 7.97, 95%CI = 5.16-12.31), the findings provided evidence of pesticide exposure posing a risk to farmers' mental health, particularly long-term and high-intensity exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parichat Ong-Artborirak
- Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Community Health Informatics, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Waraporn Boonchieng
- Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Community Health Informatics, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | | | - Chudchawal Juntarawijit
- Faculty of Agriculture Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
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23
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Röösli M, Fuhrimann S, Atuhaire A, Rother HA, Dabrowski J, Eskenazi B, Jørs E, Jepson PC, London L, Naidoo S, Rohlman DS, Saunyama I, van Wendel de Joode B, Adeleye AO, Alagbo OO, Aliaj D, Azanaw J, Beerappa R, Brugger C, Chaiklieng S, Chetty-Mhlanga S, Chitra GA, Dhananjayan V, Ejomah A, Enyoh CE, Galani YJH, Hogarh JN, Ihedioha JN, Ingabire JP, Isgren E, Loko YLE, Maree L, Metou’ou Ernest N, Moda HM, Mubiru E, Mwema MF, Ndagire I, Olutona GO, Otieno P, Paguirigan JM, Quansah R, Ssemugabo C, Solomon S, Sosan MB, Sulaiman MB, Teklu BM, Tongo I, Uyi O, Cueva-Vásquez H, Veludo A, Viglietti P, Dalvie MA. Interventions to Reduce Pesticide Exposure from the Agricultural Sector in Africa: A Workshop Report. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158973. [PMID: 35897345 PMCID: PMC9330002 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fact that several cases of unsafe pesticide use among farmers in different parts of Africa have been documented, there is limited evidence regarding which specific interventions are effective in reducing pesticide exposure and associated risks to human health and ecology. The overall goal of the African Pesticide Intervention Project (APsent) study is to better understand ongoing research and public health activities related to interventions in Africa through the implementation of suitable target-specific situations or use contexts. A systematic review of the scientific literature on pesticide intervention studies with a focus on Africa was conducted. This was followed by a qualitative survey among stakeholders involved in pesticide research or management in the African region to learn about barriers to and promoters of successful interventions. The project was concluded with an international workshop in November 2021, where a broad range of topics relevant to occupational and environmental health risks were discussed such as acute poisoning, street pesticides, switching to alternatives, or disposal of empty pesticide containers. Key areas of improvement identified were training on pesticide usage techniques, research on the effectiveness of interventions targeted at exposure reduction and/or behavioral changes, awareness raising, implementation of adequate policies, and enforcement of regulations and processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.C.-M.); (A.V.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (S.F.); (M.A.D.)
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.C.-M.); (A.V.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (S.F.); (M.A.D.)
| | - Aggrey Atuhaire
- Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH), YMCA Building, Plot 37/41, Buganda Road, Kampala P.O. BOX 12590, Uganda;
| | - Hanna-Andrea Rother
- Division of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa; (H.-A.R.); (L.L.)
| | - James Dabrowski
- Sustainability Research Unit, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 6531, George 6530, South Africa;
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| | - Erik Jørs
- Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Paul C. Jepson
- Oregon IPM Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
| | - Leslie London
- Division of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa; (H.-A.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Saloshni Naidoo
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa;
| | - Diane S. Rohlman
- College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Ivy Saunyama
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Subregional Office for Southern Africa, Block 1 Tendeseka Office Park, Eastlea, Harare, Zimbabwe 00153 Rome, Italy;
| | - Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Infants’ Environmental Health Program (ISA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, Heredia 40101, Costa Rica;
| | - Adeoluwa O. Adeleye
- Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.O.A.); (M.B.S.)
| | - Oyebanji O. Alagbo
- Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.O.A.); (M.B.S.)
| | - Dem Aliaj
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland;
| | - Jember Azanaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia;
| | - Ravichandran Beerappa
- ICMR-Regional Occupational Health Centre (Southern), Bangalore 562110, India; (R.B.); (V.D.)
| | - Curdin Brugger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.C.-M.); (A.V.)
| | - Sunisa Chaiklieng
- Department of Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Shala Chetty-Mhlanga
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.C.-M.); (A.V.)
| | - Grace A. Chitra
- Global Institute of Public Health, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Trivandrum 695024, Kerala, India;
| | - Venugopal Dhananjayan
- ICMR-Regional Occupational Health Centre (Southern), Bangalore 562110, India; (R.B.); (V.D.)
| | - Afure Ejomah
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City 300212, Nigeria; (A.E.); (O.U.)
| | - Christian Ebere Enyoh
- Green and Sustainable Chemical Technologies, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 3388570, Japan;
| | - Yamdeu Joseph Hubert Galani
- Section of Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK;
| | - Jonathan N. Hogarh
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana;
| | - Janefrances N. Ihedioha
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; (J.N.I.); (M.B.S.)
| | - Jeanne Priscille Ingabire
- Horticulture Program, Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, Kigali 5016, Rwanda;
| | - Ellinor Isgren
- Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS), P.O. Box 170, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Yêyinou Laura Estelle Loko
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Biosciences et Biotechnologies Appliquées (ENSBBA), Université Nationale des Sciences, Technologies, Ingénierie et Mathématiques (UNSTIM), BP 2282 Abomey, Benin;
| | - Liana Maree
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7493, South Africa;
| | - Nkoum Metou’ou Ernest
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cameroon, Direction of Regulation and Quality Control of Agricultural Inputs and Product, Messa, Yaoundé P.O. Box 2082, Cameroon;
| | - Haruna Musa Moda
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BG, UK;
| | - Edward Mubiru
- Chemistry Department, School of Physical Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda;
| | - Mwema Felix Mwema
- School of Materials, Energy, Water and Environmental Sciences, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha P.O. Box 447, Tanzania;
| | - Immaculate Ndagire
- Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiation Institute (SEATINI) Uganda, Kampala P.O. Box 3138, Uganda;
| | - Godwin O. Olutona
- Industrial Chemistry Programme, College of Agriculture Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo 232101, Nigeria;
| | - Peter Otieno
- Pest Control Products Board, Loresho, Nairobi P.O. Box 13794-00800, Kenya;
| | - Jordan M. Paguirigan
- Common Services Laboratory, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines, Alabang, Muntinlupa 1781, Philippines;
| | - Reginald Quansah
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana;
| | - Charles Ssemugabo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda;
| | - Seruwo Solomon
- CropLife Uganda, Chicken House, Plot1, Old Kampala Road, Second Floor Room 17, Kampala P.O. Box 36592, Uganda;
| | - Mosudi B. Sosan
- Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.O.A.); (M.B.S.)
| | - Mohammad Bashir Sulaiman
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; (J.N.I.); (M.B.S.)
| | - Berhan M. Teklu
- Ethiopian Agriculture Authority, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 313003, Ethiopia;
- Faculty of Naval and Ocean Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak P.O. Box 34469, Turkey
| | - Isioma Tongo
- Laboratory for Ecotoxicology and Environmental Forensics, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City 300212, Nigeria;
| | - Osariyekemwen Uyi
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City 300212, Nigeria; (A.E.); (O.U.)
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Henry Cueva-Vásquez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Carrera de Medicina Humana Lima, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 15067, Peru;
| | - Adriana Veludo
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.C.-M.); (A.V.)
| | - Paola Viglietti
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health (CEOHR), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa;
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health (CEOHR), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa;
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (S.F.); (M.A.D.)
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Darweesh SKL, Vermeulen R, Bloem BR, Peters S. Exposure to Pesticides Predicts Prodromal Feature of Parkinson's Disease: Public Health Implications. Mov Disord 2022; 37:883-885. [PMID: 35587624 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sirwan K L Darweesh
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan R Bloem
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Peters
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Moser VC, Morris-Schaffer K, Richardson JR, Li AA. Glyphosate and neurological outcomes: A systematic literature review of animal studies. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2022; 25:162-209. [PMID: 35676826 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2022.2083739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Studies of nervous system effects of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, have not been critically examined. The aim of this paper was to systematically review glyphosate-induced neurotoxicity literature to determine its usefulness in regulatory decision-making. The review was restricted to mammalian studies of behavior, neuropathology, and neuropharmacology; in vitro and other biochemical studies were considered supplementary information. Glyphosate formulation studies were also considered, despite uncertainties regarding toxicities of the formulated products; no studies used a formulation vehicle as the control. Inclusion criteria were developed a priori to ensure consistent evaluation of studies, and in vivo investigations were also ranked using ToxRTool software to determine reliability. There were 27 in vivo studies (open literature and available regulatory reports), but 11 studies were considered unreliable (mostly due to critical methodological deficiencies). There were only seven acceptable investigations on glyphosate alone. Studies differed in terms of dosing scenarios, experimental designs, test species, and commercial product. Limitations included using only one dose and/or one test time, small sample sizes, limited data presentation, and/or overtly toxic doses. While motor activity was the most consistently affected endpoint (10 of 12 studies), there were considerable differences in outcomes. In six investigations, there were no marked neuropathological changes in the central or peripheral nervous system. Other neurological effects were less consistent, and some outcomes were less convincing due to influences including high variability and small effect sizes. Taken together, these studies do not demonstrate a consistent impact of glyphosate on the structure or function of the mammalian nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith Morris-Schaffer
- Exponent Inc, Center for Chemical Regulation and Food Safety, Sacramento, California
| | - Jason R Richardson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Abby A Li
- Exponent Inc, Center for Health Sciences, Oakland, CA, United States
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Ssemugabo C, Bradman A, Ssempebwa JC, Sillé F, Guwatudde D. An assessment of health risks posed by consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables among residents in the Kampala Metropolitan Area in Uganda. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD CONTAMINATION 2022; 9:4. [PMID: 35535174 PMCID: PMC9050770 DOI: 10.1186/s40550-022-00090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Pesticide use for fruits and vegetable production in Uganda may result in presence of residues on produce which may pose health risks to consumers. Uganda does not have an established system for monitoring pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and assessing potential health risks. This research aimed to conduct a health risk assessment of presence of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables in the Kampala Metropolitan Area in Uganda. Method Pesticides were measured in 160 fruits and vegetables samples collected at farms, markets, street vendors, restaurants and homes; and analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fruit and vegetable consumption information was collected from 2177 people. Pesticide concentrations were compared with European Union maximum residual limits (MRLs). Mean values of pesticide concentration residues found in the sample of fruits and vegetables; and fruits and vegetables intake and body weight were used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of pesticide residues. EDI values were compared with acceptable daily intakes (ADI) to calculate the hazard quotient by age group, and stage at which consumption happens along the chain. Results Overall, 57 pesticides were detected in fruits and vegetables from farm to fork. Of the 57, 39 pesticides were detected in all the fruits and vegetables studied. Concentrations of fonofos, fenitrothion and fenhexamid were above the European Union MRLs in some samples. Hazard quotients based on dietary ingestion scenarios for 18 pesticides, including dichlorvos (444) alanycarb (314), fonofos (68), fenitrothion (62), dioxacarb (55) and benfuracarb (24) and others, were above 1, indicating the possibility of chronic health risk to consumers. Chronic health risk decreased with age but was stable for stage at which consumption happens along the food chain. The number of pesticides with EDI greater than the ADI decreased with increase in age; with 18, 13, 9, 11, 8, 9, and 9 pesticides for age groups < 5, 5-12, 13-19, 20-25, 36-49 and ≥ 50 respectively. Conclusion Chronic dietary pesticide exposures to Ugandans are likely common, and for some pesticides result in exposure exceeding health-based benchmarks. Risks were highest for younger participants. There is an urgent need to increase monitoring and regulation of pesticides in fruits and vegetables in order to protect consumers, especially the children who are vulnerable to the adverse effects of pesticides. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40550-022-00090-9.
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Costas-Ferreira C, Durán R, Faro LRF. Toxic Effects of Glyphosate on the Nervous System: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4605. [PMID: 35562999 PMCID: PMC9101768 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate, a non-selective systemic biocide with broad-spectrum activity, is the most widely used herbicide in the world. It can persist in the environment for days or months, and its intensive and large-scale use can constitute a major environmental and health problem. In this systematic review, we investigate the current state of our knowledge related to the effects of this pesticide on the nervous system of various animal species and humans. The information provided indicates that exposure to glyphosate or its commercial formulations induces several neurotoxic effects. It has been shown that exposure to this pesticide during the early stages of life can seriously affect normal cell development by deregulating some of the signaling pathways involved in this process, leading to alterations in differentiation, neuronal growth, and myelination. Glyphosate also seems to exert a significant toxic effect on neurotransmission and to induce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, processes that lead to neuronal death due to autophagy, necrosis, or apoptosis, as well as the appearance of behavioral and motor disorders. The doses of glyphosate that produce these neurotoxic effects vary widely but are lower than the limits set by regulatory agencies. Although there are important discrepancies between the analyzed findings, it is unequivocal that exposure to glyphosate produces important alterations in the structure and function of the nervous system of humans, rodents, fish, and invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lilian R. F. Faro
- Department of Functional Biology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Universidade de Vigo, Campus Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (C.C.-F.); (R.D.)
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Burns CJ, LaKind JS. Elements to increase translation in pyrethroid epidemiology research: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 813:152568. [PMID: 34954171 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pyrethroid insecticides have been the subject of numerous epidemiology studies in the past two decades. We examined the pyrethroids epidemiology literature published between 2016 and 2021. Our objective with this exercise was to inform interested readers regarding information on methodological elements that strengthen a study's use for translation (i.e., use in risk assessment) and to describe aspects of future research methods that could improve utility for decision-making. We focused on the following elements: (i) study design that provided evidence that pyrethroid exposure preceded the outcome, (ii) evidence that the method used for exposure characterization was reliable and sufficiently accurate for the intended purpose, and (iii) use of a robust approach for outcome ascertainment. For each of the 74 studies identified via the literature search, we categorized the methodological elements as Acceptable or Supplemental. A study with three Acceptable elements was considered Relevant for risk assessment purposes. Based on our evaluative approach, 18 (24%) of the 74 publications were considered to be Relevant. These publications were categorized as Acceptable for all three elements assessed: confirmed exposure (N = 24), confirmed outcome (N = 64), exposure preceded the outcome (N = 44). Three of these studies were birth cohorts. There were 15 Relevant publications of adults which included 10 Agricultural Health Study cohort publications of self-reported permethrin. Overall, the majority of the reviewed studies used methods that did not permit a determination that pyrethroid exposure preceded the outcome, and/or did not utilize robust methods for exposure assessment and outcome ascertainment. There is an opportunity for investigators and research sponsors to build on the studies reviewed here and to incorporate more translational approaches to studying exposure/outcome associations related to pesticides and other chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol J Burns
- Burns Epidemiology Consulting, LLC, Sanford, MI 48657, USA.
| | - Judy S LaKind
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Catonsville, MD 21228, USA
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29
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Fuhrimann S, Mol HGJ, Dias J, Dalvie MA, Röösli M, Degrendele C, Figueiredo DM, Huss A, Portengen L, Vermeulen R. Quantitative assessment of multiple pesticides in silicone wristbands of children/guardian pairs living in agricultural areas in South Africa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:152330. [PMID: 34906574 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about personal and time-integrated exposure to past and current used pesticides in agricultural areas and within-family exposure similarities. We aimed to assess exposure to pesticides using silicone wristbands in child/guardian pairs living on farms and in villages within two agricultural areas in South Africa. Using silicone wristbands, we quantified 21 pesticides in child/guardian pairs in 38 households over six days in 2018. Levels (in ng/g wristband) of pesticides and their transformation products (12 current-use pesticides and nine organochlorine pesticides) were measured using GC-MS/MS. We assessed the correlation between pesticide levels and between household members using Spearman correlation coefficients (rs). Multivariable generalized least squares (GLS) models, using household id as intercept, were used to determine level of agreement between household members, exposure differences between children and guardians and exposure predictors (study area, household location [farm vs. village] and household pesticide use). We detected 16 pesticides with highest detection frequencies for deltamethrin (89%), chlorpyrifos (78%), boscalid (56%), cypermethrin (55%), and p,p'-DDT (48%). Most wristbands (92%) contained two or more pesticides (median seven (range one to 12)). Children had higher concentrations than guardians for four pesticides. Correlation between the pesticide levels were in most cases moderate (rs 0.30-0.68) and stronger in children than in guardians. Five pesticides showed moderate to strong correlation between household members, with the strongest correlation for boscalid (rs 0.84). Exposure differences between the two agricultural areas were observed for chlorpyrifos, diazinon, prothiofos, cypermethrin, boscalid, p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE and within areas for cypermethrin. We showed that for several pesticides children had higher exposure levels than guardians. The positive correlations observed for child/guardian pairs living in the same household suggest non-occupational shared exposure pathways in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Fuhrimann
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hans G J Mol
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), part of Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jonatan Dias
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), part of Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Céline Degrendele
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Sciences, RECETOX Centre, Brno, Czech Republic; Now at Laboratory of Chemistry and Environment, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel M Figueiredo
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lutzen Portengen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Lv X, Li JX, Wang JY, Tian XG, Feng L, Sun CP, Ning J, Wang C, Zhao WY, Li YC, Ma XC. Regioselective hydroxylation of carbendazim by mammalian cytochrome P450: A combined experimental and computational study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 293:118523. [PMID: 34793912 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Carbendazim (CBZ), a broad-spectrum pesticide frequently detected in fruits and vegetables, could trigger potential toxic risks to mammals. To facilitate the assessment of health risks, this study aimed to characterize the cytochrome P450 (CYPs)-mediated metabolism profiles of CBZ by a combined experimental and computational study. Our results demonstrated that CYPs-mediated region-selective hydroxylation was a major metabolism pathway for CBZ in liver microsomes from various species including rat, mouse, minipig, dog, rabbit, guinea pig, monkey, cow and human, and the metabolite was biosynthesized and well-characterized as 6-OH-CBZ. CYP1A displayed a predominant role in the region-selective hydroxylation of CBZ that could attenuate its toxicity through converting it into a less toxic metabolite. Meanwhile, five other common pesticides including chlorpyrifos-methyl, prochloraz, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, and chlorothalonil could significantly inhibit the region-selective hydroxylation of CBZ, and consequently remarkably increased CBZ exposure in vivo. Furthermore, computational study clarified the important contribution of the key amino acid residues Ser122, and Asp313 in CYP1A1, as well as Asp320 in CYP1A2 to the hydroxylation of CBZ through hydrogen bonds. These results would provide some useful information for the metabolic profiles of CBZ by mammalian CYPs, and shed new insights into CYP1A-mediated metabolic detoxification of CBZ and its health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Lv
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Transformation, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China; College of Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing-Xin Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Transformation, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China; College of Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, China
| | - Jia-Yue Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Transformation, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Xiang-Ge Tian
- College of Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, China
| | - Lei Feng
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Transformation, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Cheng-Peng Sun
- College of Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing Ning
- College of Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, China
| | - Chao Wang
- College of Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, China
| | - Wen-Yu Zhao
- College of Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, China
| | - Ya-Chen Li
- College of Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao-Chi Ma
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Transformation, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China; College of Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, Liaoning, China.
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Mueller W, Atuhaire A, Mubeezi R, van den Brenk I, Kromhout H, Basinas I, Jones K, Povey A, van Tongeren M, Harding AH, Galea KS, Fuhrimann S. Evaluation of two-year recall of self-reported pesticide exposure among Ugandan smallholder farmers. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 240:113911. [PMID: 35030437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate smallholder farmers' recall of pesticide use and exposure determinants over a two-year period in a low-income country context. METHODS The Pesticide Use in Tropical Settings (PESTROP) study in Uganda consists of 302 smallholder farmers who were interviewed in 2017. In the same season in 2019, these farmers were re-questioned concerning pesticide use (e.g., use of active ingredients) and exposure information (e.g., crops, personal protective equipment [PPE], hygienic behaviours) they had previously provided. The extent of recall bias was assessed by comparing responses at follow-up in 2019 with practices and behaviours reported from the baseline interview in 2017. RESULTS An 84% (n = 255) follow-up response rate was attained. We found instances of better recall (e.g., overall agreement >70% and Area Under the Curve (AUC) values > 0.7) for the use of some active ingredients, commonly used PPE items, and washing clothes after application, whereas only 13.3% could correctly recall their three major crops. We observed a trend where more individuals reported the use of active ingredients, while fewer reported the use of PPE items, two years later. In general, we found better agreement in the recall of years working with pesticides compared to hours per day or days per week in the field, with no apparent systematic over or under reporting by demographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS While some of these findings provide consistency with those from high-income countries, more research is needed on recall in poorly educated agriculture communities in low- and middle-income settings to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Mueller
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Aggrey Atuhaire
- Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruth Mubeezi
- Makerere University, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Iris van den Brenk
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Basinas
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Jones
- Health and Safety Executive, Buxton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Povey
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Karen S Galea
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Fuhrimann S, van den Brenk I, Atuhaire A, Mubeezi R, Staudacher P, Huss A, Kromhout H. Recent pesticide exposure affects sleep: A cross-sectional study among smallholder farmers in Uganda. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106878. [PMID: 34592653 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poorly educated smallholder farmers in low-income countries are highly exposed to pesticides. This can result in adverse mental health issues, of which sleep problems might be an underlying indicator. We aim to examine the association between sleep problems and pesticide exposure among smallholder farmers in Uganda. METHODS A cross-sectional survey with 253 smallholder farmers was conducted between October and December 2019. Sleep problems were assessed during the week before the visit using the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-SS). Exposure to pesticides was assessed as application days of any pesticide and as use of 2,4-D, glyphosate, mancozeb, organophosphates & carbamates, pyrethroids and other pesticides during the week and year prior to the visit. Associations were assessed using adjusted multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS Increased odds ratio (OR) for the sleep problem index 6-items (OR [95% Confidence Interval] 1.99 [1.04; 3.84] and 3.21 [1.33; 7.82]), sleep inadequacy (1.94 [1.04; 3.66] and 2.49 [1.05-6.22]) and snoring (3.17 [1.12; 9.41] and 4.07 [1.04; 15.14]) were observed for farmers who respectively applied pesticides up to two days and three or more days in the past week compared to farmers who did not apply during the past week. Gender-stratified analyses showed a higher OR for female applicators (4.27 [1.76-11.16]) than for male applicators (1.82 [0.91-3.79]) for the association between the sleep problem index 6-items and pesticide use in the week before the visit. Increased ORs were also observed for the association between the sleep problem index 6-item and mancozeb exposure during the past year 2.28 [1.12-4.71] and past week 2.51 [0.86-7.55] and glyphosate exposure during the past week 3.75 [1.24-11.8] compared to non-applicators. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest an increased risk of sleep problems among smallholder farmers in a pesticide-exposure-dependent way in a low-income context. Further gender-stratified, longitudinal investigations are warranted to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Fuhrimann
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Iris van den Brenk
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Aggrey Atuhaire
- Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruth Mubeezi
- Makerere University, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Philipp Staudacher
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, CHN, Universitätsstrasse 16, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Fuhrimann S, Wan C, Blouzard E, Veludo A, Holtman Z, Chetty-Mhlanga S, Dalvie MA, Atuhaire A, Kromhout H, Röösli M, Rother HA. Pesticide Research on Environmental and Human Exposure and Risks in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:259. [PMID: 35010520 PMCID: PMC8750985 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
On the African continent, ongoing agriculture intensification is accompanied by the increasing use of pesticides, associated with environmental and public health concerns. Using a systematic literature review, we aimed to map current geographical research hotspots and gaps around environmental and public health risks research of agriculture pesticides in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Studies were included that collected primary data on past and current-used agricultural pesticides and assessed their environmental occurrence, related knowledge, attitude and practice, human exposure, and environmental or public health risks between 2006 and 2021. We identified 391 articles covering 469 study sites in 37 countries in SSA. Five geographical research hotspots were identified: two in South Africa, two in East Africa, and one in West Africa. Despite its ban for agricultural use, organochlorine was the most studied pesticide group (60%; 86% of studies included DDT). Current-used pesticides in agriculture were studied in 54% of the study sites (including insecticides (92%), herbicides (44%), and fungicides (35%)). Environmental samples were collected in 67% of the studies (e.g., water, aquatic species, sediment, agricultural produce, and air). In 38% of the studies, human subjects were investigated. Only few studies had a longitudinal design or assessed pesticide's environmental risks; human biomarkers; dose-response in human subjects, including children and women; and interventions to reduce pesticide exposure. We established a research database that can help stakeholders to address research gaps, foster research collaboration between environmental and health dimensions, and work towards sustainable and safe agriculture systems in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Fuhrimann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.V.); (S.C.-M.); (M.R.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Chenjie Wan
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Elodie Blouzard
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Adriana Veludo
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.V.); (S.C.-M.); (M.R.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zelda Holtman
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa; (Z.H.); (M.A.D.); (H.-A.R.)
- Division of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa
| | - Shala Chetty-Mhlanga
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.V.); (S.C.-M.); (M.R.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa; (Z.H.); (M.A.D.); (H.-A.R.)
| | - Aggrey Atuhaire
- Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH), Kampala 12590, Uganda;
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.V.); (S.C.-M.); (M.R.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hanna-Andrea Rother
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa; (Z.H.); (M.A.D.); (H.-A.R.)
- Division of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa
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Tefera M, Tessema M, Admassie S, Ward M, Phelane L, Iwuoha EI, Baker PG. Electrochemical application of cobalt nanoparticles-polypyrrole composite modified electrode for the determination of phoxim. Anal Chim Acta X 2021; 9:100077. [PMID: 34622198 PMCID: PMC8482437 DOI: 10.1016/j.acax.2021.100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) were synthesized and cobalt nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode (CoNPs/GCE) was prepared by drop coating the nanoparticles on glassy carbon electrode. After preparing polypyrrole modified glassy carbon electrode (PPy/GCE) using electropolymerization of pyrrole in LiClO4 solution, cobalt nanoparticles-polypyrrole composite modified glassy carbon electrode (CoNPs/PPy/GCE) was fabricated by drop coating the CoNPs on the PPy/GCE. Different characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to study the morphological structure and electrochemical behavior of the sensors. The results demonstrated that PPy chains interacted with CoNPs through donor-acceptor bonds. Among all the electrodes, CoNPs/PPy/GCE exhibited highest electroactive surface area and lowest electron transfer resistance towards phoxim. Under the optimal conditions, the sensor showed linear relationship between the reduction peak current and the concentration of phoxim in the range of 0.025 μM-12 μM with the detection limit as 4.5 nM. Besides, the composite electrode demonstrated excellent reproducibility, good stability and selectivity towards the possible interfering substances. All of these properties made CoNPs/PPy/GCE a suitable electrochemical sensor for the electrochemical determination of phoxim in water samples using square wave voltammetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molla Tefera
- Department of Chemistry, University of Gondar, P. O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Merid Tessema
- Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Shimelis Admassie
- Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Meryck Ward
- Sensor Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Robert Sobukwe Drive, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Lisebo Phelane
- Sensor Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Robert Sobukwe Drive, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Emmanuel I. Iwuoha
- Sensor Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Robert Sobukwe Drive, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Priscilla G.L. Baker
- Sensor Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Robert Sobukwe Drive, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
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Farnham A, Fuhrimann S, Staudacher P, Quirós-Lépiz M, Hyland C, Winkler MS, Mora AM. Long-Term Neurological and Psychological Distress Symptoms among Smallholder Farmers in Costa Rica with a History of Acute Pesticide Poisoning. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179021. [PMID: 34501611 PMCID: PMC8431685 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Studies suggest that acute pesticide poisonings (APP) may be linked with long-term neurological effects. To examine long-term neurological and psychological distress symptoms associated with having experienced an APP, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 300 conventional and organic smallholder farmers from Zarcero County, Costa Rica, May–August 2016. We collected self-reported data on sociodemographic characteristics, occupational history, pesticide exposure, APPs, neurological and psychological distress symptoms (using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)). Adjusted logistic regression models were fit. A total of 14% of the farmers (98% male) reported experiencing at least one APP during their lifetime. Self-reported APP was associated with neurological symptoms during the 12 months prior to interview (e.g., fainting (Odds Ratio: 7.48, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.83, 30.74), shaking hands (3.50; 1.60, 7.60), numbness/tingling in hands or feet (3.23; 1.66, 6.32), insomnia (2.53; 1.34, 4.79), accelerated heartrate (2.42; 1.03, 5.47), dizziness (2.38; 1.19, 4.72), increased irritability/anger (2.37; 1.23, 4.55), low energy (2.33; 1.23, 4.46), and difficulty concentrating (2.01; 1.05, 3.85)). Farmers who reported an APP in the ten years prior to interview experienced increased odds of abnormal BSI scores for hostility (4.51; 1.16, 17.70) and paranoid ideation (3.76; 0.99, 18.18). Having experienced an APP may be associated with long-term neurological and psychological distress symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Farnham
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; (S.F.); (M.S.W.)
- Swiss TPH, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; (S.F.); (M.S.W.)
- Swiss TPH, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80177, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Philipp Staudacher
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), Ueberlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland;
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marcela Quirós-Lépiz
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 83-3000, Costa Rica; (M.Q.-L.); (C.H.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Carly Hyland
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 83-3000, Costa Rica; (M.Q.-L.); (C.H.); (A.M.M.)
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 265, Berkeley, CA 94720-7392, USA
| | - Mirko S. Winkler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; (S.F.); (M.S.W.)
- Swiss TPH, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ana M. Mora
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 83-3000, Costa Rica; (M.Q.-L.); (C.H.); (A.M.M.)
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 265, Berkeley, CA 94720-7392, USA
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Presumed Exposure to Chemical Pollutants and Experienced Health Impacts among Warehouse Workers at Logistics Companies: A Cross-Sectional Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18137052. [PMID: 34280987 PMCID: PMC8296867 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During intercontinental shipping, freight containers and other closed transport devices are applied. These closed spaces can be polluted with various harmful chemicals that may accumulate in poorly ventilated environments. The major pollutants are residues of pesticides used for fumigation as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from the goods. While handling cargos at logistics companies, workers can be exposed to these pollutants, frequently without adequate occupational health and safety precautions. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among potentially exposed warehouse workers and office workers as controls at Hungarian logistics companies (1) to investigate the health effects of chemical pollutants occurring in closed spaces of transportation and storage and (2) to collect information about the knowledge of and attitude toward workplace chemical exposures as well as the occupational health and safety precautions applied. Pre-existing medical conditions did not show any significant difference between the working groups. Numbness or heaviness in the arms and legs (AOR = 3.99; 95% CI = 1.72–9.26) and dry cough (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.09–4.93) were significantly associated with working in closed environments of transportation and storage, while forgetfulness (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.18–0.87), sleep disturbances (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.17–0.78), and tiredness after waking up (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.20–0.79) were significantly associated with employment in office. Warehouse workers who completed specific workplace health and safety training had more detailed knowledge related to this workplace chemical issue (AOR = 8.18; 95% CI = 3.47–19.27), and they were significantly more likely to use certain preventive measures. Warehouse workers involved in handling cargos at logistics companies may be exposed to different chemical pollutants, and the related health risks remain unknown if the presence of these chemicals is not recognized. Applied occupational health and safety measures at logistics companies are not adequate enough to manage this chemical safety issue, which warrants awareness raising and the introduction of effective preventive strategies to protect workers’ health at logistics companies.
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Skalny A, Aschner M, Paoliello M, Santamaria A, Nikitina N, Rejniuk V, Jiang Y, Rocha J, Tinkov A. Endocrine-disrupting activity of mancozeb. ARHIV ZA FARMACIJU 2021; 71:491-507. [PMID: 35990020 PMCID: PMC9390121 DOI: 10.5937/arhfarm71-34359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to review the existing data on the mechanisms involved in the endocrine disrupting activity of mancozeb (MCZ) in its main targets, including thyroid and gonads, as well as other endocrine tissues that may be potentially affected by MCZ. MCZ exposure was shown to interfere with thyroid functioning through impairment of thyroid hormone synthesis due to inhibition of sodium-iodine symporter (NIS) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) activity, as well as thyroglobulin expression. Direct thyrotoxic effect may also contribute to thyroid pathology upon MCZ exposure. Gonadal effects of MCZ involve inhibition of sex steroid synthesis due to inhibition of P450scc (CYP11A1), as well as 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD. In parallel with altered hormone synthesis, MCZ was shown to down-regulate androgen and estrogen receptor signaling. Taken together, these gonad-specific effects result in development of both male and female reproductive dysfunction. In parallel with clearly estimated targets for MCZ endocrine disturbing activity, namely thyroid and gonads, other endocrine tissues may be also involved. Specifically, the fungicide was shown to affect cortisol synthesis that may be mediated by modulation of CYP11B1 activity. Moreover, MCZ exposure was shown to interfere with PPARγ signaling, being a key regulator of adipogenesis. The existing data also propose that endocrine-disrupting effects of MCZ exposure may be mediated by modulation of hypothalamus-pituitary-target axis. It is proposed that MCZ neurotoxicity may at least partially affect central mechanisms of endocrine system functioning. However, further studies are required to unravel the mechanisms of MCZ endocrine disrupting activity and overall toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly Skalny
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119146, Russia
- Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
- Institute of Bioelementology, Orenburg State University, Orenburg 460018, Russia
| | - Michael Aschner
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119146, Russia
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Monica Paoliello
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores/Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
| | - Natalia Nikitina
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119146, Russia
| | - Vladimir Rejniuk
- Golikov Research Center of Toxicology, Saint Petersburg 192019, Russia
| | - Yueming Jiang
- Department of Toxicology,School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - João Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Alexey Tinkov
- Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
- Institute of Bioelementology, Orenburg State University, Orenburg 460018, Russia
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150000, Russia
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