Evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters of pesticide retailers following occupational exposure to a mixture of pesticides

Evaluating the Level of Pesticides in the Blood of Small-Scale Farmers and Its Associated Risk Factors in Western Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

The presence of agricultural pesticide residue can cause adverse health effects.The main objective of this study was to evaluate the level of pesticides in the blood of small-scale farmers (SSFs) and associated risk factors in western Ethiopia.

METHODS

Across sectional study was conducted in June 2020 using 240 blood samples, 140 from the exposed small-scale farmers (ESSFs) and 100 from non-exposed small-scale farmers (NESSFs). The blood sample analysis was mad for 5 organochlorines (OCs) and 3 synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) pesticides by gas-liquid chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD) methods. Extraction, and clean up of the samples were made by using standard analytical methods. To define the relationships between the outcomes and explanatory variables, logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS

The results shows that p,p'-DDT, heptachlor and deltamethrin were the most frequently detected pesticides with 96.4%, 95%, and 100% in both ESSFs and NESSFs, respectively. The ESSFs blood samples have shown the highest mean concentrations of permethrin and p,p'-DDT(1.26 ± 0.15) and (0.28 ± 0.4) mgL^-1, respectively. SSFs under the age of 40 were 21% less likely to be exposed to permethrin than those above the age of 40 (Adjusted Odd Ratio, AOR, 0.21; 95% CI: 0.1-0.44). Male SSFs were 17 times more likely to be exposed to heptachlor than females (AOR, 17.36; 95%CI: 7.34-41.09) and farmers with no formal education were 18 times more likely to be exposed to deltamethrin than those with primary schools and beyond (AOR, 18.1; 95 %CI: 4.53-72.06). Furthermore, SSFs that did not use PPE appropriately were 3.6 and 6.21 times more likely to be exposed to cypermethrin (AOR, 3.6; 95%CI: 1.94-6.54) and p,p'-DDE(AOR, 6.21; 95%CI: 3.38-11.41) blood levels than those who did, respectively. SSFs that perform different activities like eating and drinking (11%), chewing (10%), and diverse activities (8%) were more likely to be exposed to p,p'-DDT than those farmers who didn't use pesticides.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified a high concentration p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, heptachlor, cypermethrin, permethrin, and deltamethrin in the blood of small scale farmers. The older age, less education, and farmers with inappropriate PPE use are more likely exposed to pesticides.

Outcome of patients with chlorpyrifos intoxication

INTRODUCTION

There is a paucity of literature analyzing outcome of chlorpyrifos intoxication.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients with chlorpyrifos intoxication were seen at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 2008 and 2017. Patients were stratified into two subgroups according to their prognosis, as good (n = 12) or poor (n = 28). Good prognosis group were defined as patients who survived without serious complications, and poor prognosis group included patients who died and survived after development of severe complications. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and mortality data were obtained for analysis.

RESULTS

Patients aged 53.8 ± 16.3 years and most were male (80.0%). All patients (100.0%) developed acute cholinergic crisis such as emesis (45.0%), respiratory failure (42.5%), tachycardia (30.0%), kidney injury (22.5%), and seizure (7.5%). Intermediate syndrome developed in 12.5% of patients, but none had delayed neuropathy (0%). The poor prognosis group suffered higher incidences of respiratory failure (p = 0.011), kidney injury (p = 0.026), and prolonged corrected QT interval (p = 0.000), and they had higher blood urea nitrogen level (p = 0.041), lower Glasgow coma scale score (p = 0.011), and lower monocyte count (p = 0.023) than good prognosis group. All patients were treated with atropine and pralidoxime therapy, but six patients (15.0%) still died of intoxication. In a multivariate logistic regression model, blood urea nitrogen was a significant risk factor for poor prognosis (odds ratio: 1.375, 95% confidence interval: 1.001-1.889, p = 0.049). Nevertheless, no mortality risk factor could be identified.

CONCLUSION

The mortality rate of patients with chlorpyrifos intoxication was 15.0%. Furthermore, acute cholinergic crisis, intermediate syndrome, and delayed neuropathy developed in 100.0%, 12.5%, and 0% of patients, respectively.

Serum cholinesterase biomarker study in farmers - Souss Massa region-, Morocco: case-control study

Background: Farmers and their workers are exposed to a wide variety of pesticides. The use of pesticides has been documented to lead to several adverse health effects. Inhibition of cholinesterase, primarily butyrylcholinesterase is a good indicator of occupational exposure to organophosphates and carbamates.Objective: This case-control study aims to study the risks associated with pesticide exposure among farmers and agricultural workers in the Souss Massa region by analyzing variations in the response of a pesticides exposure biomarker: Serum Cholinesterase Activity (butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)).Materials and methods: This was a prospective study conducted on 133 participants (71 farmers and 62 non-farmers). A structured questionnaire was applied collecting socio-demographic information and determining knowledge and work practices in relation to pesticide use. The activity of Serum cholinesterase was measured by the butyrulthiocholine method a spectrophotometric assay.Results: The mean age of the participants was 42.5 ± 10.66 years. The study demonstrated significantly lower BChE activity, respectively, in the plasma of farmers exposed to pesticides, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The measured mean level of BChE activity was (7304.80 ± 1939.99 U/L) and (9746.42 ± 1699.85 U/L) in the farmers and the control group (non-farmers), respectively. In addition, a high proportion of farmers reported that empty containers are burned in the open (74.6%) for waste disposal. A proportion (11.3%) of farmers also reported that empty container waste is spilled on the farm.Conclusions: The decrease in BChE indicates a serious public health problem among farmers who use organophosphate pesticides. This study suggests that regular monitoring for blood cholinesterase and effective interventions to reduce pesticide exposure to prevent health effects should be provided to farmers.

Effects of Low-level Occupational Exposure to Ammonia on Hematological Parameters and Kidney Function

Background:

Many workers, particularly those working in manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, rubber, pesticides, textiles, and employees of petrochemical industries are exposed to ammonia in their workplaces. Toxic responses of hematopoietic system and kidney following occupational exposure to this chemical have not been thoroughly investigated.

Objective:

To determine the relationship between long-term occupational exposure to low levels of ammonia and hematological parameters and kidney function.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 119 randomly selected, male petrochemical workers and 131 office employees (comparison group) were examined. Urine and blood samples were taken from all participants for urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), serum calcium level, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and plasma creatinine. Personal, environmental, and peak ammonia exposure were also measured.

Results:

The median personal, environmental, and peak occupational exposure to ammonia were 0.23, 0.16, and 65.50 mg/m3, respectively, among the exposed group. No significant difference was observed between the exposed and unexposed participants in terms of hematological parameters and urinalysis. Conversely, calcium and BUN, while within the normal range, were significantly higher in the exposed than in the comparison group.

Conclusion:

Occupational exposure to low atmospheric concentrations of ammonia was associated with subtle, sub-clinical, pre-pathologic changes in kidney function. Possible longterm consequences and ramifications of these effects require further investigation.

Acute glufosinate-based herbicide treatment in rats leads to increased ocular interleukin-1β and c-Fos protein levels, as well as intraocular pressure

Glufosinate is a common herbicide with neurotoxic effects, leading to seizures, convulsions and memory loss. Glufosinate indirectly induces glutamate toxicity by inhibiting glutamine synthesis in astrocytes. Here, we studied the acute toxic effects of a glufosinate-based herbicide in rat optic nerve at three doses (40, 80 or 120 μM, equal to 714 or 21 mg/kg bw/day). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, glucose, calcium, as well as creatinine concentrations were analyzed after 24, 48 and 72 h treatment. Intraocular pressure (IOP) (expressed as the average of both eyes) was measured with a rebound tonometer. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and c-Fos expression were determined by immunohistochemistry. The results established that the glufosinate-based herbicide significantly increased IL-1β and c-Fos immunopositivity in the optic nerve (p < 0.05), concomitant with increased IOP. These results suggest that commercial formulations of glufosinate acutely affect the optic nerve.

Respiratory and Dermal Symptoms and Raised Serum Concentrations of Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress among Pesticide Retailers

BACKGROUND

Recently concern has been raised regarding possible health effects resulting from exposure of a group of pesticide retailers to chemicals they handle.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of respiratory and dermal symptoms, as well as biomarkers of oxidative stress, among pesticide retailers and to compare them with those of an unexposed comparison group.

METHODS

70 male pesticide retailers and 64 male construction workers (served as the comparison group) were investigated. Blood samples were taken from all participants to assess the biomarkers of oxidative stress. A data sheet and the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II questionnaire were used to determine the prevalence of dermal and respiratory disorders, respectively.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, weight, height, education level, job tenure, average daily work, presence of family history of respiratory diseases, marital status, smoking status, and number of cigarettes smoked per day, we found that wheezing (OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.17 to 14.17), cough (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.15 to 9.98), and mucus hypersecretion (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.45 to 9.05) were significantly more prevalent among pesticide retailers compared with the comparison group. The prevalence of tingling and dryness of skin exposed individuals was significantly higher than unexposed participants. The mean serum concentrations of glutathione and malondialdehyde in the exposed group were significantly higher than those in the comparison group.

CONCLUSION

Occupational exposure to low doses of a mixture of pesticides by retailers was associated with increased prevalence of dermal and respiratory symptoms as well as raised concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Genetic Polymorphisms Associated with Environmental Exposure to Polycyclic Derivatives in African Children

Background

The nonracial leukopenia may be a result of exposure to polycyclic derivatives (benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX)) and may arise from a possible change in the bone marrow microenvironment. The present study sought to evaluate the association of genetic polymorphisms in xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes with hematological and biochemical profiles.

Methods

We evaluated 89 African descendant children, exposed indirectly to benzene derivatives. Laboratory parameters were investigated by automated methods and genetic polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP and PCR multiplex.

Results

Children with leukopenia had significantly decreased white blood cells (WBCs) and platelet counts, which is not consistent with benign leukopenia. In the same group, we have found that carriers of the CYP2E1 variant allele had decreased WBC and lymphocytes. Those with NQO1 variant allele had decreased WBC, neutrophil, eosinophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts. Carriers of the MPO variant allele had decreased WBC, neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, and platelet counts and an elevated free iron level. Children with GSTT and GSTM null exhibited decreased WBC, neutrophil, basophil, and lymphocyte counts. Our multivariate analysis model reveals that females were independently associated with leukopenia.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the polymorphisms investigated were associated with hematological changes in the studied population. These alterations could be heightened by exposure to benzene derivatives.