Genomic instability evaluation by BMCyt and telomere length in Brazilian family farmers exposed to pesticides

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA copy number variation in Brazilian farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides

The use of pesticide use has been linked to the higher production of reactive oxygen species, resulting in oxidative stress, which in turn can cause genomic instability. A marker for instability is the copy number variation of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNAcn), which has been found to be altered in diverse human diseases, including tumors. This research aimed to examine the variation of mtDNAcn in individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides. Real-time PCR assays were conducted on 154 individuals (78 exposed and 76 non-exposed). Pesticide-exposed ndividuals exhibited a significant reduction in mtDNAcn (1.11 ± 0.37mtDNAcn/genome) compared to non-exposed individuals (1.30 ± 0.33mtDNAcn/genome; p = 0.001). The multivariate analysis indicated that individuals who reported using haloxyfop and copper sulfate demonstrated an increase (β = 0.200, p = 0.053) and a decrease (β=-0.2, p = 0.021), respectively, in mtDNAcn. In conclusion, our findings suggest that chronic exposure to pesticides results in changes in mtDNAcn.

Is exposure to pesticides associated with biological aging? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Exposure to pesticides is a risk factor for various diseases, yet its association with biological aging remains unclear. We aimed to systematically investigate the relationship between pesticide exposure and biological aging.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched from inception to August 2023. Observational studies investigating the association between pesticide exposure and biomarkers of biological aging were included. Three-level random-effect meta-analysis was used to synthesize the data. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Twenty studies evaluating the associations between pesticide exposure and biomarkers of biological aging in 10,368 individuals were included. Sixteen reported telomere length and four reported epigenetic clocks. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant associations between pesticide exposure and the Hannum clock (pooled β = 0.27; 95 %CI: -0.25, 0.79), or telomere length (pooled Hedges'g = -0.46; 95 %CI: -1.10, 0.19). However, the opposite direction of effects for the two outcomes showed an indication of possible accelerated biological aging. After removal of influential effect sizes or low-quality studies, shorter telomere length was found in higher-exposed populations.

CONCLUSION

The existing evidence for associations between pesticide exposure and biological aging is limited due to the scarcity of studies on epigenetic clocks and the substantial heterogeneity across studies on telomere length. High-quality studies incorporating more biomarkers of biological aging, focusing more on active chemical ingredients of pesticides and accounting for potential confounders are needed to enhance our understanding of the impact of pesticides on biological aging.

Determination of pesticide residues in urine by chromatography-mass spectrometry: methods and applications

Introduction

Pollution has emerged as a significant threat to humanity, necessitating a thorough evaluation of its impacts. As a result, various methods for human biomonitoring have been proposed as vital tools for assessing, managing, and mitigating exposure risks. Among these methods, urine stands out as the most commonly analyzed biological sample and the primary matrix for biomonitoring studies.

Objectives

This review concentrates on exploring the literature concerning residual pesticide determination in urine, utilizing liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and its practical applications.

Method

The examination focused on methods developed since 2010. Additionally, applications reported between 2015 and 2022 were thoroughly reviewed, utilizing Web of Science as a primary resource.

Synthesis

Recent advancements in chromatography-mass spectrometry technology have significantly enhanced the development of multi-residue methods. These determinations are now capable of simultaneously detecting numerous pesticide residues from various chemical and use classes. Furthermore, these methods encompass analytes from a variety of environmental contaminants, offering a comprehensive approach to biomonitoring. These methodologies have been employed across diverse perspectives, including toxicological studies, assessing pesticide exposure in the general population, occupational exposure among farmers, pest control workers, horticulturists, and florists, as well as investigating consequences during pregnancy and childhood, neurodevelopmental impacts, and reproductive disorders.

Future directions

Such strategies were essential in examining the health risks associated with exposure to complex mixtures, including pesticides and other relevant compounds, thereby painting a broader and more accurate picture of human exposure. Moreover, the implementation of integrated strategies, involving international research initiatives and biomonitoring programs, is crucial to optimize resource utilization, enhancing efficiency in health risk assessment.

Assessment of cellular damage with cytome assay among environmental/occupational triazole

The use of triazole fungicides is common in Minas Gerais, Brazil. However, the risk arising from excessive and often unprotected exposure can be harmful to farmers. Therefore, we evaluated volunteers, exposed to triazole fungicides for cellular damage caused by this pesticide. In the buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt), cells were analyzed. Urinary triazoles were analyzed by the Liquid-Liquid Extraction coupled with Gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry (LLE-GC/MS). Statistical differences were found for all cell types evaluated in residents of rural areas (n = 145). Analysis of variance showed statistical difference in kariolytic and pyknotic cells, between the groups of men and women living in rural areas, with higher incidence in the male group. Likewise, higher concentrations triazoles in urine samples in the male group were observed. Greater cellular damage suggests increases in DNA damage, chromossomal instability and cell deaths. The results showed the urgency of the public management with the implementation of measures to minimize the pesticides exposure.

Genomic Instability and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Two Communities Exposed to Pesticides in the Mexicali Valley by the L-CBMN Assay

The continuous biomonitoring of a population directly or indirectly exposed to pesticides could be an additional tool for decision makers to improve their health conditions. In this work, we performed biomonitoring on two groups of people from the Mexicali Valley who were continuously exposed to pesticides using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay (L-CBMN) to evaluate cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The study groups comprised 14 indigenous Cucapah with non-vegetarian habits (NV group) from Ejido el Mayor (32.12594°, -115.27265°) and 21 lacto-ovo vegetarian (LOV) persons from the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Ejido Vicente Guerrero (32.3961°, -115.14023°). The L-CBMN assay determines the nuclear division index (NDI), apoptosis, necrosis, micronuclei (MNs), nuclear buds (NBUDs), and nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs). Our results show that, regardless of diet or daily habits, both the studied groups presented with cytogenotoxic damage compared with non-exposed pesticide individuals, without modifications to the nuclear division index. In the rest of the evaluated biomarkers, the NV group exhibited greater cytotoxic and genotoxic damage than the LOV group. Nevertheless, individuals practicing a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (LOV) showed lower damage than those with non-vegetarian habits (NV), suggesting a better antioxidant response that helps decrease the genotoxic damage due to the enhanced intake of folates and antioxidants from a plant-based diet.