Gene expression analysis reveals chronic low level exposure to the pesticide diazinon affects psychological disorders gene sets in the adult rat

Effects of chronic insecticide exposure on neuronal network development in vitro in rat cortical cultures

Developmental exposure to carbamates, organophosphates, and pyrethroids has been associated with impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes. Sex-specific differences following chronic insecticide exposure are rather common in vivo. Therefore, we assessed the chronic effects of in vitro exposure to different carbamates (carbaryl, methomyl and aldicarb), organophosphates [chlorpyrifos (CPF), chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO), and 3,5,6,trichloropyridinol (TCP)], and pyrethroids [permethrin, alpha-cypermethrin and 3-phenoxy benzoic acid (3-PBA)] on neuronal network development in sex-separated rat primary cortical cultures using micro-electrode array (MEA) recordings. Our results indicate that exposure for 1 week to carbaryl inhibited neurodevelopment in male cultures, while a hyperexcitation was observed in female cultures. Methomyl and aldicarb evoked a hyperexcitation after 2 weeks of exposure, which was more pronounced in female cultures. In contrast to acute MEA results, exposure to ≥ 10 µM CPF caused hyperexcitation in both sexes after 10 days. Interestingly, exposure to 10 µM CPO induced a clear hyperexcitation after 10 days of exposure in male but not female cultures. Exposure to 100 µM CPO strongly inhibited neuronal development. Exposure to the type I pyrethroid permethrin resulted in a hyperexcitation at 10 µM and a decrease in neuronal development at 100 µM. In comparison, exposure to ≥ 10 µM of the type II pyrethroid alpha-cypermethrin decreased neuronal development. In female but not in male cultures, exposure to 1 and 10 µM permethrin changed (network) burst patterns, with female cultures having shorter (network) bursts with fewer spikes per (network) burst. Together, these results show that MEA recordings are suitable for measuring sex-specific developmental neurotoxicity in vitro. Additionally, pyrethroid exposure induced effects on neuronal network development at human-relevant concentrations. Finally, chronic exposure has different effects on neuronal functioning compared to acute exposure, highlighting the value of both exposure paradigms.

Determinants of urinary dialkyl phosphate metabolites in midlife women: the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Multi-Pollutant Study (SWAN-MPS)

BACKGROUND

Biomonitoring data and determinants of urinary dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites, markers of organophosphate pesticides, in racially diverse, non-occupationally exposed populations are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated urinary concentrations and potential determinants of DAP metabolites of organophosphate pesticides in a multi-site, multi-racial/ethnic cohort of women aged 45-56 years, the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Multi-Pollutant Study (SWAN-MPS).

METHODS

We analyzed 963 urine samples collected in 1999-2000, the baseline of SWAN-MPS for longitudinal studies, and quantified DAP metabolites, including dimethyl alkylphosphates (DMAPs): dimethylphosphate (DMP), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP); and diethyl alkylphosphates (DEAPs): diethylphosphate (DEP), diethylthiophosphate (DETP), diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP), using gas chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy. Adjusted least squared geometric means (LSGMs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to compare DAP concentrations by socio-demographic, behavioral and dietary factors.

RESULTS

The geometric means (geometric standard deviations) of total DAPs, DMAPs, and DEAPs were 141 (2.63) nmol/L, 102 (2.99) nmol/L, and 26.8 (2.46) nmol/L, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was inversely associated with DMAPs and DEAPs: LSGM (95% CI) = 68.8 (55.7-84.9) and 21.0 (17.7-25.0) nmol/L for women with obesity vs. 102 (84.7-123) and 30.1 (25.7-35.1) nmol/L for women with normal/underweight, respectively. Fruit consumption was positively (74.9 (62.1-90.2) for less than 5-6 servings/week vs. 105 (84.8-130) nmol/L for 1 serving/day and more) whereas meat consumption was inversely associated with DMAPs (110 (95.0-128) for seldom vs. 82.3 (59.5-114) nmol/L for often consumption). Fresh apple consumption appears to be attributed to the DMAP differences. Alcohol consumption was positively associated with DEAPs (27.5 (23.1-32.7) for 2 drinks/week and more vs. 23.0 (20.0-26.6) nmol/L for less than 1 drink/month). Black women had higher concentrations of DEAPs compared with White women (27.3 (21.2-35.2) vs. 23.2 (20.2-26.7) nmol/L).

IMPACT STATEMENT

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) are synthetic chemicals and currently the most widely used type of insecticides. We examined multi-site, multi-ethnic cohort of midlife women in the U.S. that offers a unique opportunity to evaluate major determinants of OP exposure. We improved OP metabolite detection rates and obtained accurate concentrations using an improved analytical technique. Our findings suggest that consumptions of fruit, meat and alcohol are important determinants of OP exposure for midlife women. Higher concentrations of diethyl OP metabolites in Black women compared to White women, even after accounting for dietary intake, suggests additional, but unknown racial-ethnic differences that affect exposure.

Implications of organophosphate pesticides on brain cells and their contribution toward progression of Alzheimer's disease

The most widespread neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by severe behavioral abnormalities, cognitive and functional impairments. It is inextricably linked with the deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and tau protein in the brain. Loss of white matter, neurons, synapses, and reactive microgliosis are also frequently observed in patients of AD. Although the causative mechanisms behind the neuropathological alterations in AD are not fully understood, they are likely influenced by hereditary and environmental factors. The etiology and pathogenesis of AD are significantly influenced by the cells of the central nervous system, namely, glial cells and neurons, which are directly engaged in the transmission of electrical signals and the processing of information. Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) can trigger inflammatory responses in glial cells, leading to various cascades of events that contribute to neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, and ultimately, AD pathogenesis. Furthermore, there are striking similarities between the biomarkers associated with AD and OPPs, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, dysregulation of microRNA, and accumulation of toxic protein aggregates, such as amyloid β. These shared markers suggest a potential mechanistic link between OPP exposure and AD pathology. In this review, we attempt to address the role of OPPs on altered cell physiology of the brain cells leading to neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress linked with AD pathogenesis.

Persistent diazinon induced neurotoxicity: The effect on inhibitory avoidance memory performance, amyloid precursor proteins, and TNF-α levels in the prefrontal cortex of rats

INTRODUCTION

Organophosphate pesticides (Ops) like diazinon (DZN) have well-known neurotoxic effects and low-level chronic exposure has been linked to detrimental neurobehavioral impairments and memory deficits. However, it's not entirely clear how DZN-induced biological changes, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) contribute to these effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of DZN exposure on inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory function, amyloid precursor expression (APP), and proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the rat cortex.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were divided into 4 groups and recived 2 mg/kg DZN for 5-days or 12-weeks and two control groups recived the same volume of vehicle. IA memory was assesed using the shuttle box apparatus. Rats were sacrificed and the prefrontal cortex PFC were removed. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to messure TNF-α, and amyloid protein precursors gene expression and protein levels.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that DZN caused body weight loss and a notable decline in performance on the IA memory. Additionally, 5-days exposure increased APP and APLP2 protein levels in the PFC, while 12-weeks exposure decreased these levels. Furthermore, expression of APP and APLP2 gens were decreased in PFC. TNF-α levels increased as a result of 5-days exposure to DZN, but these levels dropped to normal after 12-weeks administration, and this observation was significant.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, exposure to low doses of DZN leads to disturbances in IA memory performance and also alternations in amyloid beta precursors that can be related to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Could pesticide exposure be implicated in the high incidence rates of depression, anxiety and suicide in farmers? A systematic review

Pesticide exposure and poisoning may rise the risk of mental health problems and suicidal tendencies. To explore the potential connection between chronic occupational exposure to pesticides and depression, anxiety, and suicide-related outcomes in farmers, a systematic review was performed. Systematic review protocol is available in PROSPERO registration number CRD42022316285. A total of fifty-seven studies met inclusion criteria: twenty-nine on depression or other mental disorders, twelve on suicide (two of them on both depression and suicide), and fourteen on pesticide poisoning or self-poisoning and death. Among the fifty-seven selected studies, eighteen were conducted in Asia, seventeen in North America, fourteen in South America, seven in European Union, one in Africa, and one in Australia/Oceania. Selected studies demonstrated an increased prevalence of depressive disorders in farmworkers exposed to pesticides as well as an increased self-reported prevalence of depression in this population. Moreover, previous pesticide poisoning increased the risk estimates for depression or other mental disorders as compared with chronic pesticide exposure. Severe pesticide poisoning and multiple poisoning showed increased risks of depressive symptoms compared with milder cases. In addition, financial difficulties and poor health were positively correlated with depression. Among studies on suicide, nine of them found that suicide rates increased in areas devoted to agriculture with intensive pesticide consumption. Moreover, studies demonstrate a higher suicide risk among farmers. The present review suggests more attention to the farmer's mental health and more detailed studies on occupational exposure to the mixture of these compounds.

Effect of Gestational Pesticide Exposure on the Child's Respiratory System: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

In recent years, concern has arisen worldwide about the potential adverse effects that could result from early-life exposure to pesticides. Asthma, bronchitis, and persistent cough in children have been linked to gestational exposure to pesticides. The respiratory effects of gestational exposure to pesticides are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between pesticide exposure in pregnant women and its effect on the respiratory system of their children.

METHODS

A narrative review was carried out by means of a search in the main databases.

RESULTS

Findings of studies confirmed the effects of pesticides on the child's health. These substances cross the placenta and become transmitters of exposure to the individual at the most sensitive stage of her development.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic exposure to pesticides in fetuses is associated with chronic respiratory symptoms and disease.

Acute toxicity of broflanilide on neurosecretory system and locomotory behavior of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Broflanilide, a novel meta-diamide insecticide, possesses moderate acute toxicity to zebrafish, with a 96-h median lethal concentration (96-LC₅₀) of 0.76 mg/L. However, its effect on fish behavior and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. The present study evaluated the effects of broflanilide on the zebrafish brain over a 96-h exposure by comparing the histopathological changes and relative expression of targeted genes with the behavioral metrics. The results of the toxicity test showed that broflanilide could cause deformities, such as deformation of the operculum and spinal curvature, at 0.6, 0.82 and 1.15 mg/L. Results also showed tissue damage and apoptosis in the cerebellum under 0.27 and 0.6 mg/L exposure. Additionally, broflanilide affected the neurotransmitters, metabolites and transcripts of genes associated with dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid expression. and the signaling pathways in zebrafish brains at 0.60 mg/L after 1 h and 96 h of exposure, while the levels of glutamate, glutamate decarboxylase, GABA transaminase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were also inhibited at 0.27 mg/L after 96 h of exposure. The accumulated swimming distance was significantly longer and the average speed was significantly faster than the control at 0.27 and 0.6 mg/L after 1-h of exposure, while these metrics were lowered at 0.6 mg/L after 96 h of exposure. The study results demonstrates that broflanilide affects the zebrafish brain, neurotransmitters and associated fish behaviors. This study also provides deeper insight into the mechanistic understanding of the effects of broflanilide on the zebrafish brain.

Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegenerative Diseases Development Associated with Organophosphate Pesticides Exposure: a Review Study

A significant body of literature emphasizes the role of insecticide, particularly organophosphates (OPs), as the major environmental factor in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to study the relationship between OP insecticide exposure, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disease development. Human populations, especially in developing countries, are frequently exposed to OPs due to their extensive applications. The involvement of various signaling pathways in OP neurotoxicity are reported, but the OP-induced cognitive impairment and link between OP exposure and the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases are not clearly understood. In the present review, we have therefore aimed to come to new conclusions which may help to find protective and preventive strategies against OP neurotoxicity and may establish a possible link between organophosphate exposure, cognitive impairment, and OP-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, we discuss the findings obtained from animal and human research providing some support for OP-induced cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disorders.

Subchronic neurotoxicity of diazinon in albino mice: Impact of oxidative stress, AChE activity, and gene expression disturbances in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus on mood, spatial learning, and memory function

Diazinon (DZN) with prominent neurotoxic effects perturbs CNS function via multiple mechanisms. This investigation intends to explore mood, spatial learning, and memory dysfunction, acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity, and neurodegeneration-related gene expression in the cortex and hippocampus regions of mice exposed to DZN for 63 consecutive days (subchronic exposure). Adult male albino mice were orally given sublethal DZN (DZNL = 0.1 mg/kg, DZNM = 1 mg/kg and DZNH = 10 mg/kg). All mice in the DZNH group died within 3 weeks postexposure. DZNL and DZNM caused body and brain weight loss (p < 0.05). Completing 9 weeks of DZN exposure, a marked decline in AChE activity and oxidative stress level was indicated in both brain regions (p < 0.05). Also, synaptophysin, vesicular acetylcholine transferase, and glutamate decarboxylase gene expressions were affected in both brain regions (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the present study revealed that DZN administration increased anxiety and depressive-like behaviors (p < 0.0001). Spatial learning and short- and long-memory were severely affected by DZNL and DZNM treatments (p < 0.0001). Taken together, subchronic exposure to low and medium doses of DZN can cause AChE inhibition, oxidative damage, and neurotransmitter disturbances in brain cells and induce neurodegeneration. These changes would impair mood, spatial learning, and memory function.

Preparation of efficient, stable, and reusable copper-phosphotriesterase hybrid nanoflowers for biodegradation of organophosphorus pesticides

Phosphotriesterase (PTE) is considered to be a good biodegradation agent for organophosphorus pesticides. However, the instability of the free PTE limits its application. In this study, the free PTE was hybridized with copper ions (Cu²⁺) to enhance its catalytic stability and activity. The acquired particles were freeze-dried after precipitation with PO₄^3- at 4 °C for 72 h. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the Cu-PTE complexes formed flower-like nanoparticles after hybridization. The characteristic peaks of both the enzyme and metal material were revealed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that PTE was encapsulated in the Cu₃(PO₄)₂·3H₂O based hybrid nanoflowers. Compared with free PTE, the catalytic activity of Cu-PTE hybrid nanoflowers was significantly increased about 2.2 fold. The catalytic efficiency (k_cat/V_max) of Cu-PTE hybrid nanoflowers was 1.76 fold than that of free PTE. The stability of the immobilized PTE under thermal and pH conditions was improved and the tolerance of it to organic solvents was also enhanced. Moreover, the Cu-PTE hybrid nanoflowers still exhibited 72.3 % relative activity after ten consecutive reactions. In general, this is the first time to use copper based hybrid nanoflowers to immobilize PTE, and the immobilized enzyme shows excellent performance on OPs degradation. The Cu-PTE hybrid nanoflowers may have great potential in the biodegradation of organophosphorus compounds in future.

Prenatal exposure to organophosphate pesticides and brain morphology and white matter microstructure in preadolescents

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides associate with impaired neurodevelopment in humans and animal models. However, much uncertainty exists about the brain structural alterations underlying these associations. The objective of this study was to determine whether maternal OP pesticide metabolite concentrations in urine repeatedly measured during gestation are associated with brain morphology and white matter microstructure in 518 preadolescents aged 9-12 years.

METHOD

Data came from 518 mother-child pairs participating in the Generation R Study, a population-based birth cohort from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Maternal urine concentrations were determined for 6 dialkylphosphates (DAPs) including 3 dimethyl (DM) and 3 diethyl (DE) alkyl phosphate metabolites, collected at early, mid, and late pregnancy. At child's age 9-12 years, magnetic resonance imaging was performed to obtain T1-weighted images for brain volumes and surface-based cortical thickness and cortical surface area, and diffusion tensor imaging was used to measure white matter microstructure through fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). Linear regression models were fit for the averaged prenatal exposure across pregnancy.

RESULTS

DM and DE metabolite concentrations were not associated with brain volumes, cortical thickness, and cortical surface area. However, a 10-fold increase in averaged DM metabolite concentrations across pregnancy was associated with lower FA (B = -1.00, 95%CI = -1.80, -0.20) and higher MD (B = 0.13, 95%CI = 0.04, 0.21). Similar associations were observed for DE concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first evidence that OP pesticides may alter normal white matter microstructure in children, which could have consequences for normal neurodevelopment. No associations were observed with structural brain morphology, including brain volumes, cortical thickness, and cortical surface area.

Organophosphate pesticide metabolite concentrations in urine during pregnancy and offspring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autistic traits

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides has been associated with altered neuronal cell development and behavioral changes in animal offspring. However, the few studies investigating the association between prenatal OP pesticide exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autistic traits in children produced mixed findings.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to examine whether maternal urinary concentrations of OP pesticide metabolites are associated with ADHD and autistic traits in children participating in the Generation R Study, a population-based birth cohort from Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

METHOD

Maternal concentrations of 6 dialkylphosphates (DAPs) were measured using gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry in urine samples collected at <18 weeks, 18-25 weeks, and > 25 weeks of gestation in 784 mother-child pairs. DAP metabolite concentrations were expressed as molar concentrations divided by creatinine levels and log10 transformed. ADHD traits were measured at ages 3, 6, and 10 years using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) (n = 781) and autistic traits were measured at age 6 years using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) (n = 622). First, regression models were fit for the averaged prenatal exposure across pregnancy. Second, we investigated associations for each collection phase separately, and applied a mutually adjusted model in which the effect of prenatal DAP concentrations from each time period on ADHD and autistic traits were jointly estimated. All associations were adjusted for relevant confounders.

RESULTS

Median DAP metabolite concentration was 309 nmol/g creatinine at <18 weeks, 316 nmol/g creatinine at 18-25 weeks, and 308 nmol/g creatinine at >25 weeks of gestation. Overall, DAP metabolite concentrations were not associated with ADHD traits. For instance, a log10 increase in averaged total DAP concentrations across gestation was not associated with a lower ADHD score (-0.03 per SD 95 CI: -0.28 to 0.23). Similarly, no associations between maternal DAP concentrations and autistic traits were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of maternal urinary DAP metabolite concentrations during pregnancy, we did not observe associations with ADHD and autistic traits in children. These are important null observations because of the relatively high background DAP concentrations across pregnancy, the relatively large sample size, and the 10-year follow-up of the offspring. Given the measurement error inherent in our OP pesticide exposure biomarkers, future studies using more urine samples are needed to accurately measure OP pesticide exposure over pregnancy in relation to ADHD and autistic traits.

A Systematic Review on the Influences of Neurotoxicological Xenobiotic Compounds on Inhibitory Control

Background: Impulsive and compulsive traits represent a variety of maladaptive behaviors defined by the difficulties to stop an improper response and the control of a repeated behavioral pattern without sensitivity to changing contingencies, respectively. Otherwise, human beings are continuously exposed to plenty neurotoxicological agents which have been systematically linked to attentional, learning, and memory dysfunctions, both preclinical and clinical studies. Interestingly, the link between both impulsive and compulsive behaviors and the exposure to the most important xenobiotic compounds have been extensively developed; although the information has been rarely summarized. For this, the present systematic review schedule and analyze in depth the most important works relating different subtypes of the above-mentioned behaviors with 4 of the most important xenobiotic compounds: Lead (Pb), Methylmercury (MeHg), Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and Organophosphates (OP) in both preclinical and clinical models.

Methods: Systematic search strategy on PubMed databases was developed, and the most important information was structured both in text and in separate tables based on rigorous methodological quality assessment.

Results: For Lead, Methylmercury, Polychlorinated biphenyls and organophosphates, a total of 44 (31 preclinical), 34 (21), 38 (23), and 30 (17) studies were accepted for systematic synthesis, respectively. All the compounds showed an important empirical support on their role in the modulation of impulsive and, in lesser degree, compulsive traits, stronger and more solid in animal models with inconclusive results in humans in some cases (i.e., MeHg). However, preclinical and clinical studies have systematically focused on different subtypes of the above-mentioned behaviors, as well as impulsive choice or habit conformations have been rarely studied.

Discussion: The strong empirical support in preclinical studies contrasts with the lack of connection between preclinical and clinical models, as well as the different methodologies used. Further research should be focused on dissipate these differences as well as deeply study impulsive choice, decision making, risk taking, and cognitive flexibility, both in experimental animals and humans.

Anxiolytic activity of paraoxon is associated with alterations in rat brain glutamatergic system

Exposure to organophosphate (OP) compounds leads to behavioral alterations. To determine whether paraoxon has effects on anxiety, anxiety-like behaviors were assessed in paraoxon-exposed rats. Protein expression of glutamate transporters has also been measured in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Three doses of paraoxon (0.3, 0.7, or 1 mg/kg) or corn oil (vehicle) were intraperitoneally injected to adult male rats. At 14 or 28 days after exposure, behavioral tests were done using elevated plus-maze (EPM) or open field tests. Thereafter, animals were sacrificed and both hippocampi and prefrontal cortices were extracted for cholinesterase assay and western blotting. Animals treated with convulsive doses of paraoxon (0.7 and 1 mg/kg) showed an increase in percentage of time spent in open arms and percentage of open arm entries in the EPM. In the open field test, an increase in the time spent in central area was observed in rats treated with the same doses of paraoxon. These effects of paraoxon were independent of any changes in locomotor activity. There was an increase in both astrocytic glutamate transporter proteins (GLAST and GLT-1) in the hippocampus of animals treated with 0.7 and 1 mg/kg of paraoxon. In the prefrontal cortex, protein levels of the GLAST and GLT-1 increased in 0.7 and decreased in 1 mg/kg groups. Only a significant decrease in EAAC1 protein was observed in the prefrontal cortex at 14 days following exposure to 1 mg/kg of paraoxon. Collectively, this study showed that exposure to convulsive doses of paraoxon induced anxiolytic-like behaviors in both behavioral tests. This effect may be attributed to alterations of glutamate transporter proteins in the rat hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

Neurotoxicity in acute and repeated organophosphate exposure

The term organophosphate (OP) refers to a diverse group of chemicals that are found in hundreds of products worldwide. As pesticides, their most common use, OPs are clearly beneficial for agricultural productivity and the control of deadly vector-borne illnesses. However, as a consequence of their widespread use, OPs are now among the most common synthetic chemicals detected in the environment as well as in animal and human tissues. This is an increasing environmental concern because many OPs are highly toxic and both accidental and intentional exposures to OPs resulting in deleterious health effects have been documented for decades. Some of these deleterious health effects include a variety of long-term neurological and psychiatric disturbances including impairments in attention, memory, and other domains of cognition. Moreover, some chronic illnesses that manifest these symptoms such as Gulf War Illness and Aerotoxic Syndrome have (at least in part) been attributed to OP exposure. In addition to acute acetylcholinesterase inhibition, OPs may affect a number of additional targets that lead to oxidative stress, axonal transport deficits, neuroinflammation, and autoimmunity. Some of these targets could be exploited for therapeutic purposes. The purpose of this review is thus to: 1) describe the important uses of organophosphate (OP)-based compounds worldwide, 2) provide an overview of the various risks and toxicology associated with OP exposure, particularly long-term neurologic and psychiatric symptoms, 3) discuss mechanisms of OP toxicity beyond cholinesterase inhibition, 4) review potential therapeutic strategies to reverse the acute toxicity and long term deleterious effects of OPs.

Determinants of organophosphate pesticide exposure in pregnant women: A population-based cohort study in the Netherlands

Background

In the Netherlands organophosphate (OP) pesticides are frequently used for pest control in agricultural settings. Despite concerns about the potential health impacts of low-level OP pesticides exposure, particularly in vulnerable populations, the primary sources of exposure remain unclear. The present study was designed to investigate the levels of DAP metabolites concentrations across pregnancy and to examine various determinants of DAP metabolite concentrations among an urban population of women in the Netherlands.

Method

Urinary concentrations of six dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites, the main urinary metabolites of OP pesticides, were determined at < 18, 18–25, and > 25 weeks of pregnancy in 784 pregnant women participating in the Generation R Study (between 2004 and 2006), a large population-based birth cohort in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Questionnaires administered prenatally assessed demographic and lifestyle characteristics and maternal diet. Linear mixed models, with adjustment for relevant covariates, were used to estimate associations between the potential exposure determinants and DAP metabolite concentrations expressed as molar concentrations divided by creatinine levels.

Results

The median DAP metabolite concentration was 311 nmol/g creatinine for the first trimester, 317 nmol/g creatinine for the second trimester, and 310 nmol/g creatinine for the third trimester. Higher maternal age, married/living with a partner, underweight or normal weight (BMI of < 18.5 and 18.5– < 25), high education, high income, and non-smoking were associated with higher DAP metabolite concentrations, and DAP metabolite concentrations tended to be higher during the summer. Furthermore, fruit intake was associated with increased DAP metabolite concentrations. Each 100 g/d difference in fruit consumption was associated with a 7% higher total DAP metabolite concentration across pregnancy. Other food groups were not associated with higher DAP metabolite concentrations.

Conclusions

The DAP metabolite concentrations measured in the urine of pregnant women in the Netherlands were higher than those in most other studies previously conducted. Fruit intake was the main dietary source of exposure to OP pesticides in young urban women in the Netherlands. The extent to which DAP metabolite concentrations reflect exposure to the active parent pesticide rather than to less toxic metabolites remains unclear. Further research will be undertaken to investigate the possible effects of this relatively high level OP pesticides exposure on offspring health.