Biomarkers of cellular reaction to pesticide exposure in a rural population

Abstract

In the present study we report data obtained from the evaluation of subjects occupationally exposed to pesticide mixtures from Santa Fe province, Argentina, using biomarkers for butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation (by TBARS assay) and the Damage Index Comet Assay (DICA). Our results showed an AChE inhibition (25% and 15% in directly and indirectly groups, respectively) in relation to controls with no significant modifications in BChE. TBARS levels were higher (51%) in pesticide sprayers while CAT activity was reduced in both, applicators (61%) and non-applicators (43%). DICA was significantly increased in direct (83%) and indirect (98%) exposed groups, compared with controls. These results showed modifications in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defence system, and DNA damage in lymphocytes of exposed workers. Further investigations are suggested in order to link our findings with adverse health effects observed in chronic pesticide toxicity, where oxidative damage plays a pathophysiological role.

Abordagem socioambiental na enfermagem: focalizando o trabalho rural e uso de agrotóxicos

“…A study conducted in Argentina with workers who applied pesticides directly and those who did not apply, but were present at the application site, showed that these first group presented disorders (inhibition of acetylcholinesterase) at levels similar to the others (25) . In this sense, the environment takes on the meaning of social space a social ecosystem (1)(2)(3) in the structure of relationships established between living beings and physical and social environments with natural and human built features, such as the work space itself.…”

Increased cancer burden among pesticide applicators and others due to pesticide exposure

“…23,[76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91] This list is not exhaustive but highlights both established markers of pesticide exposure (such as cholinesterase activity) and emerging biomarkers (such as the ''challenge assay,'' which assesses the DNA repair capacity of cells). It should be noted that most of these biomarkers are not used in the clinic at present; however, they have usefulness in research studies that aim to determine the etiology of cancers that have been linked to agrochemical exposure.…”

Marcadores Tempranos De Daño Oxidativo Y Su Relación Con Factores De Riesgo en Una Localidad Ambientalmente Expuesta a Agroquímicos.

“…para el análisis de la poL se utilizó la téc-nica de buege y Aust (29) modificada por simoniello et al (30). Los eritrocitos se lisaron con agua desmineralizada (Milli Q, dilución 1:4) y se mezclaron con cuatro volúmenes de la solución de reacción (15% de ácido tricloroacético; 0,375% de ácido tiobarbitúrico y 0,25 mol l -1 de ácido clorhídrico) y además se agregó 4% de butilhidroxitolueno.…”