Evaluation of lifestyle, biochemical and toxicological alterations in family farmers in the far west region of Santa Catarina, Brazil / Avaliação do estilo de vida, alterações bioquímicas e toxicológicas de agricultores familiares da região do extremo oeste De Santa Catarina, Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: Farmers use agricultural pesticides for crop maintenance and pest control. The exposure to these compounds generates a multitude of harmful effects to human health, causing biochemical changes. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes in pesticide intoxication markers, liver, kidney and behavioral profiles resulting from exposure to agricultural pesticides in rural workers. Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted with 34 farmers (8 women and 26 men). A quality of life questionnaire was applied and blood samples were collected for analysis of liver (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP), kidney (Urea, Creatinine) and intoxication (Cholinesterase) profile biomarkers. Data were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The renal and intoxication profile values showed no significant differences between the groups by ANOVA statistical test, however, one liver profile value (ALT) showed significant difference between the groups. It was also observed that in all groups there were values of all profiles outside the reference limits. Conclusion: The results of the study show abnormalities in the liver profile of the "Good" group, by the change in ALT reference values, possibly due to the non-use of PPE, however, there were metabolic changes in all groups, including the marker of intoxication from pesticides, which leads