Male Reproductive Hormones and Thyroid Function in Pesticide Applicators in the Red River Valley of Minnesota

Abstract

In the present effort, 144 pesticide applicators and 49 urban control subjects who reported no chronic disease were studied. Applicators provided records of the season's pesticides used by product, volumes, dates, and methods of application. Blood specimens for examination of hormone levels were obtained in summer and fall. In the herbicide-only applicator group, significant increases in testosterone levels in fall compared to summer and also elevated levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the fall were noted. With respect to fungicide use, in an earlier cross-sectional epidemiologic study, data demonstrated that historic fungicide use was associated with a significant alteration of the sex ratio of children borne to applicators. As before, among current study subjects it was noted that historic fungicide use was associated with increased numbers of girls being born. Lower mean total testosterone concentrations by quartile were also correlated with increased numbers of live-born female infants. A downward summer to fall seasonal shift in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations occurred among applicators but not among controls. Farmers who had aerial application of fungicides to their land in the current season showed a significant shift in TSH values (from 1.75 to 1.11 mU/L). Subclinical hypothyroidism was noted in 5/144 applicators (TSH values >4.5 mU/L), but not in urban control subjects. Based on current and past studies, it was concluded that, in addition to pesticide exposure, individual susceptibility and perhaps economic factors may play a supporting role in the reported results.

Genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) and alterations of sex hormones in filling-station workers

“…This finding is consistent with those of other investigators who have reported that testosterone levels are significantly decreased in men exposed to chemicals such as dioxins (17) and fungicides (18). In a previous study, we reported that in the exposed-group's (male proportion) sex ratio was statistically significantly decreased (2), a finding that supported the hypothesis of James (3).…”

Pesticide induced complications among pistachio farmers: In the rural area of Rafsanjan, Iran (2010)

“…In concert with our findings Garry's and colleagues reported that among 210723 live birth in Minnesota the rate of congenital disorders in the farmers' children is higher than that among other groups (2003) and most often among children born a month after spring. Taken together it my indicate that the disorders were established at the first trimester of embryonic period which could be affected by pesticides (13,15). We also observed a lesser extending in fertility prevalence (18%) in our study population.…”

Effect on Workers’ Health Owing to Pesticides Exposure: Endocrine Target

“…Quite likely there is some interference with both the endocrine and immune systems, certainly depending on the exposure time. Similar findings came from a study of 114 herbicide application workers who had high levels of testosterone, FSH and LH, and alterations to thyroid hormone levels too (Garry et al, 2003): in the herbicide-only applicator, significant increases in testosterone levels in fall compared to summer and also elevated levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the fall were noted. Historic fungicide use was associated with a significant alteration of the sex ratio of children borne to applicators.…”

“…Female reproductive system Increased serum LH and FSH, decreased testosterone levels Padungtod et al, 1998Garry et al, 2003 …”