The Association between Serum Malondialdehyde and Nitric Oxide Level of Children Living In Area of Chronic Pesticide Exposure

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic exposure of organophosphate pesticides is an oxidative stress that causes liver and aortic damage. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a biological marker of oxidative damage to cell lipids membrane. The liver produces insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) which stimulates the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to produce vascular nitric oxide (NO). Children who are living in those area may be exposed to pesticide chronically. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between serum MDA and NO level of children living in an area of chronic pesticide exposure.Method: Cross sectional study was conducted to 50 children aged between 8 – 10 years in agriculture areas of Brebes. Serum MDA and NO level was measured at the same time using ELISA method, data were shown on numerical scale. Statistical analysisby Pearson correlation.Result: Fifty children met the criteria, consisting of 30 males (60%) and 20 females (40%). The mean of serum MDA level in males, females, and total subjects were normal 6.03 (3.86) µg/ mL, 5.18 (2.11) µg/ mL, and 5.69 (2.60) µg/ mL, respectively. The mean of serum NO level in males, females, and total subjects were increased 79.42 (50.78) µmol/ L, 68.11 (50.81) µmol/ L, and 74.90 (50.58) µmol/ L, respectively. There was no association between serum MDA and NO level found.Conclusion: Serum NO level of children living in an area of chronic pesticide exposure was higher than normal value. However, there was no association between serum MDA and NO level found.Key words: pesticides, oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide