Urinary Levels of Sirtuin-1, π-Glutathione S-Transferase, and Mitochondrial DNA in Maize Farmer Occupationally Exposed to Herbicide

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies have suggested an association between agrochemical exposure and risk of renal injury. Farmers face great risks to developing adverse effects. The most appropriate biomarker related to renal injury needs to be developed to encounter earlier detection. We aim to study the association between early renal biomarker and occupational herbicide exposure in maize farmers, Thailand. Sixty-four farmers were recruited and interviewed concerning demographic data, herbicide usage, and protective behavior. Two spot urines before (pre-work task) and after (post-work task) herbicide spraying were collected. To estimate the intensity of exposure, the cumulative herbicide exposure intensity index (cumulative EII) was also calculated from activities on the farm, type of personal protective equipment (PPE) use, as well as duration and frequency of exposure. Four candidate renal biomarkers including π-GST, sirtuin-1, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were measured. Most subjects were male and mostly sprayed three herbicides including glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH), paraquat, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). A type of activity in farm was mixing and spraying herbicide. Our finding demonstrated no statistical significance of all biomarker levels between pre- and post-work task urine. To compare between single and cocktail use of herbicide, there was no statistical difference in all biomarker levels between pre- and post-work task urine. However, the urinary mtDNA seems to be increased in post-work task urine. Moreover, the cumulative EII was strongly associated with change in mtDNA content in both ND-1 and COX-3 gene. The possibility of urinary mtDNA as a valuable biomarker was promising as a noninvasive benchmark for early detection of the risk of developing renal injury from herbicide exposure.

Profile and risk factors in farmer injuries: a review based on Haddon matrix and 5 E’s risk reduction strategy

“…The global use of toxic agrochemicals such as pesticides in agriculture has increased due to their cost-effectiveness, high efficiency, and easy accessibility ( 145 ). Evidence indicates that factors influence pesticide exposure levels such as duration of farm work, mixing multiple highly toxic pesticides, personal spraying habits and hygiene practices at work sites, and inadequate use of PPE ( 146–148 ). The management of toxic substance storage and regular safety education should be institutionalized through various means, such as leveraging social networks and farmer field schools.…”