Journal of Environmental Biology

Oxidative stress and cholinesterase depression among farm

workers occupationally exposed to pesticides in India

M. Fareed^1,2*, C.N. Kesavachandran¹, V. Bihari¹, R. Kamal¹ and M. Kuddus³

¹Epidemiology Division, CSIR - Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow-226 001, India

²Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Al Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh-13317-4233, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

³Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, 81451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding Author E-mail: fareed.research@gmail.com

Key words

Cholinesterase depression,

Occupational exposure,

Oxidative stress,

Pesticides

Publication Data

Paper received : 16.10.2015

Revised received : 16.05.2016

Re-revised received : 25.07.2016

Accepted : 20.09.2016

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to investigate the oxidative stress and cholinesterase levels among agricultural workers occupationally exposed to various agricultural pesticides.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was performed among fifty two male pesticide sprayers of Lucknow district in India, compared with thirty control subjects. Pesticide sprayers were selected on the basis of clinical examination for acute and chronic health symptoms associated with pesticide exposure.

Results: Clinical examination of pesticide sprayers showed significant health problems (p<0.05) for different organ systems. Activities of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase were significantly depressed (p<0.05) among pesticide sprayers as compared to controls showing the exposure to pesticides among them. Activity of blood CAT was higher but not statistically significant; activity of blood GPx was significantly higher (p<0.05); blood GSH was significantly decreased (p<0.05); blood MDA level was more in pesticide sprayers as compared to control subjects, but not statistically significant. These results show the sub-clinical state of oxidative stress among pesticide sprayers.     

Interpretation: The present study showed that occupational exposure to pesticides leads to cholinesterase depression and alterations in anti-oxidant enzymes, eventually leading to oxidative stress condition.

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