Cholinesterase activity, pesticide exposure and health impact in a population exposed to organophosphates.
OBJECTIVE
Biological monitoring is an essential component for assessing the exposure of individuals to organophosphate pesticides. The aim of this study was to determine cholinesterase activity, pesticide exposure and health effects in the exposed population.


METHODS
A total of 90 individuals occupationally exposed to OPs and 30 controls were recruited in this study. Erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities were measured in two periods of low- and high-exposure.


RESULTS
There were statistically significant decrease in AChE and BuChE activities in the high-exposure period (20.73 +/- 0.99 U/gHb and 3.73 +/- 0.19 U/mL, respectively, P < 0.001) compared to the low-exposure period (29.81 +/- 1.19 U/gHb and 4.92 +/- 0.19 U/mL, respectively). All enzyme activities in the exposed group were statistically lower than in the control group. Analysis of the relation between cholinesterase activity and symptoms showed significant evidences.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggested the association between occupational pesticide exposure and inhibition of cholinesterases. Thus, medical monitoring of cholinesterase inhibition and intervention programs regarding safety practices during field work are important issues aimed at minimizing adverse health effects of pesticide.
Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama VI Road, Ratchatavee District, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. rajsr@mahidol.ac.th
Sirivarasai
S
Jintana
Kaojarern
K
Sming
Yoovathaworn
Y
Krongtong
Sura
S
Thanyachai
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000097:blood; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002091:Butyrylcholinesterase / Q000097:blood; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health; D010755:Organophosphates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D010755:Organophosphates; D010575:Pesticides; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase; D002091:Butyrylcholinesterase