OXIDATIVE STRESS INDICES OF ORGANOPHOSPHATES PESTICIDES AMONG AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AT MIT-GHAMR DISTRICT, EGYPT

Background: Organophosphates pesticides (OPs) exert their toxicity on the body through inhibition of Cholinesterase Enzyme (ChE) in the nerve and muscle tissues. Inhibition of cholinesterase itself cannot account for the wide range of disorders that have been reported following OPs exposure as oxidative stress has been implicated as one of the mechanisms for the adverse health effects of OPs exposure.
Aim of the study: To study oxidative stress among agricultural workers through assessment of blood level of Butyl Choline Esterase enzyme (BuChE), as an indicator of exposure to OPs, assessment of blood level of Malondialdehyde (MDA), as an indicator of oxidative stress, and erythrocyte activity of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), as an indicator of antioxidant activity and identification of occupational and personal risk factors that may be associated with oxidative stress among agricultural workers.
Subjects and methods: A comparative cross sectional study was conducted among 48 agricultural workers exposed to OPs and 48 subjects non-exposed to OPs. Both two groups were subjected to a structured questionnaire included questions about Socio-demographic and Occupational history, followed by laboratory investigations to measure BuChE, MDA and SOD.
Results: This study showed that the median level of MDA was significantly higher among exposed group compared to non-exposed group, while the median levels of BuChE and SOD were significantly lower among exposed group compared to non-exposed group. The level of BuChE, MDA and SOD were significantly correlated with each other and with work duration (years), number of worked hours/day, hours of spraying pesticides/day. Non-usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and lack of washing facilities increased the risk of abnormal MDA and SOD. Duration of work (years) and number of worked hours / day were the significant predictors for abnormal oxidative indices.
Conclusion: The study concluded that exposure to OPs can induce abnormal oxidative stress indices among agricultural workers. So, it is recommended to do regular screening of agricultural workers, design strategies that can reduce pesticide exposure, provide PPE all time and encourage workers to take antioxidants regularly.