Increased Serum Level of 8-Hydroxy-2’-Deoxyguanosine may be an Indication of Pesticides Induced DNA Damage among Indian Farmers

Abstract

The aim of the present hospital based study is to assess the serum levels of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) among 152 subjects. A total of 152 subjects, categorized into 3 groups: (i) pesticides exposed group (N=60), (ii) pesticide un-exposed group (N=42) and (iii) healthy controls group (N=50) were recruited for the study following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The blood was drawn from the eligible subjects and Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) was performed to assess the 8-OHdG levels in serum. Appropriate statistical methods were used to analyse the study data. Assessment showed that pesticides exposed group has higher levels of serum 8-OHdG as compared to un-exposed group and healthy controls. Age and duration of exposure had an impact on the levels of serum 8-OHdG.The higher serum levels of 8-OHdG may be a marker for pesticides-induced oxidative DNA damage. Key words: pesticides; exposure; oxidative stress; 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).