Oxidative stress and cholinesterase depression among farm workers occupationally exposed to pesticides in India

Abstract

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