Relationship Between Paraoxonase-1 and Butyrylcholinesterase Activities and Nutritional Status in Mexican Children

Relationship between butyrylcholinesterase activity and lipid parameters in workers occupationally exposed to pesticides

Exposure to organophosphate pesticides (OP) has been associated with the inhibition of cholinesterase enzymatic activity, such as butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Changes in BuChE activity have been associated with obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and metabolic syndrome. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of pesticides on both BuChE and lipid parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid parameters in urban sprayers and their association with BuChE activity. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in workers exposed to pesticides. The pesticide exposures were evaluated by the measurement of urinary dialkylphosphates. BuChE activity was determined spectrophotometrically in serum, and biochemical parameters were determined at a certified laboratory. Information regarding general characteristics, lifestyle, and other aspects was obtained from a structured questionnaire. The results showed variations in glucose, cholesterol, albumin, atherogenic index, creatinine, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, and total lipids according to the level of exposure to pesticides in individuals with overweight and obesity. Furthermore, positive correlations between BuChE activity and lipid parameters were observed; these effects were associated with the body mass index. More studies are needed in human population to better elucidate the role of BuChE in lipid metabolism.

Nicotinamide reduces inflammation and oxidative stress via the cholinergic system in fructose-induced metabolic syndrome in rats

AIMS

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) have been associated with risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our objective was to evaluate the effect of nicotinamide (NAM) on the activities, expression and protein content of cholinesterases in a MetS model.

MAIN METHODS

MetS was induced in male rats administrating 40% fructose to the drinking water for 16 weeks. Additionally, from 5th week onward, the carbohydrate solution was replaced by NAM, at several concentrations for 5 h each morning for the next 12 weeks. In the 15th week, the glucose tolerance test was conducted, and blood pressure was measured. After the treatment period had concluded, the biochemical profile; oxidant stress; proinflammatory markers; and the activity, quantity and expression of cholinesterases were evaluated, and molecular docking analysis was performed.

KEY FINDINGS

The MetS group showed anthropometric, hemodynamic and biochemical alterations and increased cholinesterase activity, inflammation and stress markers. In the liver, cholinesterase activity and mRNA, free fatty acid, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) levels were increased, while reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were decreased. NAM partially or totally decreased risk factors for MetS, markers of stress and inflammation, and the activity (serum and liver) and expression (liver) of cholinesterases. Molecular docking analysis showed that NAM has a greater affinity for cholinesterases than acetylcholine (ACh), suggesting NAM as an inhibitor of cholinesterases.

SIGNIFICANCE

Supplementation with 40% fructose induced MetS, which increased the activity and expression of cholinesterases, oxidative stress and the inflammation. NAM attenuated these MetS-induced alterations and changes in cholinesterases.