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Chronic pain in Chile: first prevalence report of noncancer chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain and its associated factors. Pain 2023:00006396-990000000-00262. [PMID: 36893316 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although we know chronic pain (CP) affects approximately 30% of people in developed countries, data from Latin America are scarce. Moreover, prevalence of specific CP conditions, such as chronic noncancer pain (CNCP), fibromyalgia (FM), and neuropathic pain (NP), is unknown. To estimate them in Chile, we prospectively enrolled 1945 participants (61.4% women and 38.6% men), aged 38 to 74 years, from an agricultural town who answered a Pain Questionnaire, the Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire, and Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) to identify CNCP, FM, and NP, respectively. The estimated prevalence of CNCP was 34.7% (95% CI 32.6; 36.8), with an average duration of 32.3 months (SD ± 56.3), producing deep impairments in daily activities, sleep, and mood. We estimated a prevalence of 3.3% for FM (95% CI 2.5; 4.1) and 12% for NP (95% CI 10.6; 13.4). Female sex, fewer school years, and depressive symptoms were associated with FM and NP, whereas diabetes was only associated with NP. We standardized the results from our sample against the whole Chilean population and found no significant difference to our crude estimates. This is in line with studies from developed countries, highlighting the idea that despite genetic and environmental differences, the conditions that confer risk to CNCP remain stable.
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Thammachai A, Sapbamrer R, Rohitrattana J, Tongprasert S, Hongsibsong S, Wangsan K. Effects of urinary of organophosphate metabolites on nerve conduction and neurobehavioral performance among farmers in northern Thailand. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:38794-38809. [PMID: 36586021 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24955-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Farmers are regarded as a high-risk population for pesticide exposure because of the frequency of their occupational exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides. The purposes of this study were 1) to compare urinary OP metabolites, nerve conduction, and neurobehavioral (NB) performance between farmers and a control group, as well as between baseline measurement and after spraying OP pesticides; 2) to investigate the factors associated with increased urinary OP metabolites after spraying OP pesticides; and 3) to investigate the effects of OP metabolites on changes in nerve conduction and NB performance after spraying OP pesticides. This study was conducted with a sample size of 71 farmers and a control group of 26. The findings showed that after spraying OP pesticides total dialkylphosphate (DAP) levels were significantly higher than baseline levels. Multiple linear regression showed that increased urinary OP metabolites among farmers after spraying pesticides were negatively associated with wearing a mask when spraying OP pesticides and positively associated with the number of years of farm work and type of sprayer equipment. The results also showed a positive association between the increased urinary total diethylphosphate (DEP) levels and the decreased amplitude of motor nerve conduction. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between increased urinary total DEP and decreased right amplitude of sympathetic skin response (SSR). An increase in urinary total DMP was positively associated with a decrease in raw score and a standard score of visual-motor integration (VMI). Our findings provide evidence that exposure to OP pesticides can cause a deficit in nerve conduction and NB performance in farmers. These findings may contribute to the early detection of neurological disease and inform strategies to prevent damage to the peripheral and central nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajchamon Thammachai
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Muang District, Thailand
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, 19 Mae Ka Subdistrict, Phayao, 56000, Muang District, Thailand
| | - Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Muang District, Thailand.
| | - Juthasiri Rohitrattana
- Center for Safety, Health and Environment of Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Siam Tongprasert
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Muang District, Thailand
| | - Surat Hongsibsong
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sriphum Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Muang District, Thailand
| | - Kampanat Wangsan
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Muang District, Thailand
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OUP accepted manuscript. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:1044-1055. [DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Sibomana I, Rohan JG, Mattie DR. 21-Day dermal exposure to aircraft engine oils: effects on esterase activities in brain and liver tissues, blood, plasma, and clinical chemistry parameters for Sprague Dawley rats. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2021; 84:357-388. [PMID: 33380269 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2020.1867680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This dermal study tested the potential toxicity of grade 3 (G3) and 4 (G4) organophosphate-containing aircraft engine oils in both new (G3-N, G4-N) and used states (G3-U, G4-U) to alter esterase activities in blood, brain and liver tissues, clinical chemistry parameters, and electrophysiology of hippocampal neurons. A 300 µl volume of undiluted oil was applied in Hill Top Chamber Systems®, then attached to fur-free test sites on backs of male and female Sprague Dawley rats for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 21 days. Recovery rats received similar treatments and kept for 14 days post-exposure to screen for reversibility, persistence, or delayed occurrence of toxicity. In brain, both versions of G3 and G4 significantly decreased (32-41%) female acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity while in males only G3-N and G4-N reduced (33%) AChE activity. Oils did not markedly affect AChE in liver, regardless of gender. In whole blood, G3-U decreased female AChE (29%) which persisted during recovery (32%). G4-N significantly lowered (29%) butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in male plasma, but this effect was resolved during recovery. For clinical chemistry indices, only globulin levels in female plasma significantly increased following G3-N or G4-N exposure. Preliminary electrophysiology data suggested that effects of both versions of G3 and G4 on hippocampal function may be gender dependent. Aircraft maintenance workers may be at risk if precautions are not taken to minimize long-term aircraft oil exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaie Sibomana
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, USA
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711 Human Performance Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, USA
| | - Joyce G Rohan
- Environmental Health Effects Laboratory, Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton (NAMRU-D), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, USA
| | - David R Mattie
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711 Human Performance Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, USA
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Pesticides, cognitive functions and dementia: A review. Toxicol Lett 2020; 326:31-51. [PMID: 32145396 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pesticides are widely-used chemicals commonly applied in agriculture for the protection of crops from pests. Depending on the class of pesticides, the specific substances may have a specific set of adverse effects on humans, especially in cases of acute poisoning. In past years, evidence regarding sequelae of chronic, low-level exposure has been accumulating. Cognitive impairment and dementia heavily affect a person's quality of life and scientific data has been hinting towards an association between them and antecedent chronic pesticide exposure. Here, we reviewed animal and human studies exploring the association between pesticide exposure, cognition and dementia. Additionally, we present potential mechanisms through which pesticides may act neurotoxically and lead to neurodegeneration. Study designs rarely presented homogeneity and the estimation of the exposure to pesticides has been most frequently performed without measuring the synergic effects and the possible interactions between the toxicants within mixtures, and also overlooking low exposures to environmental toxicants. It is possible that a Real-Life Risk Simulation approach would represent a robust alternative for future studies, so that the safe exposure limits and the net risk that pesticides confer to impaired cognitive function can be examined. Previous studies that evaluated the effect of low dose chronic exposure to mixtures of pesticides and other chemicals intending to simulate real life exposure scenarios showed that hormetic neurobehavioral effects can appear after mixture exposure at doses considered safe for individual compounds and these effects can be exacerbated by a coexistence with specific conditions such as vitamin deficiency. However, there is an overall indication, derived from both epidemiologic and laboratory evidence, supporting an association between exposure to neurotoxic pesticides and cognitive dysfunction, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
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Daghagh Yazd S, Wheeler SA, Zuo A. Key Risk Factors Affecting Farmers' Mental Health: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4849. [PMID: 31810320 PMCID: PMC6926562 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, concern has increased globally over farmers' mental health issues. We present a systematic review of the outcomes, locations, study designs, and methods of current studies on farmers' mental health. In particular, this review aims to fill an important gap in understanding of the potential key risk factors affecting farmers' mental health around the world. 167 articles on farmer mental health were included in a final systematic review using a standardized electronic literature search strategy and PRISMA guidelines. The four most-cited influences on farmers' mental health in the reviewed literature respectively were pesticide exposure, financial difficulties, climate variabilities/drought, and poor physical health/past injuries. The majority of studies were from developed countries, most specifically from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Comparative studies on the mental health of farmers and other occupational workers showed mixed results, with a larger portion identifying that psychological health disturbances were more common in farmers and farm-workers. Knowledge of farmer psychological disorder risk factors and its impacts are essential for reducing the burden of mental illness. Further research will be required on climate change impacts, developing country farmers' mental health, and information on how to reduce help-seeking barriers amongst farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Ann Wheeler
- Centre for Global Food and Resources, Faculty of Professions, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (S.D.Y.); (A.Z.)
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Wang W, Liu B, Duan X, Feng X, Wang T, Wang P, Ding M, Liu S, Li L, Liu J, Tang L, Niu X, Zhang Y, Li G, Yao W, Yang Y. Telomere length in workers was effected by omethoate exposure and interaction between smoking and p21 polymorphisms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2019; 54:948-953. [PMID: 31405322 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2019.1652074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Omethoate is an organophosphorus pesticide that poses a major health hazard, especially DNA damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting telomere length in workers exposed to omethoate by analyzing the interaction between cell cycle gene polymorphism and environmental factors. The exposure group consisted of 118 workers exposed to omethoate for 8-10 years, the control group comprised 115 healthy people without occupational toxicant exposure history. The telomere length of genomic DNA from peripheral blood leucocyte was determined with real-time PCR. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to detect the polymorphisms in p53, p21 and MDM2 gene. The telomere length in the (CA + AA) genotypes for p21 rs1801270 polymorphism was longer than that in the CC genotype in control group (P = 0.015). The generalized linear model analysis indicated the interaction of the p21 rs1801270 polymorphic (CA + AA) genotypes and smoking has a significant effect on telomere length (β = -0.258, P = 0.085). The prolongation of telomere length in omethoate-exposed workers was associated with genotypes (CA + AA) of p21 rs1801270, and interactions of (CA + AA) genotypes and smoking factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Health Inspection of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoran Duan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Feng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tuanwei Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengpeng Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingcui Ding
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Suxiang Liu
- Department of Zhengzhou, Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Zhengzhou, Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junling Liu
- Department of Zhengzhou, Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lixia Tang
- Department of Zhengzhou, Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Niu
- Department of Zhengzhou, Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- Department of Zhengzhou, Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guoyu Li
- Department of Zhengzhou, Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wu Yao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongli Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Khan N, Kennedy A, Cotton J, Brumby S. A Pest to Mental Health? Exploring the Link between Exposure to Agrichemicals in Farmers and Mental Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1327. [PMID: 31013861 PMCID: PMC6517992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The current literature acknowledges that occupational exposures can adversely affect mental health. This review seeks to elucidate the current understanding of the effect of agrichemical exposure on mental health in the agricultural sector, including low-dose, chronic pesticide exposure. This scoping review adopted a snowballing and saturation approach. The review highlights inconsistencies in linking poor mental health and pesticide use. While some studies specifically showed that both high- and low-dose pesticide exposure were associated with poor mental health, consistent and rigorous research methods are lacking. The review also proposes terms to delineate exposure types described in the literature. The review outcomes direct efforts to protect the health, wellbeing and safety of farming communities across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nufail Khan
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
- National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service, Hamilton, VIC 3300, Australia.
| | - Alison Kennedy
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
- National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service, Hamilton, VIC 3300, Australia.
| | - Jacqueline Cotton
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
- National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service, Hamilton, VIC 3300, Australia.
| | - Susan Brumby
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
- National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service, Hamilton, VIC 3300, Australia.
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Chetty-Mhlanga S, Basera W, Fuhrimann S, Probst-Hensch N, Delport S, Mugari M, Van Wyk J, Röösli M, Dalvie MA. A prospective cohort study of school-going children investigating reproductive and neurobehavioral health effects due to environmental pesticide exposure in the Western Cape, South Africa: study protocol. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:857. [PMID: 29996806 PMCID: PMC6042376 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5783-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on reproductive health effects on children from low-level, long-term exposure to pesticides currently used in the agricultural industry is limited and those on neurobehavioral effects have produced conflicting evidence. We aim at investigating the association between pesticide exposure on the reproductive health and neurobehavior of children in South Africa, by including potential relevant co-exposures from the use of electronic media and maternal alcohol consumption. METHODS The design entails a prospective cohort study with a follow-up duration of 2 years starting in 2017, including 1000 school going children between the ages of 9 to 16 years old. Children are enrolled with equal distribution in sex and residence on farms and non-farms in three different agricultural areas (mainly apple, table grapes and wheat farming systems) in the Western Cape, South Africa. The neurobehavior primary health outcome of cognitive functioning was measured through the iPad-based CAmbridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) including domains for attention, memory, and processing speed. The reproductive health outcomes include testicular size in boys and breast size in girls assessed in a physical examination, and blood samples to detect hormone levels and anthropometric measurements. Information on pesticide exposure, co-exposures and relevant confounders are obtained through structured questionnaire interviews with the children and their guardians. Environmental occurrence of pesticides will be determined while using a structured interview with farm owners and review of spraying records and collection of passive water and air samples in all three areas. Pesticide metabolites will be analysed in urine and hair samples collected from the study subjects every 4 months starting at baseline. DISCUSSION The inclusion of three different agricultural areas will yield a wide range of pesticide exposure situations. The prospective longitudinal design is a further strength of this study to evaluate the reproductive and neurobehavioural effects of different pesticides on children. This research will inform relevant policies and regulatory bodies to improve the health, safety and learning environments for children and families in agricultural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shala Chetty-Mhlanga
- Centre for Environment and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
- Swiss Tropical Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wisdom Basera
- Centre for Environment and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Centre for Environment and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Steven Delport
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mufaro Mugari
- Centre for Environment and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
- Hair and Skin Research Laboratory, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Van Wyk
- Centre for Environment and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
- Hair and Skin Research Laboratory, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Environment and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa
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Duan X, Yang Y, Wang S, Feng X, Wang T, Wang P, Liu S, Li L, Li G, Yao W, Cui L, Wang W. Cross-sectional associations between genetic polymorphisms in metabolic enzymes and longer leukocyte telomere length induced by omethoate. Oncotarget 2017; 8:80638-80644. [PMID: 29113331 PMCID: PMC5655226 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to explore the effects of genetic polymorphisms in metabolic enzymes on relative telomere length changes and explore the mechanism of canceration induced by omethoate. Materials and Methods 180 long-term omethoate-exposed workers and 115 healthy controls were recruited. Real-time PCR method was applied to determine the relative telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes DNA, and Six polymorphic loci of GSTT1(+/−), GSTM1(+/−), GSTP1 rs1695, CYP2E1 rs6413432, CYP2E1 rs3813867 and PON2 rs12026 were detected by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method; Multiple linear regression was conducted to explore the effects of omethoate exposure and genetic polymorphisms on the telomere length. Results The relative telomere lengths in the control group (0.94 [0.76, 1.32]) were significantly shorter than that in the exposure group (1.50 [1.11, 2.57]) (Z = 7.910, P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that the relative telomere lengths of the GSTM1-deletion individuals were significantly longer than that of the non - deletion genotype in the control group (Z = 2.911, P = 0.004), and the relative telomere lengths of GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism locus (GG+AG) genotype individuals were longer than that of AA genotype in the exposure group. The difference was statistically significant (Z = 2.262, P = 0.024). Multivariate analysis found that pesticide-exposure (b = 0.524, P < 0.001) and GSTM1 polymorphism (b = −0.136, P = 0.029) had an impact on telomere length. Conclusions The relative telomere lengths of omethoate-exposure workers were longer than that in the control population. Also GSTM1 genetic polymorphism may influence the changes of the telomere length induced by omethoate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Duan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongli Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sihua Wang
- Department of Occupational Health, Henan Institute for Occupational Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Feng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tuanwei Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengpeng Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Suxiang Liu
- Clinical Department, Zhengzhou Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Li
- Clinical Department, Zhengzhou Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guoyu Li
- Clinical Department, Zhengzhou Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wu Yao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liuxin Cui
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Duan X, Yang Y, Wang S, Feng X, Wang T, Wang P, Liu S, Li L, Yao W, Cui L, Wang W. Changes in the expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation and the relative telomere length in the process of canceration induced by omethoate. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317719782. [PMID: 28718371 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317719782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Organophosphorous pesticides (OPs), with high efficiency, broad-spectrum and low residue, are widely used in China. Omethoate is a broad category of organophosphorous pesticides and is more domestically utilized which has chronic toxic effect on human health caused by long-term, low-dose exposure to Ops, recently its potential genotoxicity has attracted wide attention which can cause chromosomal DNA damage. Thus, the aim of this study is screen susceptible biomarkers and explore the mechanism of canceration induced by omethoate. 180 long-term organophosphorus pesticide-exposed workers and 115 healthy controls were recruited. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was applied to determine the relative telomere length in peripheral lymphocyte DNA as well as p53 and p21 gene expression levels. Genetic polymorphisms were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Multiple linear regression was conducted to explore the effects of exposure, expression levels, and polymorphisms in genes on the telomere length. The results showed the relative telomere lengths in the exposure group were significantly longer than that in the control group. The messenger RNA expression levels of p53 and p21 in exposure group were significantly lower than that in the control group; telomere lengths of the CA genotype individuals of p21 rs1801270 polymorphism locus were significantly longer than that of the CC genotype in the control group that were estimated using the Bonferroni method; and bivariate correlation analysis showed that the messenger RNA expression level of gene p53 was negatively correlated with telomere length, and the messenger RNA expression level of gene p21 was positively correlated with telomere length. Multivariate analysis found that p53 messenger RNA and p21 messenger RNA had an impact on telomere length. These results demonstrated that the messenger RNA expression levels of p53 and p21 may have a relationship with the changes in telomere length induced by omethoate and provided strong evidence for the mechanism of canceration induced by poison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Duan
- 1 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongli Yang
- 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sihua Wang
- 3 Department of Occupational Health, Henan Institute of Occupational Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Feng
- 1 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tuanwei Wang
- 1 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengpeng Wang
- 1 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Suxiang Liu
- 4 Clinical Department, Zhengzhou Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Li
- 4 Clinical Department, Zhengzhou Institute of Occupational Health, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wu Yao
- 1 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liuxin Cui
- 1 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- 1 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Chao LL, Abadjian LR, Esparza IL, Reeb R. Insomnia Severity, Subjective Sleep Quality, and Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Veterans With Gulf War Illness. Mil Med 2016; 181:1127-34. [PMID: 27612364 PMCID: PMC5459361 DOI: 10.7205/milmed-d-15-00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that sleep disturbances are common in veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI), there has been a paucity of published sleep studies in this veteran population to date. Therefore, the present study examined subjective sleep quality (assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), insomnia severity (assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index), and risk for obstructive sleep apnea (assessed with the STOP questionnaire) in 98 Gulf War veterans. Veterans with GWI, defined either by the Kansas or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, had greater risk for obstructive sleep apnea (i.e., higher STOP scores) than veterans without GWI. This difference persisted even after accounting for potentially confounding demographic (e.g., age, gender) and clinical variables. Veterans with GWI, defined by either the Kansas or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, also had significantly greater insomnia severity and poorer sleep quality than veterans without GWI (p < 0.05), even after accounting for potentially confounding variables. Furthermore, there were significant, positive correlations between insomnia severity, subjective sleep quality, and GWI symptom severity (p ≤ 0.01). In stepwise linear regression models, insomnia severity significantly predicted GWI status over and above demographic and clinical variables. Together these findings provide good rationale for treating sleep disturbances in the management of GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda L Chao
- Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Francisco VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street (114M), San Francisco, CA 94121
| | - Linda R Abadjian
- Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Francisco VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street (114M), San Francisco, CA 94121
| | - Iva L Esparza
- Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Francisco VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street (114M), San Francisco, CA 94121
| | - Rosemary Reeb
- Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Francisco VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street (114M), San Francisco, CA 94121
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13
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Vester A, Caudle WM. The Synapse as a Central Target for Neurodevelopmental Susceptibility to Pesticides. TOXICS 2016; 4:toxics4030018. [PMID: 29051423 PMCID: PMC5606656 DOI: 10.3390/toxics4030018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The developmental period of the nervous system is carefully orchestrated and highly vulnerable to alterations. One crucial factor of a properly-functioning nervous system is the synapse, as synaptic signaling is critical for the formation and maturation of neural circuits. Studies show that genetic and environmental impacts can affect diverse components of synaptic function. Importantly, synaptic dysfunction is known to be associated with neurologic and psychiatric disorders, as well as more subtle cognitive, psychomotor, and sensory defects. Given the importance of the synapse in numerous domains, we wanted to delineate the effects of pesticide exposure on synaptic function. In this review, we summarize current epidemiologic and molecular studies that demonstrate organochlorine, organophosphate, and pyrethroid pesticide exposures target the developing synapse. We postulate that the synapse plays a central role in synaptic vulnerability to pesticide exposure during neurodevelopment, and the synapse is a worthy candidate for investigating more subtle effects of chronic pesticide exposure in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Vester
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - W Michael Caudle
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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14
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Ghimire SR, Parajuli S. Chronic organophosphate-induced neuropsychiatric disorder: a case report. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2016; 12:275-7. [PMID: 26893566 PMCID: PMC4745950 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s91673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic organophosphate (OP)-induced neuropsychiatric disorder is a rare condition following prolonged exposure to OP compounds. Due to the lack of valid diagnostic tools and criteria, very few cases are seen in clinical practice and are often misdiagnosed. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment that may increase the risk of morbidity or suicidality. In this paper, we present the case of a 35-year-old male who needed support in breathing from a mechanical ventilator and developed neuropsychiatric behavioral problems following ingestion of OP compounds, which lead to suicidality. The patient was treated by the psychiatric team with antipsychotic and antidepressants and improved following the regular use of medication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarita Parajuli
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kathmandu National Medical College, Anamnagar, Kathmandu, Nepal
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15
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Muñoz-Quezada MT, Lucero BA, Iglesias VP, Muñoz MP, Cornejo CA, Achu E, Baumert B, Hanchey A, Concha C, Brito AM, Villalobos M. Chronic exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides and neuropsychological functioning in farm workers: a review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 22:68-79. [PMID: 27128815 PMCID: PMC4894272 DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2015.1123848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated that acute poisoning from exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides in agricultural workers causes adverse health effects. However, neuropsychological and cognitive effects of chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides remain controversial. OBJECTIVE To identify, evaluate, and systematize existing evidence regarding chronic exposure to OP pesticides and neuropsychological effects in farmworkers. METHODS Using the PubMed search engine, a systematic review process was implemented and replicated according to the PRISMA statement. Eligibility criteria included workers over 18 years of age exposed to OP pesticides as well as assessment of neuropsychological and cognitive functioning. Search terms were in English and Spanish languages and included organophosphate and workers. RESULTS Of the search results, 33 of 1,256 articles meet eligibility criteria. Twenty-four studies found an association between chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides and low neuropsychological performance in workers. We classified nine of the studies to have study design limitations. Studies indicated occupational exposure to OP pesticides is linked to difficulties in executive functions, psychomotor speed, verbal, memory, attention, processing speed, visual-spatial functioning, and coordination. Nine studies find no relationship between OP pesticides exposure and neuropsychological performance. CONCLUSIONS Overall, evidence suggests an association between chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides and neuropsychological effects. However, there is no consensus about the specific cognitive skills affected.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - María Pía Muñoz
- School of Public Health, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Eduardo Achu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Brittney Baumert
- College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Arianna Hanchey
- College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Carlos Concha
- Regional Secretary of Ministry of Health, Talca, Chile
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16
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Tshala-Katumbay D, Mwanza JC, Rohlman DS, Maestre G, Oriá RB. A global perspective on the influence of environmental exposures on the nervous system. Nature 2015; 527:S187-92. [PMID: 26580326 PMCID: PMC4772865 DOI: 10.1038/nature16034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Economic transitions in the era of globalization warrant a fresh look at the neurological risks associated with environmental change. These are driven by industrial expansion, transfer and mobility of goods, climate change and population growth. In these contexts, risk of infectious and non-infectious diseases are shared across geographical boundaries. In low- and middle-income countries, the risk of environmentally mediated brain disease is augmented several fold by lack of infrastructure, poor health and safety regulations, and limited measures for environmental protection. Neurological disorders may occur as a result of direct exposure to chemical and/or non-chemical stressors, including but not limited to, ultrafine particulate matters. Individual susceptibilities to exposure-related diseases are modified by genetic, epigenetic and metagenomic factors. The existence of several uniquely exposed populations, including those in the areas surrounding the Niger Delta or north western Amazon oil operations; those working in poorly regulated environments, such as artisanal mining industries; or those, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, relying on cassava as a staple food, offers invaluable opportunities to advance the current understanding of brain responses to environmental challenges. Increased awareness of the brain disorders that are prevalent in low- and middle-income countries and investments in capacity for further environmental health-related research are positive steps towards improving human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desire Tshala-Katumbay
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health &Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA.,National Institute of Biomedical Research, 1197 Kinshasa I, Congo.,Department of Neurology, University of Kinshasa, 825 Kinshasa XI, Congo
| | - Jean-Claude Mwanza
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Diane S Rohlman
- Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa 52242, USA.,Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Gladys Maestre
- G. H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Reinaldo B Oriá
- Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60020, Brazil
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17
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Hu R, Huang X, Huang J, Li Y, Zhang C, Yin Y, Chen Z, Jin Y, Cai J, Cui F. Long- and short-term health effects of pesticide exposure: a cohort study from China. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128766. [PMID: 26042669 PMCID: PMC4456378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pesticides are extensively used by farmers in China. However, the effects of pesticides on farmers’ health have not yet been systematically studied. This study evaluated the effects of pesticides exposure on hematological and neurological indicators over 3 years and 10 days respectively. A cohort of 246 farmers was randomly selected from 3 provinces (Guangdong, Jiangxi, and Hebei) in China. Two rounds of health investigations, including blood tests and neurological examinations, were conducted by medical doctors before and after the crop season in 2012. The data on pesticide use in 2009–2011 were collected retrospectively via face-to-face interviews and the 2012 data were collected from personal records maintained by participants prospectively. Ordinary least square (OLS), Probit, and fixed effect models were used to evaluate the relationship between pesticides exposure frequency and the health indicators. Long-term pesticide exposure was found to be associated with increased abnormality of nerve conductions, especially in sensory nerves. It also affected a wide spectrum of health indicators based on blood tests and decreased the tibial nerve compound muscle action potential amplitudes. Short-term health effects included alterations in complete blood count, hepatic and renal functions, and nerve conduction velocities and amplitudes. However, these effects could not be detected after 3 days following pesticide exposure. Overall, our results demonstrate that pesticide exposure adversely affects blood cells, the liver, and the peripheral nervous system. Future studies are needed to elucidate the specific effects of each pesticide and the mechanisms of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifa Hu
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (RH); (XH); (JH)
| | - Xusheng Huang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (RH); (XH); (JH)
| | - Jikun Huang
- Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (RH); (XH); (JH)
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhong Yin
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhong Jin
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Jinyang Cai
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Cui
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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18
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Ramírez-Santana M, Zúñiga L, Corral S, Sandoval R, Scheepers PTJ, Van der Velden K, Roeleveld N, Pancetti F. Assessing biomarkers and neuropsychological outcomes in rural populations exposed to organophosphate pesticides in Chile--study design and protocol. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:116. [PMID: 25881174 PMCID: PMC4358855 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1463-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health effects of pesticides are easily diagnosed when acute poisonings occurs, nevertheless, consequences from chronic exposure can only be observed when neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative or oncologic pathologies appear. Therefore, early monitoring of this type of exposure is especially relevant to avoid the consequences of pathologies previously described; especially concerning workers exposed to pesticides on the job. For acute organophosphate pesticides (OPP) exposure, two biomarkers have been validated: plasma cholinesterase (ChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from erythrocytes. These enzymes become inhibited when people are exposed to high doses of organophosphate pesticides, along with clear signs and symptoms of acute poisoning; therefore, they do not serve to identify risk from chronic exposure. This study aims to assess a novel biomarker that could reflect neuropsychological deterioration associated with long-term exposure to organophosphate pesticides via the enzyme acylpeptide-hydrolase (ACPH), which has been recently identified as a direct target of action for some organophosphate compounds. Methods/Design Three population groups were recruited during three years (2011–2013): Group I having no exposure to pesticides, which included people living in Chilean coastal areas far from farms (external control); Group II included those individuals living within the rural and farming area (internal control) but not occupationally exposed to pesticides; and Group III living in rural areas, employed in agricultural labour and having had direct contact with pesticides for more than five years. Blood samples to assess biomarkers were taken and neuropsychological evaluations carried out seasonally; in three time frames for the occupationally exposed group (before, during and after fumigation period); in two time frames for internal control group (before and during fumigation), and only once for the external controls. Neuropsychological evaluations considered cognitive functions, affectivity and psychomotor activity. The biomarkers measured included ChE, AChE and ACPH. Statistical analysis and mathematical modelling used both laboratory results and neuropsychological testing outcomes in order to assess whether ACPH would be acceptable as biomarker for chronic exposure to OPP. Discussion This study protocol has been implemented successfully during the time frames mentioned above for seasons 2011, 2012 and 2013–2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Ramírez-Santana
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica del Norte, Calle Larrondo 1281, Postal Code 1780000, Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Liliana Zúñiga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica del Norte, Calle Larrondo 1281, Postal Code 1780000, Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Sebastián Corral
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica del Norte, Calle Larrondo 1281, Postal Code 1780000, Coquimbo, Chile. .,Psychology Department, FACSO, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Rodrigo Sandoval
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica del Norte, Calle Larrondo 1281, Postal Code 1780000, Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Paul T J Scheepers
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Koos Van der Velden
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Nel Roeleveld
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Pedatrics, Radboudumc Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud university medical center, Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Floria Pancetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica del Norte, Calle Larrondo 1281, Postal Code 1780000, Coquimbo, Chile.
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19
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Meyer-Baron M, Knapp G, Schäper M, van Thriel C. Meta-analysis on occupational exposure to pesticides--neurobehavioral impact and dose-response relationships. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 136:234-45. [PMID: 25460642 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
While the health impact of high exposures to pesticides is acknowledged, the impact of chronic exposures in the absence of acute poisonings is controversial. A systematic analysis of dose-response relationships is still missing. Its absence may provoke alternative explanations for altered performances. Consequently, opportunities for health prevention in the occupational and environmental field may be missed. Objectives were (1) quantification of the neurotoxic impact of pesticides by an analysis of functional alterations in workers measured by neuropsychological performance tests, (2) estimates of dose-response relationships on the basis of exposure duration, and (3) exploration of susceptible subgroups. The meta-analysis employed a random effects model to obtain overall effects for individual performance tests. Twenty-two studies with a total of 1758 exposed and 1260 reference individuals met the inclusion criteria. At least three independent outcomes were available for twenty-six performance variables. Significant performance effects were shown in adults and referred to both cognitive and motor performances. Effect sizes ranging from dRE=-0.14 to dRE=-0.67 showed consistent outcomes for memory and attention. Relationships between effect sizes and exposure duration were indicated for individual performance variables and the total of measured performances. Studies on adolescents had to be analyzed separately due to numerous outliers. The large variation among outcomes hampered the analysis of the susceptibility in this group, while data on female workers was too scant for the analysis. Relationships exist between the impact of pesticides on performances and exposure duration. A change in test paradigms would help to decipher the impact more specifically. The use of biomarkers appropriate for lower exposures would allow a better prevention of neurotoxic effects due to occupational and environmental exposure. Intervention studies in adolescents seem warranted to specify their risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Meyer-Baron
- IfADo - Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Research Group: Neurotoxicology and Chemosensation, Ardeystr. 67, D-44139 Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Guido Knapp
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Statistics, Vogelpothsweg 87, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael Schäper
- IfADo - Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Research Group: Neurotoxicology and Chemosensation, Ardeystr. 67, D-44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christoph van Thriel
- IfADo - Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Research Group: Neurotoxicology and Chemosensation, Ardeystr. 67, D-44139 Dortmund, Germany
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20
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Boostani R, Mellat A, Afshari R, Derakhshan S, Saeedi M, Rafeemanesh E, Mellat M. Delayed polyneuropathy in farm sprayers due to chronic low dose pesticide exposure. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2014; 16:e5072. [PMID: 25031861 PMCID: PMC4082521 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.5072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2012] [Revised: 02/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of organophosphates (OPs) in developing countries is rising in large quantities and non-secure methods. This problem not only causes acute poisoning but also may lead to chronic diseases such as polyneuropathy. In Iran, 60% of pesticides are organophosphate compounds that may lead to delayed polyneuropathy. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the current study was to evaluate delayed polyneuropathy in farm sprayers due to chronic low dose pesticide exposure. PATIENTS AND METHODS In our cross-sectional study, non-randomized sampling method was performed and 100 farm sprayers (cases) and 100 hospital personnel (controls) after precise systemic and neurological examination were recruited to this study from June 2011 to august 2011. The nerve conduction studies were performed and these indices were recorded: Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP), amplitude and Distal Latency (DL) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) of common peroneal nerve, Peak Latency (PL) and amplitude of Sensory Nerve Action Potential (SNAP) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) of sural and radial sensory nerves. RESULTS Among 100 cases, 55 farm sprayers complained of non-neurological problems including: ophthalmologic, dermatologic and pulmonary complications. The ophthalmologic complaints (44%) were the most. The mean peroneal CMAP amplitude and NCV, sural PL, radial SNAP amplitude, PL and NCV in the case group were significantly different compared to control group. Mean exposure time to OPs in farm sprayers without neurological problem (40%) was 11.81 ± 5.84 years but in farm sprayers with neurological problems (60%) was 15.70 ± 9.08 years, which represents the effect of OPs exposure duration on neurologic problems. CONCLUSIONS Chronic low dose pesticide exposure could lead to delayed peripheral neuropathy as well as systemic (skin, eyes and lungs) complications. In farm sprayers electrodiagnostic indices were significantly abnormal as compared to control group. The normal indices did not rule out neurologic involvement and it seems that measurement of these indices at the beginning of the farm sprayers employment and intermittently during their work is helpful for detecting delayed polyneuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Boostani
- Neurology Department, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran
| | - Ali Mellat
- Neurology Department, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IR Iran
| | - Reza Afshari
- Medical Toxicology Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran
| | - Siavash Derakhshan
- Neurology Department, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnourd, IR Iran
| | - Morteza Saeedi
- Neurology Department, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran
| | - Ehsan Rafeemanesh
- Occupational and Environmental Health Department, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran
| | - Maryam Mellat
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR Iran
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21
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Neurological effects of pesticide use among farmers in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:3995-4006. [PMID: 24736684 PMCID: PMC4025041 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110403995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The intensive use of pesticides has attracted great attention from the Chinese government. However, current regulations have had limited influence on their safe use. Although the acute neurologic effects of pesticides have been well documented, little is known about their cumulative effects. Knowledge of the impact of pesticides on health may convince farmers to minimize their use. We conducted a cross-sectional study in three provinces of China to evaluate the relationship between pesticide exposure and neurological dysfunction. Crop farmers were divided into two groups depending on their level of pesticide exposure. A total of 236 participants were assessed by questionnaire and neurological examination for symptoms and signs of neuropathy. Characteristics of neurologic dysfunction following cumulative low-level exposure were assessed with logistic regression analysis. Farmers exposed to high-level pesticide use had greater risk of developing sensations of numbness or prickling (odds ratio (OR) 2.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–6.36). After adjusting for recent exposure, the risk of numbness or prickling symptoms (OR 2.55, 95% CI: 1.04–6.25) remained statistically significant. Loss of muscle strength and decreased deep tendon reflexes had OR > 2, however, this did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that overuse of pesticides increased risk of neurologic dysfunction among farmers, with somatosensory small fibers most likely affected. Measures that are more efficient should be taken to curb excessive use of pesticides.
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22
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Karami-Mohajeri S, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M. A systematic review on the nerve–muscle electrophysiology in human organophosphorus pesticide exposure. Hum Exp Toxicol 2013; 33:92-102. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327113489047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This article presents a systematic review of the recent literature on the scientific support of electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in diagnosing the exposure and toxicity of organophosphorus pesticides (OP). Specifically, this review focused on changes in EMG, NCV, occurrence of intermediate syndrome (IMS), and OP-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDN) in human. All relevant bibliographic databases were searched for human studies using the key words “OP poisoning”, “electromyography”, “nerve conduction study,” and “muscles disorders”. IMS usually occurs after an acute cholinergic crisis, while OPIDN occurs after both acute and chronic exposures. Collection of these studies supports that IMS is a neuromuscular junction disorder and can be recorded upon the onset of respiratory failure. Due to heterogeneity of reports on outcomes of interest such as motor NCV and EMG amplitude in acute cases and inability to achieve precise estimation of effect in chronic cases meta-analysis was not helpful to this review. The OPIDN after both acute and low-level prolonged exposures develops peripheral neuropathy without preceding cholinergic toxicity and the progress of changes in EMG and NCV is parallel with the development of IMS and OPIDN. Persistent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is responsible for muscle weakness, but this is not the only factor involved in the incidence of this weakness in IMS or OPIDN suggestive of AChE assay not useful as an index of nerve and muscle impairment. Although several mechanisms for induction of this neurodegenerative disorder have been proposed as were reviewed for this article, among them oxidative stress and resulting apoptosis can be emphasized. Nevertheless, there is little synchronized evidence on subclinical electrophysiological findings that limit us to reach a strong conclusion on the diagnostic or prognostic use of EMG and NCV for acute and occupational exposures to OPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Karami-Mohajeri
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - S Nikfar
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
- Food and Drug Laboratory Research Center, Food and Drug Organization, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - M Abdollahi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
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Ross SM, McManus IC, Harrison V, Mason O. Neurobehavioral problems following low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides: a systematic and meta-analytic review. Crit Rev Toxicol 2012; 43:21-44. [DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2012.738645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Speed HE, Blaiss CA, Kim A, Haws ME, Melvin NR, Jennings M, Eisch AJ, Powell CM. Delayed reduction of hippocampal synaptic transmission and spines following exposure to repeated subclinical doses of organophosphorus pesticide in adult mice. Toxicol Sci 2012; 125:196-208. [PMID: 21948870 PMCID: PMC3247802 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfr253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Agricultural and household organophosphorus (OP) pesticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AchE), resulting in increased acetylcholine (Ach) in the central nervous system. In adults, acute and prolonged exposure to high doses of AchE inhibitors causes severe, clinically apparent symptoms, followed by lasting memory impairments and cognitive dysfunction. The neurotoxicity of repeated environmental exposure to lower, subclinical doses of OP pesticides in adults is not as well studied. However, repeated exposure to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as chlorpyrifos (CPF), pyridostigmine, and sarin nerve agent, has been epidemiologically linked to delayed onset symptoms in Gulf War Illness and may be relevant to environmental exposure in farm workers among others. We treated adult mice with a subclinical dose (5 mg/kg) of CPF for 5 consecutive days and investigated hippocampal synaptic transmission and spine density early (2-7 days) and late (3 months) after CPF administration. No signs of cholinergic toxicity were observed at any time during or after treatment. At 2-7 days after the last injection, we found increased synaptic transmission in the CA3-CA1 region of the hippocampus of CPF-treated mice compared with controls. In contrast, at 3 months after CPF administration, we observed a 50% reduction in synaptic transmission likely due to a corresponding 50% decrease in CA1 pyramidal neuron synaptic spine density. This study is the first to identify a biphasic progression of synaptic abnormalities following repeated OP exposure and suggests that even in the absence of acute cholinergic toxicity, repeated exposure to CPF causes delayed persistent damage to the adult brain in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism
- Animals
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/drug effects
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/enzymology
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/pathology
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/physiopathology
- CA3 Region, Hippocampal/drug effects
- CA3 Region, Hippocampal/enzymology
- CA3 Region, Hippocampal/pathology
- CA3 Region, Hippocampal/physiopathology
- Cell Count
- Chlorpyrifos/toxicity
- Dendritic Spines/drug effects
- Dendritic Spines/pathology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Hippocampus/drug effects
- Hippocampus/enzymology
- Hippocampus/pathology
- Hippocampus/physiopathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Patch-Clamp Techniques
- Pesticides/toxicity
- Pyramidal Cells/drug effects
- Pyramidal Cells/pathology
- Synaptic Transmission/drug effects
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahleum Kim
- Department of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics
| | - Michael E. Haws
- Department of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics
- Neuroscience Graduate Program
| | - Neal R. Melvin
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-8813
| | | | - Amelia J. Eisch
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-8813
| | - Craig M. Powell
- Department of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics
- Neuroscience Graduate Program
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-8813
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Finkelstein A, Kunis G, Berkutzki T, Ronen A, Krivoy A, Yoles E, Last D, Mardor Y, Van Shura K, McFarland E, Capacio BA, Eisner C, Gonzales M, Gregorowicz D, Eisenkraft A, McDonough JH, Schwartz M. Immunomodulation by poly-YE reduces organophosphate-induced brain damage. Brain Behav Immun 2012; 26:159-69. [PMID: 21925261 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accidental organophosphate poisoning resulting from environmental or occupational exposure, as well as the deliberate use of nerve agents on the battlefield or by terrorists, remain major threats for multi-casualty events, with no effective therapies yet available. Even transient exposure to organophosphorous compounds may lead to brain damage associated with microglial activation and to long-lasting neurological and psychological deficits. Regulation of the microglial response by adaptive immunity was previously shown to reduce the consequences of acute insult to the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we tested whether an immunization-based treatment that affects the properties of T regulatory cells (Tregs) can reduce brain damage following organophosphate intoxication, as a supplement to the standard antidotal protocol. Rats were intoxicated by acute exposure to the nerve agent soman, or the organophosphate pesticide, paraoxon, and after 24 h were treated with the immunomodulator, poly-YE. A single injection of poly-YE resulted in a significant increase in neuronal survival and tissue preservation. The beneficial effect of poly-YE treatment was associated with specific recruitment of CD4(+) T cells into the brain, reduced microglial activation, and an increase in the levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the piriform cortex. These results suggest therapeutic intervention with poly-YE as an immunomodulatory supplementary approach against consequences of organophosphate-induced brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arseny Finkelstein
- Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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26
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Park SK, Kong KA, Cha ES, Lee YJ, Lee GT, Lee WJ. Occupational exposure to pesticides and nerve conduction studies among Korean farmers. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2012; 67:78-83. [PMID: 22524647 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2011.573022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether occupational exposure to pesticides was associated with decreased nerve conduction studies among farmers. On 2 separate occasions, the authors performed a cross-sectional study of a group of 31 male farmers who periodically applied pesticides. The study included questionnaire interviews and nerve conduction studies on the median, ulnar, posterior tibial, peroneal, and sural nerves. Although all mean values remained within laboratory normal limits, significant differences between the first and second tests were found in sensory conduction velocities on the median and sural nerves, and motor conduction velocities on the posterior tibial nerve. Lifetime days of pesticide application was negatively associated with nerve conduction velocities at most nerves after adjusting for potential confounders. These findings may reflect a link between occupational pesticide exposure and peripheral neurophysiologic abnormality that deserves further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Kyeong Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Graduate School of Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
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27
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Rohlman DS, Anger WK, Lein PJ. Correlating neurobehavioral performance with biomarkers of organophosphorous pesticide exposure. Neurotoxicology 2010; 32:268-76. [PMID: 21182866 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2010.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Revised: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There is compelling evidence that adverse neurobehavioral effects are associated with occupational organophosphorous pesticide (OP) exposure in humans. Behavioral studies of pesticide applicators, greenhouse workers, agricultural workers and farm residents exposed repeatedly over months or years to low levels of OPs reveal a relatively consistent pattern of neurobehavioral deficits. However, only two studies have demonstrated a link between neurobehavioral performance and current biomarkers of OP exposure including blood cholinesterase (ChE) activity and urinary levels of OP metabolites. A variety of reasons may explain why so few studies have reported such correlations, including differing individual and group exposure histories, differing methodologies for assessing behavior and exposure, and lack of a reliable index of exposure. Alternatively, these data may suggest that current biomarkers (ChE, urine metabolites) are neither predictive nor diagnostic of the neurobehavioral effects of chronic OP pesticide exposures. This review focuses on the evidence that neurobehavioral performance deficits are associated with occupational OP pesticide exposure and concludes that research needs to return to the basics and rigorously test the relationships between neurobehavioral performance and both current (ChE and urine metabolites) and novel (e.g., inflammation and oxidative stress) biomarkers using human and animal models. The results of such studies are critically important because OP pesticides are widely and extensively used throughout the world, including situations where exposure controls and personal protective equipment are not routinely used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane S Rohlman
- Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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28
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MacFarlane E, Benke G, Del Monaco A, Sim MR. Causes of Death and Incidence of Cancer in a Cohort of Australian Pesticide-Exposed Workers. Ann Epidemiol 2010; 20:273-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2010.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2009] [Revised: 12/20/2009] [Accepted: 01/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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29
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Neuropsychological and psychiatric functioning in sheep farmers exposed to low levels of organophosphate pesticides. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2010; 32:452-9. [PMID: 20227490 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2010.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2009] [Revised: 03/02/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The study aim was to determine whether low level exposure to organophosphate pesticides (OPs) causes neuropsychological or psychiatric impairment. Methodological weaknesses of earlier studies were addressed by: recruiting participants who had retired on ill health grounds; excluding participants with a history of acute poisoning, medical or psychiatric conditions that might account for ill health; and exploring factors which may render some individuals more vulnerable to the effects of OPs than others. Performance on tests of cognition and mood of 127 exposed sheep farmers (67 working, 60 retired) was compared with 78 unexposed controls (38 working, 40 retired) and published test norms derived from a cross section of several thousand adults in the general population. Over 40% of the exposed cohort reported clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression compared to less than 23% of controls. Exposed subjects performed significantly worse than controls and standardisation samples on tests of memory, response speed, fine motor control, mental flexibility and strategy making, even after controlling for the effects of mood. The pattern was similar for both working and retired groups. The cognitive deficits identified cannot be attributed to mood disorder, malingering, a history of acute exposure or genetic vulnerability in terms of PON1(192) polymorphisms. Results suggest a relationship may exist between low level exposure to organophosphates and impaired neurobehavioural functioning and these findings have implications for working practice and for other occupational groups exposed to OPs such as aviation workers and Gulf War veterans.
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30
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Anxiety in adult female mice following perinatal exposure to chlorpyrifos. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2010; 32:234-9. [PMID: 19716890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2009.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Revised: 08/19/2009] [Accepted: 08/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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31
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Little S, Llewellyn H, Clarke SFJ. Sensory ataxia associated with chronic organophosphate pesticide exposure. Hum Exp Toxicol 2010; 29:689-93. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327109360365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Organophosphorus compounds are widely used in agriculture and industry. Although the immediate and delayed effects of acute exposure have been well described, the clinical sequelae of chronic, low-dose exposure are less certain. This paper describes the case of a farmer who had been exposed to a variety of organophosphate pesticides over a 30-year period, and developed sensory ataxia, which has not previously been described. She was found to have an abnormal cholinesterase phenotype. Mechanisms of possible increased sensitivity to these compounds are discussed which may, in future, allow certain occupational groups to be screened.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Little
- Department of Neurology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - SFJ Clarke
- Emergency Department, Frimley Park NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey, UK, , Medical Toxicology Department, Guy's and St Thoma' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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32
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Cáceres T, Megharaj M, Venkateswarlu K, Sethunathan N, Naidu R. Fenamiphos and related organophosphorus pesticides: environmental fate and toxicology. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2010; 205:117-162. [PMID: 20044796 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-5623-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we emphasize recent research on the fate, transport, and metabolism of tree selected organophosphorus pesticides (fenamiphos, isofenphos, and coumaphos) in soil an water environments. This review is also concerned with the side effects of these pesticides on nontarget organisms. Despite the fact that fenamiphos is not very mobile, its oxides have been detected in the groundwaters of Western Australia. Most organophosphorus pesticides generally are chemically unstable and underfo microbial degradation in soil and water environments. Enhanced biodegradation of many organophosphorus pesticides upon their repeted applications to soil and water is well established. Myriads of soil microorganisms, bacteria in particular, exhibit an exceptional capacity to transform many organophosphorus pesticides. Fenamiphos can undergo rapid microbially mediated degradation via oxidation to its oxides (sulfoxide and sulfone) and eventually to CO2 and water in soils, or via hydrolysis, in cultures of the soil bacterium, Brevinbacterium sp. There is evidence for enhanced biodegradation of (i) isofenphos in soils with a long history of use and (ii) coumaphos in cattle dip by bacterial cultures to chlorferon and diethylthiophosphoric acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Cáceres
- Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, 5095 SA, Australia
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33
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Dassanayake T, Gawarammana IB, Weerasinghe V, Dissanayake PS, Pragaash S, Dawson A, Senanayake N. Auditory event-related potential changes in chronic occupational exposure to organophosphate pesticides. Clin Neurophysiol 2009; 120:1693-8. [PMID: 19683468 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2009.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2008] [Revised: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether chronic occupational exposure to organophosphates (OP) pesticides leads to cognitive impairment using event-related potentials (ERPs). METHODS ERPs of 38 vegetable farmers applying OP pesticides and 35 controls were recorded using an auditory oddball paradigm. The N1, P2, N2 and P300 ERP components and the number of counting errors were compared between the groups. RESULTS The farmers made significantly more counting errors than controls in the oddball task. The mixed model ANOVA of component latencies revealed a significant componentxgroup interaction, suggesting farmers had a greater delay in later ERP components. Intergroup comparisons of individual components showed significant delays in N2 and P300 latencies. Subsequent ANCOVA showed significant P300 delay even after adjusting for the latency of the preceding component, N2. Intergroup differences of P300 amplitudes were not significant, although there was limited evidence of a difference in scalp topography. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that chronic low-level occupational exposure to OP pesticides is associated with progressively increasing delay in successive ERP components, particularly P300. SIGNIFICANCE Chronic exposure to OP pesticides may delay the neurophysiological processes underlying early stages of selective attention and late stages of sensory information processing that include stimulus evaluation and updating of working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Dassanayake
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka.
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34
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Beseler CL, Stallones L, Hoppin JA, Alavanja MCR, Blair A, Keefe T, Kamel F. Depression and pesticide exposures among private pesticide applicators enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:1713-9. [PMID: 19079725 PMCID: PMC2599768 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2007] [Accepted: 09/09/2008] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the relationship between diagnosed depression and pesticide exposure using information from private pesticide applicators enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study between 1993 and 1997 in Iowa and North Carolina. METHODS There were 534 cases who self-reported a physician-diagnosed depression and 17,051 controls who reported never having been diagnosed with depression and did not feel depressed more than once a week in the past year. Lifetime pesticide exposure was categorized in three mutually exclusive groups: low (< 226 days, the reference group), intermediate (226-752 days), and high (> 752 days). Two additional measures represented acute high-intensity pesticide exposures: an unusually high pesticide exposure event (HPEE) and physician-diagnosed pesticide poisoning. Logistic regression analyses were performed relating pesticide exposure to depression. RESULTS After adjusting for state, age, education, marital status, doctor visits, alcohol use, smoking, solvent exposure, not currently having crops or animals, and ever working a job off the farm, pesticide poisoning was more strongly associated with depression [odds ratio (OR) = 2.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.74-3.79] than intermediate (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.87-1.31) or high (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 0.87-1.42) cumulative exposure or an HPEE (OR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.33-2.05). In analysis of a subgroup without a history of acute poisoning, high cumulative exposure was significantly associated with depression (OR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.16-2.04). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that both acute high-intensity and cumulative pesticide exposure may contribute to depression in pesticide applicators. Our study is unique in reporting that depression is also associated with chronic pesticide exposure in the absence of a physician-diagnosed poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L Beseler
- Colorado Injury Control Research Center, Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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35
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A cohort study of pesticide poisoning and depression in Colorado farm residents. Ann Epidemiol 2008; 18:768-74. [PMID: 18693039 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2008.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2008] [Revised: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 05/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Depressive symptoms have been associated with pesticide poisoning among farmers in cross-sectional studies, but no longitudinal studies have assessed the long-term influence of poisoning on depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to describe the associations between pesticide poisoning and depressive symptoms in a cohort of farm residents. METHODS Farm operators and their spouses were recruited in 1993 from farm truck registrations using stratified probability sampling. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale was used to evaluate depression in participants using generalized estimating equations. Baseline self-reported pesticide poisoning was the exposure of interest in longitudinal analyses. RESULTS Pesticide poisoning was significantly associated with depression in three years of follow-up after adjusting for age, gender, and marital status (odds ratio [OR] 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-5.58). Depression remained elevated after adjusting for health, decreased income, and increased debt (OR 2.00; CI 0.91-4.39) and was primarily due to significant associations with the symptoms being bothered by things (OR 3.29; CI 1.95-5.55) and feeling everything was an effort (OR 1.93; CI 1.14-3.27). CONCLUSIONS Feeling bothered and that everything was an effort were persistently associated with a history of pesticide poisoning, supportive of the hypothesis that prolonged irritability may result from pesticide poisoning.
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36
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Campaña AD, Sanchez F, Gamboa C, Gómez-Villalobos MDJ, De La Cruz F, Zamudio S, Flores G. Dendritic morphology on neurons from prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens is altered in adult male mice exposed to repeated low dose of malathion. Synapse 2008; 62:283-90. [DOI: 10.1002/syn.20494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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37
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Moreno M, Cañadas F, Cardona D, Suñol C, Campa L, Sánchez-Amate MC, Flores P, Sanchez-Santed F. Long-term monoamine changes in the striatum and nucleus accumbens after acute chlorpyrifos exposure. Toxicol Lett 2007; 176:162-7. [PMID: 18164878 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2007.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2007] [Revised: 11/07/2007] [Accepted: 11/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the time-course effects (2, 7, 14 and 30 days) of acute chlorpyrifos (CPF) intoxication (250 mg/kg, s.c.) on monoamine systems and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the striatum and nucleus accumbens of adult male rats. We show that CPF produced significant long-term inhibition of AChE activity in the striatum and nucleus accumbens. In the striatum, CPF intoxication resulted in changes in dopamine (DA) metabolism after 2 days and changes in serotonin (5-HT) turnover after 7 and 15 days. Significant decreases in monoamine content including norepinephrine (NE), DA, 5-HT and their metabolites were found in the nucleus accumbens 30 days after CPF intoxication. These results suggest that acute exposure to CPF induces long-term changes in the monoamine systems (NE, DA and 5-HT) in adult animals. The lack of correlation between regional AChE activity and neurochemical outcomes points to independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Moreno
- Departamento de Neurociencia y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Almería, Crta. Sacramento s/n, 04120 La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería 04120, Spain
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38
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Del Prado-Lu JL. Pesticide exposure, risk factors and health problems among cutflower farmers: a cross sectional study. J Occup Med Toxicol 2007; 2:9. [PMID: 17877808 PMCID: PMC2089062 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6673-2-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2006] [Accepted: 09/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This was a cross-sectional study which aimed to determine associations between hematologic indices such as red blood cell cholinesterase (RBC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), with illnesses related to pesticide exposure among cutflower farmers in La Trinidad, Benguet. One hundred two (102) randomly selected cutflower farmers underwent comprehensive, personal physical health and laboratory examinations and answered a questionnaire on work practices and illness. Majority were males (52%) and most belonged to the 20–35 age group (45%). Majority of exposed farmers were symptomatic, with most common complaints being headache (48%), easy fatigability (46.1%) and cough (40.2%). Analysis showed that RBC cholinesterase levels were positively associated with age (p = 0.02), and selling pesticide containers (p = 0.008). number of years of using pesticides (p = 0.022), use of contaminated cloth (p = 0.033), incorrect mixing of pesticides (p = 0.041), sex (p = 0.002) and illness due to pesticides (p = 0.005) were correlated with abnormal MCV. Significant associations were also found for hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet count. Predictors of RBC cholinesterase were years of pesticide use (p = 0.037) and abnormalities on health (p = 0.029). The findings of the study can be used for information dissemination and pesticide reduction programs for the cutflower farmers.
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Abstract
There is a wealth of literature on neurotoxicological outcomes of acute and short-term exposure to pesticides in laboratory animals, but there are relatively few studies of- long-term exposure. Many reports in the literature describing ;chronic' exposures to pesticides are, in fact, as short as five days and rarely longer than three months. Furthermore, routes of administration range from subcutaneous to dietary. Doses used in many of the studies produce signs of acute or overt toxicity. In contrast, human symptoms have been reported following exposures that are prolonged and often without obvious toxic effects. A survey of the literature was conducted to identify rodent studies with neurobehavioral and neurophysiological endpoints of pesticide exposures lasting 30 days or longer. This survey indicated that the majority of studies concentrate on cholinesterase inhibitors (organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides). Various neuromotor, cholinergic, physiological, affective and cognitive disorders were reported at doses producing cholinesterase inhibition; however, there were a fewer effects at non-inhibiting doses. Other classes of pesticides produced similar effects, with the exception of cholinergic signs. In many studies, the changes were subtle, which may correspond to the nonspecific changes in psychomotor and cognitive function reported in humans. It appears, then, that the data from animal and human pesticide exposures are generally comparable, but the specific outcomes are influenced by many experimental differences. Future research should concentrate on analogous exposures and outcomes to facilitate interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia C Moser
- Neurotoxicology Division/NHEERL/ORD, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
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40
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewan MacFarlane
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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41
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Eckerman DA, Gimenes LS, de Souza RC, Galvão PRL, Sarcinelli PN, Chrisman JR. Age related effects of pesticide exposure on neurobehavioral performance of adolescent farm workers in Brazil. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2006; 29:164-75. [PMID: 17123781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2006.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2006] [Revised: 09/10/2006] [Accepted: 09/30/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents (10 to 18 years old) from a rural area in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were tested using the Behavioral Assessment and Research System (BARS) to evaluate their performance. Participants were drawn from two areas--a school serving farm children (rural N=38) and a school serving children from a city within this area (urban N=28). These children were drawn from an ongoing study being carried out by Fundação Oswaldo Cruz where rural and urban participants were matched for age, sex, and level in school. For this ongoing study, the participants had been interviewed to determine their occupational history, especially their activities that might involve exposure to pesticides. Interview responses were used to assign an exposure index to each participant. While a few BARS performance measures suggested behavioral impairments for the rural versus the urban participants, a stronger and more consistent association between BARS measures (especially impairment of tapping, digit span, and selective attention) and level of exposure to pesticides was noted when the exposure index was entered into a multiple linear regression analysis. Exposure appeared to be especially strong for the youngest participants (10-11 years old). The relationship between these behaviors and the exposure index was stronger than the relationship between behaviors and either age or sex.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarize current knowledge about the health and social consequences of tobacco production and to outline research needed to better understand these effects. DATA SOURCES The literature documenting the effects of tobacco production is scattered, and not always published in peer-reviewed sources. We undertook a systematic search using (1) a literature file based on over a decade of research on the health effects of tobacco work, (2) searches of computerized data bases (Medline, Science Citation Index, Agricola), (3) a review of new sources cited in literature uncovered through data base searches, and (4) professional contacts with others working on the effects of tobacco production. DATA SYNTHESIS The health effects of tobacco production include nicotine poisoning (green tobacco sickness), pesticide exposure, respiratory effects, musculoskeletal and other injuries. Most research has focused on nicotine poisoning. Social effects of tobacco production include social disruption for communities in which tobacco production is declining (unemployment, economic loss), and for communities in which tobacco production is being introduced (loss of local food production and local autonomy). CONCLUSIONS Research is needed on the effects of tobacco work on the health of women and children through exposure to nicotine and pesticides, the effects of chronic nicotine exposure on all tobacco workers, the neurotoxic effects of pesticide exposure and its relationship with mental health, and the effects of growing tobacco on using tobacco. Greater effort is needed to document the social disruption in communities that are economically dependent on tobacco production, particularly those in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine , Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1084, USA.
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Samsam TE, Hunter DL, Bushnell PJ. Effects of chronic dietary and repeated acute exposure to chlorpyrifos on learning and sustained attention in rats. Toxicol Sci 2005; 87:460-8. [PMID: 16033991 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfi264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive and motor impairment often follow acute poisoning with an organophosphorous (OP) pesticide. However, the persistence of these effects and the conditions necessary for their appearance are not clear: two specific concerns are whether symptomatic poisoning is necessary for persistent effects, and whether inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE) activity is a protective metric of OP exposure. This study examined the effects of chronic dietary and repeated high-level acute exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (diethyl 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphorothionate, CPF) on learning and attention. Beginning at 3 months of age, male Long-Evans rats received dietary CPF at a daily dose of 0, 1, or 5 mg/kg for 1 year. Half of each dietary group also received an acute oral dose of CPF (initial dose at 60 mg/kg, 5 doses at 45 mg/kg) every 2 months. Beginning 2 weeks before the fourth acute dose, behavioral assessments were conducted on the eight rats in each of the six exposure groups (0-Oil, 0-CPF, 1-Oil, 1-CPF, 5-Oil, and 5-CPF). Using an auto-shaping procedure, the groups learned to press a lever for food in the following order: 5-Oil, 5-CPF, 1-Oil, and 0-Oil. The 0-CPF and 1-CPF groups did not learn the response in three 50-trial sessions. Chronic CPF did not affect acquisition of other behaviors required by a signal detection task (SDT) designed to assess sustained attention. The sixth acute CPF dose significantly disrupted the SDT in all dosed groups. Two months after the end of dosing, performance of the SDT was impaired in the 5-CPF group. These data suggest that learning the contingency between an action and reward may be accelerated by chronic exposure to CPF and inhibited by previous symptomatic exposure to CPF, and that persistent cognitive impairment may follow if CPF exposure inhibits brain ChE activity and is accompanied by acute doses sufficient to induce signs of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey E Samsam
- Neurotoxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
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Kamel F, Hoppin JA. Association of pesticide exposure with neurologic dysfunction and disease. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2004; 112:950-8. [PMID: 15198914 PMCID: PMC1247187 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2004] [Accepted: 05/19/2004] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Poisoning by acute high-level exposure to certain pesticides has well-known neurotoxic effects, but whether chronic exposure to moderate levels of pesticides is also neurotoxic is more controversial. Most studies of moderate pesticide exposure have found increased prevalence of neurologic symptoms and changes in neurobehavioral performance, reflecting cognitive and psychomotor dysfunction. There is less evidence that moderate exposure is related to deficits in sensory or motor function or peripheral nerve conduction, but fewer studies have considered these outcomes. It is possible that the most sensitive manifestation of pesticide neurotoxicity is a general malaise lacking in specificity and related to mild cognitive dysfunction, similar to that described for Gulf War syndrome. Most studies have focused on organophosphate insecticides, but some found neurotoxic effects from other pesticides, including fungicides, fumigants, and organochlorine and carbamate insecticides. Pesticide exposure may also be associated with increased risk of Parkinson disease; several classes of pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, have been implicated. Studies of other neurodegenerative diseases are limited and inconclusive. Future studies will need to improve assessment of pesticide exposure in individuals and consider the role of genetic susceptibility. More studies of pesticides other than organophosphates are needed. Major unresolved issues include the relative importance of acute and chronic exposure, the effect of moderate exposure in the absence of poisoning, and the relationship of pesticide-related neurotoxicity to neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Kamel
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.
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Albers JW, Garabrant DH, Schweitzer SJ, Garrison RP, Richardson RJ, Berent S. The effects of occupational exposure to chlorpyrifos on the peripheral nervous system: a prospective cohort study. Occup Environ Med 2004; 61:201-11. [PMID: 14985514 PMCID: PMC1740727 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2003.008847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine whether chronic occupational exposure to chlorpyrifos at levels associated with various aspects of manufacturing produced a clinically evident or subclinical peripheral neuropathy. METHODS Clinical and quantitative nerve conduction study (NCS) examinations were performed on two occasions on chlorpyrifos manufacturing workers who had measurable chlorpyrifos exposure and a referent group. Baseline evaluations were performed on 53 of 66 eligible chlorpyrifos subjects and on 60 of 74 eligible referent subjects; one-year evaluations were completed on 111 of the 113 subjects evaluated at baseline. RESULTS Chlorpyrifos and referent groups differed significantly in measures of 3,5,6 trichloro-2-pyridinol excretion and plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity, indicating substantially higher exposures among chlorpyrifos subjects. Few subjects had clinically important neurological symptoms or signs. NCS results were comparable to control values, and there were no significant group differences in NCS results at baseline, one year, or change over one year. No chlorpyrifos subject fulfilled conventional criteria for confirmed peripheral neuropathy at baseline or one-year examinations. The odds ratios for developing any diagnosable level of peripheral neuropathy among the chlorpyrifos subjects was not increased at baseline or at one year compared to referents at baseline. Mixed regression models used to evaluate subclinical group-by-time interactions showed numerous significant NCS differences attributable to near-nerve temperature differences among all subjects between the baseline and one-year examinations, but only a few disparate effects related to group. CONCLUSIONS Chronic chlorpyrifos exposure during the manufacturing process sufficient to produce biological effects on BuChE activity was not associated with clinically evident or subclinical peripheral neuropathy at baseline or with measurable deterioration among chlorpyrifos subjects compared to referents after one year of additional exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Albers
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, USA.
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Albers JW, Garabrant DH, Schweitzer S, Garrison RP, Richardson RJ, Berent S. Absence of sensory neuropathy among workers with occupational exposure to chlorpyrifos. Muscle Nerve 2004; 29:677-86. [PMID: 15116371 DOI: 10.1002/mus.20007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have reported the occurrence of sensory neuropathy with exposure to chlorpyrifos and other organophosphorus insecticides, at levels not associated with overt toxicity. We evaluated 113 chemical workers, including 53 of 66 (80%) eligible chlorpyrifos workers and 60 of 74 (81%) randomly selected referent workers, to identify evidence of sensory neuropathy or subclinical neuropathy. Compared to referents, chlorpyrifos subjects had significantly longer duration of work in chlorpyrifos-exposed areas (9.72 vs. 0.01 years; P < 0.0001), greater cumulative chlorpyrifos exposure (64.16 vs. 0.69 mg/m(3). day; P < 0.0001), higher urine 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) excretion (108.6 vs. 4.3 microg/g creatinine; P < 0.0001), and lower plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity (7281 vs. 8176 mU/ml; P = 0.003). Despite exposures among chlorpyrifos subjects to levels at which well-described physiological effects on B-esterases exist, the frequency of symptoms or signs of neuropathy did not differ significantly between groups, and the only 2 subjects fulfilling criteria for confirmed neuropathy were both in the referent group. Mean nerve conduction study results were comparable to established control values and did not differ significantly between groups. We found no evidence of sensory neuropathy or isolated peripheral abnormalities among subjects with long-term chlorpyrifos exposure at levels known to be associated with the manufacturing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Albers
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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Buchanan D, Jamal GA, Pilkington A, Hansen S. Clinical validation of methods of diagnosis of neuropathy in a field study of United Kingdom sheep dippers. Occup Environ Med 2002; 59:442-6. [PMID: 12107291 PMCID: PMC1740312 DOI: 10.1136/oem.59.7.442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the reproducibility of measured indices of chronic peripheral neuropathy from a field study of sheep dippers when compared with similar measurements carried out in a clinical setting. METHODS A stratified random sample of field study subjects was invited to attend a clinic. Neuropathy was measured both in the field and at the clinic with a modified version of a standard symptoms questionnaire and quantitative sensory thresholds for hot, cold, and vibration. These were combined into a classification of the likelihood of neuropathy with a neuropathy scoring system. Indicators of sensory abnormality were based on comparison of sensory thresholds to age dependent reference values derived from an external reference group. RESULTS Only 51% of subjects were assigned similar classifications in the field and clinic based on the neuropathy scoring system. Of the component indices, grouped symptom scores, with 65% of subjects showing exact agreement, proved to be more reproducible than quantitative sensory test indicators. There were biases in the comparison of field and clinic measurements of hot and vibration sensations, but no evidence of greater variation between individual people in sensory thresholds in the field relative to at the clinic. CONCLUSIONS The neuropathy scoring system proved to be of limited reproducibility, due in a large part to the lack of reproducibility of the indicators of sensory test abnormality caused by inadequate temperature control. However, the symptoms score and measured sensory thresholds could be used separately as indices of neuropathy in exposure-response analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Buchanan
- ISD, Scottish Executive, Edinburgh, UK Wellwork Ltd, Edinburgh, UK Department of Neurology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK Department of Neurology, INS, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
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