The Associations between Organophosphate Pesticides (OPs) and Respiratory Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Tracking toxic chemical exposure in Uganda: Insights from silicone wristbands

The increasing use of synthetic chemicals, including pesticides for agriculture and flame retardants from consumer products like electronics, raises environmental concerns for public health and biodiversity, particularly in agricultural and rural communities. Although these chemicals have been extensively studied in industrialized regions, data on human exposure particulary near protected areas in sub-Saharan Africa, remain scarce. This study provides novel insights into chemical exposure among different occupational groups in Uganda using silicone wristbands. We collected 39 silicone wristbands from participants living around Kibale National Park, including tea workers (n = 8), researchers (n = 10), commercial farmers (n = 6), subsistence farmers (n = 7), and urban workers (n = 8), and analyzed for 21 polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 11 novel flame retardants (nFRs), 20 current-use pesticides (CUPs), and 21 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). CUPs the most abundant chemicals detected (range 18.2-54.4 ng/g), were significantly higher for commercial and subsistence farmers and tea workers. Urban workers and researchers had higher levels of PBDEs and nFRs than the other three groups with BDE-47, -99, -139, -153, -209, bis (2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (BETHTBP) and decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) being the most detected compounds. Ametryn, β-HCH, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT, and endosulfan sulfate were the most frequently detected pesticides. The widespread detection of legacy and emerging chemicals at levels similar to urban and industrialized areas among populations near a protected area in Eastern Africa highlights an urgent environmental and public health concern.

Pesticide exposures and 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk: Integrated epidemiological and bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent studies link pesticide exposures to cardiovascular disease risk factors. However, research on the combined effects of multiple pesticides on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is limited, particularly in rural areas. Despite advances in toxicogenomics, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the combined effects and mechanisms of pesticide exposures on ASCVD.

METHODS

In the cross-sectional study section, 2291 participants were included. Variables were filtered using machine learning models, and associations between mixed exposure to multiple pesticides and ASCVD were explored using environmental mixed exposure models (weighted quartile sum (WQS) regression and quantile-based g-computation (QGC)). In the bioinformatics analysis section, the GEO, CTD, Malacards, and GeneCards databases were used to retrieve target genes for pesticide exposure and atherosclerotic diseases. Enrichment analysis was then performed to identify the biological pathways associated with these genes.

RESULTS

Three machine models screened 34 pesticides. Single pesticide exposures, such as atrazine, oxadiazon, p,p'-DDE, α-BHC, β-BHC, fenitrothion, malathion, fenitrothion, cypermethrin, cypermethrin, and cypermethrin might increase the 10-year ASCVD risk (all P < 0.05). Total mixed pesticide exposure was positively associated with 10-year ASCVD risk in both the QGC (3.223(2.196, 4.730)) and WQS models (4.642(3.070, 7.020)). Notably, there was a linear relationship between totalQGC (P_overal < 0.001; P_nonlinearity = 0.864) and high 10-year ASCVD risk. In toxicogenomic bioinformatics analysis, we identified 112 potential atherosclerosis target genes affected by pesticide exposure. Pathway enrichment analysis suggests pesticide-induced atherosclerosis is linked to pathways such as metabolic pathways, lipid metabolism, MAPK, AMPK, FoxO signaling, apoptosis, fluid shear stress, endocrine resistance, TNF, and PI3K-Akt. Key genes were identified based on maximal clique centrality, including AKT1, TP53, IL6, BCL2, TNF, JUN, PTGS2, CASP3, MAPK3, and CASP9.

CONCLUSION

Individual and combined exposure to pesticides increased the 10-year ASCVD risk, especially in patients with T2DM. Mixed levels of pesticide exposure were linearly and positively associated with high 10-year ASCVD risk. The mechanism of atherogenesis by mixed pesticide exposure may involve pathways such as lipid metabolism, MAPK, AMPK, FoxO signaling, apoptosis, fluid shear stress, endocrine resistance, TNF, and PI3K-Akt.

Organic food consumption and the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort

AIMS

We investigated associations between overall organic food consumption and consumption of specific organic food groups with the risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

METHODS

The study was based on a prospective cohort of middle-aged women and men from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health study. Information about organic food consumption of vegetables, fruit, dairy products, eggs, meat, and bread and cereal products was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire. The frequency consumption of the six food groups was summarized into a total organic food score evaluated in categories (never, low, medium and high intake) and as a continuous variable. A total of 41,407 study participants were followed for a median of 16 years during which 5,365 developed ASCVD.

RESULTS

Overall organic food consumption was associated with a 6% lower incidence rate of ASCVD per 6-point increment in the total organic food score (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99). Organic consumption of eggs was associated with lower incidence of ASCVD for both women (HR, 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99) and men (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99), and organic consumption of bread and cereal products were associated with a lower incidence of ASCVD among men (HR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that organic food consumption was associated with a lower incidence of ASCVD in a cohort of middle-aged Danish women and men.

Soil and water pollution and cardiovascular disease

Healthy, uncontaminated soils and clean water support all life on Earth and are essential for human health. Chemical pollution of soil, water, air and food is a major environmental threat, leading to an estimated 9 million premature deaths worldwide. The Global Burden of Disease study estimated that pollution was responsible for 5.5 million deaths related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 2019. Robust evidence has linked multiple pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, dioxins and toxic synthetic chemicals, with increased risk of CVD, and some reports suggest an association between microplastic and nanoplastic particles and CVD. Pollutants in soil diminish its capacity to produce food, leading to crop impurities, malnutrition and disease, and they can seep into rivers, worsening water pollution. Deforestation, wildfires and climate change exacerbate pollution by triggering soil erosion and releasing sequestered pollutants into the air and water. Despite their varied chemical makeup, pollutants induce CVD through common pathophysiological mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammation. In this Review, we provide an overview of the relationship between soil and water pollution and human health and pathology, and discuss the prevalence of soil and water pollutants and how they contribute to adverse health effects, focusing on CVD.

Nanopaper Integrated Smart Device: An Opto-Electrochemical Biosensor for Real-Time Dual On-Field Detection of Organophosphorus Pesticides

The frequent and excessive use of organophosphorus pesticides in the agriculture industry raises persistent concerns regarding their environmental protection and public health implications. Addressing these issues requires the development of affordable and reliable sensing platforms for on-field monitoring to mitigate their adverse impacts promptly. This study utilizes nanocellulose papers (bacterial and TEMPO-oxidized) combined with butyrylcholinesterase to create a novel reagent-free and orthogonal nanobioplatform featuring smart opto-electrochemical dual outputs. An integrated nano-PAD, preloaded with enzymes and enzymatic substrates, is fabricated using wax-printing and screen-printing technologies. The nano-PAD measures opto-electroactive products, specifically indoxyl and thiocholine, whose concentrations correlate directly with the enzymatic inhibition caused by paraoxon, used as the organophosphate model. To enhance user convenience and meet the requirements for smart real-time point-of-need detection, integration of the nano-PAD with a smartphone-operated miniaturized potentiostat and a self-developed portable smart optical reader is achieved. The developed bioanalytical platform, further supported by a self-developed Android application, enables accurate and efficient quantification of dual signals in real time. The system covers a wide detection range of paraoxon (20-100 ppb) and demonstrates reliable recovery levels (ranging from 98 to 107%) in a real matrix, specifically wastewater. Given these demonstrated capabilities, this innovative biosensing strategy holds substantial potential for practical application in environmental surveillance, facilitating timely and informed environmental management decisions, particularly in resource-limited settings where traditional analytical tools are inaccessible.

A systematic review of pesticide exposure, associated risks, and long-term human health impacts

Pesticides are widely used to control pests, but their widespread use raises concerns regarding potential health risks for humans. There are several routes through which pesticides can be ingested, inhaled, and absorbed, resulting in acute and long-term health consequences. This systematic review synthesizes the available evidence regarding the health risks and long-term effects of pesticide exposure, with a particular focus on epidemiological and toxicological studies. A systematic review was conducted by searching scientific databases i.e. Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024. Studies were selected based on their focus on pesticide exposure, health risks, and long-term effects. Meta-analysis was conducted where sufficient homogeneity of outcomes allowed. This review identified consistent associations between chronic pesticide exposure and non-communicable diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruptions. An increased incidence of respiratory issues and neurodegenerative diseases was often associated with occupational exposure to pesticides. People exposed for a prolonged or high intensity time period, particularly agricultural workers, were more likely to experience long-term health effects. There are a number of factors that influences the ability to draw definitive conclusions, including variations in pesticide types, exposure levels, and health outcomes. Chronic exposure to pesticides presents significant health risks, particularly for individuals in high-exposure environments like agriculture. While evidence indicates strong associations with several long-term health conditions, additional research is necessary to elucidate dose-response relationships and mechanisms of action. This review underscores the necessity for enhanced regulatory measures and improved safety protocols to mitigate pesticide-related health risks.

Current-use pesticide exposures in remote Inuit communities

The global use of pesticides is increasing; however, few studies have examined the exposure of current-use pesticide exposure in Inuit populations. Some current use pesticides are also capable of long-range transport, potentially increasing exposures to northern populations. The study aim was to analyse pesticide (chlorophenoxy, organophosphates, and pyrethroid pesticide) biomarker levels in pooled samples from an Inuit population in Nunavik, Quebec. Thirty pooled samples from the Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 survey (Q2017) from individuals aged 16-80 years were included. Creatinine-adjusted arithmetic (AM) were compared by sex, age, and region sub-groups, and geometric mean concentrations (GM) were compared to those in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). Most analysed pesticide biomarkers were detected, and PNP (a metabolite of methyl and ethyl parathion), trans-DCCA (a metabolite of pyrethroids), and 3,5,6-TCP (a metabolite of chlorpyrifos) had the highest concentrations. Concentrations in Q2017 were largely similar to or less than CHMS concentrations. Although not significant, there was a general increase in 2,4-D (a chlorophenoxy biomarker), 3,5,6-TCP, 3-PBA (a metabolite of pyrethroids), and trans-DCCA with increasing age. Concentrations were also somewhat higher in females versus males, but these were not significant. Environmental exposures to current use pesticides were detected in Nunavik and concentrations were similar to or less than those in the general Canadian population. Regular monitoring of current use pesticide exposures is recommended given the increasing global use of pesticides.

Unraveling the pesticide-diabetes connection: A case-cohort study integrating Mendelian randomization analysis with a focus on physical activity's mitigating effect

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is no evidence on the longitudinal and causal associations between multiple pesticides and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Chinese rural population, and whether physical activity (PA) modified these associations remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the longitudinal and causal associations between pesticides mixture and T2DM, and determine whether PA modified these associations.

METHODS

A total of 925 subjects with normal glucose and 925 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were enrolled in this case-cohort study. A total of 51 targeted pesticides were quantified at baseline. Logistic regression, quantile g-computation, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to assess the individual and combined effects of pesticides on IFG and T2DM. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed to obtain the causal association between pesticides and T2DM.

RESULTS

After 3-year follow-up, one-unit increment in ln-isofenphos, ln-malathion, and ln-deltamethrin were associated with an increase conversion of IFG to T2DM (FDR-P<0.05). One quartile increment in organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphorus pesticides (OPs), herbicides and pyrethroids mixtures were related to a higher incidence of T2DM among IFG patients (P<0.05). The BKMR results showed a positive trend between exposure to pesticides mixture and T2DM. The MR analysis indicated a positive association between exposure to pesticides and T2DM risk (P<0.05). No any significant association was found between pesticides and IFG. In addition, compared to subjects with high levels of PA, those with low levels of PA were related to increased risk of T2DM with the increased levels of pesticides among IFG patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual and combined exposure to pesticides increased the incidence of T2DM among IFG patients. MR analysis further supported the causal association of pesticides exposure with T2DM risk. Our study furtherly indicated that high levels of PA attenuated the diabetogenic effect of pesticides exposure.

Sensitive Coatings Based on Molecular-Imprinted Polymers for Triazine Pesticides' Detection

Triazine pesticide (atrazine and its derivatives) detection sensors have been developed to thoroughly check for the presence of these chemicals and ultimately prevent their exposure to humans. Sensitive coatings were designed by utilizing molecular imprinting technology, which aims to create artificial receptors for the detection of chlorotriazine pesticides with gravimetric transducers. Initially, imprinted polymers were developed, using acrylate and methacrylate monomers containing hydrophilic and hydrophobic side chains, specifically for atrazine, which shares a basic heterocyclic triazine structure with its structural analogs. By adjusting the ratio of the acid to the cross-linker and introducing acrylate ester as a copolymer, optimal non-covalent interactions were achieved with the hydrophobic core of triazine molecules and their amino groups. A maximum sensor response of 546 Hz (frequency shift/layer height equal to 87.36) was observed for a sensitive coating composed of 46% methacrylic acid and 54% ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, with a demonstrated layer height of 250 nm (6.25 kHz). The molecularly imprinted copolymer demonstrated fully reversible sensor responses, not only for atrazine but also for its metabolites, like des-ethyl atrazine, and structural analogs, such as propazine and terbuthylazine. The efficiency of modified molecularly imprinted polymers for targeted analytes was tested by combining them with a universally applicable quartz crystal microbalance transducer. The stable selectivity pattern of the developed sensor provides an excellent basis for a pattern recognition procedure.

Effects of pesticide exposure on the expression of selected genes in normal and cancer samples: Identification of predictive biomarkers for risk assessment

Pesticides pivotal in controlling pests, can represent a threat for human health. Regulatory agencies constantly monitor their harmful effects, regulating their use. Several studies support a positive association between long-term exposure to pesticides and chronic pathologies, such as cancer. Geno-toxicological biomonitoring has proven to be valuable to assess genetic risks associated with exposure to pesticides, representing a promising tool to improve preventive measures and identify workers at higher risk. In this study, a differential gene expression analysis of 70 candidate genes deregulated upon pesticide exposure, was performed in 10 GEO human gene expression DataSets. It was found that six genes (PMAIP1, GCLM, CD36, SQSTM1, ABCC3, NR4A2) had significant AUC predictive values. Also, CD36 was upregulated in non-transformed cell samples and healthy workers, but downregulated in cancer cells. Further validation in larger groups of workers will corroborate the importance of the identified candidates as biomarkers of exposure/effect.

Ultrathin-FeOOH-coated MnO2 nanozyme with enhanced catalase-like and oxidase-like activities for photoelectrochemical and colorimetric detection of organophosphorus pesticides

Herein, we develop a dual-mode biosensor for photoelectrochemical and colorimetric detection of organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) based on ultrathin-FeOOH-coated MnO2 (MO@FHO) nanozyme. In this biosensor, OPPs can inhibit the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and hinder the dephosphorylation of l-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, preventing the decomposition of MO@FHO nanozyme and inducing both a photoelectrochemical (PEC) signal and the colorimetric change. The MO@FHO nanozyme not only possesses an enhanced catalase-like activity to degrade H2O2 for the generation of an improved cathodic photocurrent, but also exhibits an excellent oxidase-like activity to oxidize 3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine with high catalytic efficiency. This biosensor displays a detection limit of 50 pmol/L for the PEC mode and a detection limit of 0.8 nmol/L for the colorimetric mode. Moreover, this biosensor exhibits excellent performance in complex biological matrices, and the smartphone-based visual sensing platform facilitates rapid and sensitive detection of OPPs, holding promising applications in food safety monitoring, and on-site detection.

The association between children's exposure to pesticides and asthma, wheezing, and lower respiratory tract infections. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Exposure to pesticides is a global public health problem, especially for children. Its association with chronic respiratory disease among children has attracted considerable attention, but the existing evidence remains inconclusive and cannot be certain. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to determine the global pooled effect size of association with pesticide exposure and asthma, wheezing, and respiratory tract infections among children.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted for relevant literature from electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Hinari, Semantic Scholar, and Science Direct. Studies that provided effect size on the association between pesticide exposure and childhood asthma, wheezing, and respiratory tract infections in children were included. The articles were screened, data was extracted, and the quality of each study was assessed with four independent reviewers. Random effects models for significant heterogeneity and fixed effect models for homogeneous studies were conducted to estimate pooled effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3.3.070 and MetaXL version 2. Funnel plot and Higgins I 2 statistics were used to determine the heterogeneity of the included studies. Subgroup analyses were computed based on the types of pesticide exposure, study design, sample size category, and outcome assessment technique.

Result

A total of 38 articles with 118,303 children less than 18 years of age were included in this meta-analysis. Pesticide exposure among children increased the risk of asthma by 24%; (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.14-1.35) with extreme heterogeneity (I 2 = 81%, p < 0.001). Exposure to pesticides increased the odds of developing wheezing among children by 34% (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.14-1.57), with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 79%, p < 0.001) and also increased the risk of developing lower respiratory tract infection by 79% (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.45-2.21) with nonsignificant low heterogeneity (I 2 = 30%, p-value = 0.18).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis provided valuable evidence supporting the association between childhood asthma, wheezing, and lower respiratory tract infection with pesticide exposure. The findings would contribute to a better understanding of the estimate of the effect of pesticide exposure on respiratory health in children and inform evidence-based preventive strategies and public health interventions.

Improving pesticide residue detection: Immobilized enzyme microreactor embedded in microfluidic paper-based analytical devices

Orientationally immobilized enzyme microreactors (OIMERs), embedded in microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) were developed for improved detection of pesticide residues in food. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was orientationally immobilized on the reusable Part I of the μPADs, using the specific affinity binding of concanavalin A (Con A) to a glycosyl group on AChE. Using the disposable Part II, facile colorimetric quantification was performed with a smartphone and software, or qualitative detection by a naked-eye visual test. The AChE immobilized in OIMERs not only had improved activity and stability, but also high sensitivity, with a limit of detection as low as (0.007 ± 0.003) μg/mL. The method was used to detect pesticides residues in real vegetable samples; the recovery (88.6-102.7%) showed high reliability for pesticide residues detection in foods. A molecular docking study and an enzyme kinetic analysis were conducted to characterize the mechanism of action of the OIMERs.