Intoxication of professional sprayers: oxidative stress biomarkers and other biochemical parameters

ASTIZ, MARIANA; ARNAL, NATHALIE; TACCONI DE ALANIZ, MARÍA JOSEFA; MARRA, CARLOS ALBERTO

Villa Carlos Paz, Córdoba

Congreso; 44 Reunión Nac. Soc. Argentina de Invest. Bioqca. y Biología Molecular (SAIB); 2008

SAIB

We study the impact of involuntary exposure to residual pesticides in a population of  54 professional sprayers (S) (32 males, 22 females; 25 ± 5 year old) exposed to pesticides and fungicides during approx. 5 years by determining various oxidative stress biomarkers (OSB) and other parameters in blood. Results were compared with a similar group of volunteers (C) selected from urban areas. S showed haematological, renal, and hepatic biomarkers within the normal range of values established for the general population, including acetilcholinesterase activity and fructosamine levels. In spite of that, the entire biochemical test were significantly altered compared to C. Plasma a-tocopherol content, and the total reducing ability of plasma (FRAP assay) were significantly decreased, while plasma protein carbonyls, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, total glutathione, ceruloplasmine, total copper, and the sum of nitrates and nitrites were increased. This investigation demonstrated that screening laboratory tests are completely insensible for demonstrating sub-clinical intoxication and/or occupational risk. It also proved that OSB should be included in this kind of evaluation procedures to better design new strategies of prevention. Chronical exposure to residual pesticides and to other agrochemicals is intimately linked to an increased incidence of degenerative illnesses in humans.