| IJOMEH
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Current website - http://ijomeh.eu
Int. J. Occup. Med. Environ Health 2007;20(4):381-385 |
DOI 10.2478/v10001-007-0039-8 |
HAMID REZA JOSHAGHANI, ALI REZA AHMADI, and AZAD REZA MANSOURIAN |
Abstract
Objectives: The determination of cholinesterase activity has
been commonly applied in the biomonitoring of exposure to
organophosphates and carbamates and in the diagnosis of poisoning with
anticholinesterase compounds. One of the groups who are at risk of
pesticide intoxication are the workers engaged in the production of
these chemicals. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the
effect of pesticides on erythrocyte and serum cholinesterase activity
in workers occupationally exposed to these chemicals. Methods:
The subjects were 63 workers at a pesticide plant. Blood samples were
collected before they were employed (phase I) and after 3 months of
working in the plant (phase II). Cholinesterase level in erythrocytes
(EChE) was determined using the modified Ellman method, and serum
cholinesterase (SChE) by butyrylthiocholine substrate assay. Results:
The mean EChE levels were 48±11 IU/g Hb in phase I and 37±17 IU/g Hb in
phase II (paired t-test, mean = -29; 95% CI = -43-14), p < 0.001).
The mean SChE level was 9569±2496 IU/l in phase I, and 7970±2067 IU/l
in phase II (paired t-test, mean = 1599; 95% CI = 1140-2058, p <
0.001). There was a significant increase in ALT level (p < 0.001)
and a decrease in serum albumin level (p < 0.001). Conclusion:
In view of the significant decrease in EChE and SChE levels among
pesticide workers, it seems that routine assessment of cholinesterase
level in workers employed in such occupations and people handling
pesticides should be made obligatory.
Key words
Pesticide, Organophosphate, Cholinesterase, Occupational![](images/buttons/buynum_blue_EN.gif)