Hepatic and Renal function in Applicators and Farmers Exposed to Organophosphate Pesticides in Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Prolonged exposure to organophosphate pesticides (Op) has been associated with various diseases. There is little information on which group of exposed farm workers that is more affected. This study therefore evaluated indices of hepatic and renal function in pesticide applicators and farmers exposed to organophosphate pesticides. Thirty (30) pesticide applicators (PA), 30 farmers exposed to Op and 30 control subjects were recruited into this study. Serum activity of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) was determined using HPLC while total bilirubin (TBIL), conjugated bilirubin (CBIL), total protein (TP), albumin, urea and creatinine were determined using standard colorimetric method. Serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were determined using Auto analyzer (Hitachi 902). AChE activity, levels of albumin and TP were significantly lower while creatinine and activities of AST, ALT and GGT were significantly higher in PA than in controls. Similarly, AST, ALT and GGT activities were significantly higher while the levels of albumin, TP, urea and AChE activity were significantly lower in farmers than in controls. Remarkably, serum AChE activity and levels of albumin and TP were significantly lower while AST and ALT activities were significantly higher in PA compared with farmers. This study demonstrated that liver and renal dysfunction are associated with organophosphate pesticides exposure but pesticides applicators appear to be at greater risk of having liver dysfunction than the farmers. Farm workers exposed to organophosphate pesticides may benefit from periodic assessment of their liver and renal function for early detection of any possible dysfunction.