Assessment of Oxidative Stress and Its Association With Biological Markers and Occupational Factors in Tunisian Farmworkers Chronically Exposed to Pesticide Mixtures.

Abstract

Objective: The aim was the assessment of oxidative stress (OS) and its relationships with biomarkers and occupational factors in farmworkers exposed to pesticides (Ps).

Methods: Analyses of biological and OS biomarkers were performed for both exposed and unexposed individuals. Multivariate analyses were applied to study associations between these biomarkers.

Results: Associations between OS biomarkers and biological parameters were revealed only in farmworkers. The spraying mode and duration predicted low glutathione levels. The Ps cocktail used correlated with increased malondialdehyde ( r = 0.332; P = 0.037), decreased glutathione peroxidase ( r = -0.363; P = 0.021), and inversely with acetylcholinesterase ( r = -0.460; P = 0.003), and it was correlated with anxiety. The latter was also associated with the Ps exposure index. However, butyrylcholinesterase decreased specifically in workers suffering from asthenia ( r = -0.338; P = 0.033).

Conclusion: Long-term exposure to Ps mixtures may induce OS and reduce antioxidant capacity, leading to neurological or neuropsychic impairement. Hence, OS biomarkers are useful as early-effect biomarkers of pesticide exposure.