Induction of oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in organophosphorous pesticide manufacturing workers

Oxidative stress status and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were studied in blood samples obtained from 45 organophosphorous (OP)-formulating pesticide workers with a minimum work history of 1 year in the age range of 23-55. Controls were age-matched workers of a food-making factory. They were evaluated for oxidative stress markers, including thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) indicator of lipid peroxidation (LPO), ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) indicator of total anti-oxidant capacity, total thiol (SH) groups and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels in blood and AChE activity in erythrocytes. The results show marked inhibition of AChE activity, increased TBARS, decreased FRAP and decreased thiol group levels in workers. The reduction in activity of AChE correlated well with increased TBARS and decreased FRAP in OP formulators. It is concluded that OP-formulating workers are exposed to more oxidative stress. The measurement of erythrocyte AChE activity in pesticide workers who formulate OPs can be a good monitoring factor and is recommended to be performed in a regular manner.