Abstract
Exposure to organophosphate pesticides (OP) has been associated with the inhibition of cholinesterase enzymatic activity, such as butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Changes in BuChE activity have been associated with obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and metabolic syndrome. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of pesticides on both BuChE and lipid parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid parameters in urban sprayers and their association with BuChE activity. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in workers exposed to pesticides. The pesticide exposures were evaluated by the measurement of urinary dialkylphosphates. BuChE activity was determined spectrophotometrically in serum, and biochemical parameters were determined at a certified laboratory. Information regarding general characteristics, lifestyle, and other aspects was obtained from a structured questionnaire. The results showed variations in glucose, cholesterol, albumin, atherogenic index, creatinine, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, and total lipids according to the level of exposure to pesticides in individuals with overweight and obesity. Furthermore, positive correlations between BuChE activity and lipid parameters were observed; these effects were associated with the body mass index. More studies are needed in human population to better elucidate the role of BuChE in lipid metabolism.
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Acknowledgments
We thank all the workers that participate in the study. The authors also thank Leticia Yáñez-Estrada Ph. D. and her team at the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, for measurements of DAP.
Funding
This work was supported by CONACyT grants: SALUD-2014-1-#233803 and Red Temática de Toxicología de Plaguicidas #271775.
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Highlights
• Biochemical parameters vary according to the exposure degree to pesticides.
• Correlations between BuChE activity and biochemical and lipid parameters were observed according to BMI.
• Data suggest a relationship between BuChE activity and biochemical parameters in workers exposed to pesticides.
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Molina-Pintor, I.B., Rojas-García, A.E., Bernal-Hernández, Y.Y. et al. Relationship between butyrylcholinesterase activity and lipid parameters in workers occupationally exposed to pesticides. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27, 39365–39374 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08197-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08197-2