Impact of Micronutrient Supplementation on Pesticide Residual, Acetylcholinesterase Activity, and Oxidative Stress Among Farm Children Exposed to Pesticides.

The present interventional study aimed to assess the impact of micronutrient supplementation on pesticide-residues concentrations, vitamins, minerals, acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress among 129 farm children (9-12 years, n = 66 and 13-15 years, n = 63) involved in farming activities in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, India. Our data showed the presence of five organophosphorus pesticide residues (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion, monocrotophos, and phosalone) among children before-supplementation (both age-groups); while post-supplementation, only two pesticide residues (chlorpyrifos and diazinon) were detected indicating improved metabolic rate. Vitamin E, copper, magnesium and zinc levels were also improved in both the age-groups and manganese levels were significantly increased only among children of 13-15 years age group. Further, post-supplementation also showed an improvement in acetylcholinesterase activity and a decrease in lipid peroxidation among both the age groups of children. However, further research for ascertaining the ameliorating effect of micronutrients in preventing adverse effects of organophosphorus pesticides must be conducted.

Organophosphate pesticide exposure among farm women and children: Status of micronutrients, acetylcholinesterase activity, and oxidative stress.

Nutritional status plays a major role in determining the possible adverse health outcomes due to pesticide toxicity. The objective of the present study was to assess the organophosphorus pesticide residue levels among farm women (FW) (24-45years) and farm children (FC) (9-12 and 13-15years) belonging to the Rangareddy district (Telangana, India) along with their micronutrient status, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, and oxidative stress levels. Residues of Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, Malathion, Monocrotophos and Phosalone were found in the serum samples of FW and FC along with significantly low levels of vitamins and minerals. Inhibition of AChE activity was observed in FW and FC and altered oxidative stress parameters among FW. Correlation studies have found significant associations between the pesticide residues, micronutrients and antioxidant enzymes. The study suggests an association between pesticide exposure coupled with micronutrient deficiency, induced AChE inhibition, and oxidative stress.

Effect of organophosphorus pesticide exposure on the immune cell phenotypes among farm women and their children.

Epidemiological studies suggest suppression of the lymphocytes function through cholinergic stimulation due to organophosphorus pesticide exposure. The study aimed to assess the alteration in the levels of immune cell phenotypes among farm women (FW) and farm children (FC) who were occupationally exposed to pesticides and age/gender-matched control subjects belonging to Rangareddy district (Telangana, India). A total of 129 FW, 129 FC and 268 age/gender-matched controls were recruited. Blood samples were collected from the selected subjects to estimate the levels of nine organophosphorus pesticide residues and CD (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+ and CD19+) cell markers using LC-MS/MS and flow cytometry, respectively. Independent t-test analysis was conducted to compare the immune cell phenotypes between exposed and control groups. Spearman's rank correlation test was further carried out to identify any possible correlation between the pesticide residues and CD markers. The mean percentage for CD4+, CD8+ and CD16+ was found to be significantly low, while for CD19 + itwas significantly high in the FW as compared to the CW group (p < 0.01). Further, the residues of chlorpyrifos and monocrotophos among FW were found to be significantly correlating with the mean percentages of CD19+ and CD8+ markers, respectively. The cell marker subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ were significantly low in FC children 9-12 years and 13-15 years age groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Also, these levels were significantly correlating with the residues of malathion and monocrotophos. The present study could indicate an alteration in the lymphocytes' subpopulations, which may thereby infer the toxicity in the first phase assessment of immunotoxicity. Therefore, further studies may be conducted to understand the suspected pesticides' mechanism along with various other factors in causing immune suppression coupled with nutritional and other related disorders.

Neurolathyrism in goat (Capra hircus) kid: Model development.

The present study was undertaken to develop an animal model to study neurolathyrism. For this purpose 24 goat (Capra hircus) kids (new born, 15 days old) were divided into four groups. Group I Control, Group II Low toxin (0.17 g% ß-ODAP containing grass pea), Group III high toxin (0.96 g% ß-ODAP containing grass pea) and Group IV high toxin (0.96 g% ß-ODAP containing grass pea flour (powder) fortified with 5 mg% pure ß-ODAP). The experiment was continued for 3 months. Clinical examination was carried out weekly. Muscle conduction velocity (MCV), nerve conduction velocity (NCV), blood and urinary ß-ODAP, nitrite in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination were performed by standard methods. Clinical examination showed neurolathyrism symptoms in three kids. The abnormal MCV and NCV were observed in all the experimental animals. Blood nitrite, blood and urine ß-ODAP levels were significantly increased in experimental groups. Three kids were affected with neurolathyrism due to consumption of grass pea irrespective of its ß-ODAP content and kid may serve as a neurolathyrism model.

Switching of antihypertensive drugs at Tertiary Care Government Hospital, Hyderabad, India: A cross-sectional retrospective investigation.

OBJECTIVE: Switching of antihypertensive drugs is attributed to uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) which imposes a great burden on health economics. But again, switching leads to accomplishment of the goal BP, thereby improving the health status. Such studies are well documented in developed nations but rarely reported in developing countries, especially in India. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate various factors associated with switching of antihypertensive drugs. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective investigation was performed using a standardized schedule adapting the World Health Organization indicators for drug utilization in a tertiary care government hospital, Hyderabad, India. A total of 429 prescriptions were monitored for a switchover to a different antihypertensive drug in 180 days. RESULTS: The results revealed that the duration of hypertension (HTN) >5-10 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.73, P < 0.05), two or more symptoms of HTN (aOR = 3.42, P < 0.05), 2014 prescriptions (aOR = 4.54, P < 0.001), polytherapy (aOR = 2.85, P < 0.001), noncompliance to National List of Essential Medicine (NLEM) (aOR = 1.631, P < 0.05), and systolic BP (SBP) (aOR = 1.77, P < 0.05) were the predictors, which were highly likely to switch (38.5%) the antihypertensive drugs. Diuretics (0.7%) were poorly prescribed, the first line of therapy suggested by Seventh Joint National Committee (JNC VII). Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed, the calendar year 2014 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.23, P < 0.001), polytherapy (OR = 2.5, P < 0.001), and the level of SBP ≥140 mmHg (OR = 1.82, P < 0.01) as the three major predictors which showed a likelihood of switching medication. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the study reveals predictors of the switchover like uncontrolled SBP, duration of HTN, compliance with the list of NLEM drugs, polytherapy, enabling the clinicians to critically analyze the patients' profile, and hence, reach target BP soon, i.e., decreased cardiovascular risk.

Mother and child nutrition among the Chakhesang tribe in the state of Nagaland, North-East India.

Despite the importance of the nutritional status and food systems of Indigenous Peoples, the subject has received very little attention, especially in North-East India. Therefore, a community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among Chakhesang mothers with children under 5 years of age to evaluate their nutritional status and prevalence of chronic diseases in the context of their dietary habits. From 558 households (HHs), 661 children and 540 mothers were covered using standard anthropometric measurements as well as blood collection for haemoglobin and vitamin A. Data were collected from mothers on HH socio-demographic particulars and infant and young child feeding practices. The results showed that the prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting among children <5 years of age was 14%, 22%, and 7%, respectively. The prevalence of anaemia and vitamin A deficiency was 26% and 33% among children <5 years, whereas it was 33% and 26%, respectively, among mothers. Hypertension was observed in 16% of women, whereas diabetes was seen in 0.8%. Approximately 35% and 24% of HHs suffered mild or moderate food insecurity, respectively, which was associated with literacy of the parents, per capita income, and family size. Utilization of the rich agrobiodiversity and wild foods by the Chakhesangs appears to be a strong reason for their better nutritional and health status as compared to the rest of India. Therefore, this Indigenous knowledge and food system must be documented and kept vital, especially in policies and intervention programmes addressing food and nutrition security among the Chakhesangs.

Nutritional status, food insecurity, and biodiversity among the Khasi in Meghalaya, North-East India.

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out with 603 children ages 5 and under and 500 of their mothers from 510 households to examine the prevalence of undernutrition and chronic diseases among the Khasis of North-East India. Anthropometric measurements including Mid-Upper Arm Circumference, height, and weight were taken. Dry blood spots to estimate haemoglobin and vitamin A were collected from children and women separately by finger prick. Mothers provided data about household socio-demographic particulars and infant and young child feeding practices. The prevalence in children of underweight was 31%, stunting was 57%, and wasting was 10%. Undernutrition was higher among boys as compared to girls. Nutrient intakes were below recommended levels. The prevalence of anaemia among children ages 1 to 5 years old was 68%, and vitamin A deficiency was 59%, and they were 83% and 48%, respectively, among women. Hypertension was observed in 15% of women, whereas diabetes was less than 1%. Only about 20% of households were food secure, and this was associated with parental literacy, per capita income, and family size. Undernutrition was unacceptably high among the Khasis despite rich food biodiversity. Proper implementation of nutritional intervention programs such as Integrated Child Development Services, Mid Day Meal, and the Public Distribution System will improve the nutrient intake and nutritional status of the population. Additionally, preservation of forest lands and products paired with judicious use of the rich food biodiversity available will promote dietary diversity and ultimately better nutrition and health.