ABSTRACT
Dichlorvos is an organophosphate pesticide that is commonly used for agricultural and domestic control of pests and insects. Despite its usefulness, it exerts reproductive toxicity and induces male sexual dysfunction. On the other hand, curcumin has been reported to improve sexual dysfunction. However, till date, no study has reported the impact of curcumin on dichlorvos-induced sexual dysfunction. This study investigated the effect and associated mechanism of curcumin on dichlorvos-induced sexual dysfunction. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups; the control (1 mL of olive oil), curcumin-treated (100 mg/kg), DDVP-treated (98.54 g/m3 of dichlorvos by inhalation), and DDVP + Curcumin-treated. Dichlorvos induced sexual dysfunction as depicted by reduced motivation to mate (8.38 ± 0.18 vs. 4.00 ± 0.33, P < 0.0001), prolonged latencies (46.63 ± 1.30 vs. 98.75 ± 1.32, P < 0.0001) and reduced frequencies of mount (14.88 ± 0.52 vs. 8.63 ± 0.38), intromission (9.38 ± 0.50 vs. 3.75 ± 0.31, P < 0.0001), and ejaculation (7.63 ± 0.38 vs. 1.50 ± 0.19, P < 0.0001). These findings were accompanied by suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, evidenced by marked reductions in circulating FSH (60.00 ± 1.04 vs. 21.13 ± 0.52, P < 0.0001), LH (46.38 ± 1.38 vs. 19.00 ± 0.46, P < 0.0001), and testosterone (6.01 ± 0.50 vs. 0.74 ± 0.05, P < 0.0001). Nonetheless, the administration of curcumin in dichlorvos-exposed rats significantly attenuated dichlorvos-induced sexual dysfunction by improving the assessed indices of male sexual act. Also, curcumin significantly increased serum levels of FSH (21.13 ± 0.52 vs. 47.25 ± 0.10, P < 0.0001), LH (19.00 ± 0.46 vs. 43.00 ± 1.49), and testosterone (0.74 ± 0.05 vs. 3.98 ± 0.08, P < 0.0001). This study revealed that curcumin attenuated dichlorvos-induced sexual dysfunction by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and upregulating circulating testosterone.
ABSTRACT
Organophosphate poisoning (OPP) remains a significant public health issue globally, particularly in middle- and low-income countries. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in managing patients with OPP, focusing on reducing the severity of intermediate syndrome symptoms and associated complications such as respiratory muscle weakness and bilateral loculated pleural effusions. A 48-year-old male with a history of alcohol consumption was transferred to the medicine intensive care unit due to poison ingestion. The patient exhibited symptoms of respiratory distress and decreased consciousness, necessitating intubation and mechanical ventilation. Physiotherapy interventions included patient education, secretion mobilization, vital capacity improvement, secondary complication prevention, chest expansion exercises, dyspnea-relieving positions, and mobilization. The patient's progress was monitored using various scales, including the Functional Independence Measure Scale, ICU Mobility Scale, and Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool. Significant improvements in functional independence, mobility, and psychological well-being were observed throughout the intervention period. This study highlights the importance of physiotherapy in the comprehensive management of OPP, emphasizing its role in mitigating respiratory complications and improving overall functional outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Organophosphate esters (OPEs), increasingly used as new flame retardants and plasticizers in various products, have been found to have reproductive toxicity with overt endocrine disruption potential, yet the relationship between OPEs and early menopause remains unexplored. In the present study, we included 2429 women who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2011-2020) and had data of five urinary OPE metabolite levels and information of menopause characteristics, to investigate the associations of OPEs exposure with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and age of menopause. Multivariable adjusted linear and logistic regression were used to assess the associations of urinary OPE metabolites with age of menopause and POI, respectively. Quantile g computation (QGC) models were used to assess the relative contribution of individual metabolites to associations of OPE metabolites mixture. After adjusting for covariates, urinary bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP) concentration was inversely associated with menopause age (ß = - 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.41, - 0.002). Higher urinary BCEP level (>median) was associated with earlier age at menopause (ß = -1.14, 95% CI: 1.83, - 0.46), and elevated odds of having POI (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.66). These associations were robust to the further adjustment of cardiometabolic diseases and related traits (e.g., body mass index). Further QGC analyses confirmed that BCEP was the dominant metabolite contributing most to the associations of OPEs mixture with age of menopause (weight = 49.5%) and POI (weight = 75.1%). No significant associations were found for the other four OPE metabolites. In this cross-sectional study, urinary BCEP level was associated with earlier menopause and increased odds of POI, highlighting the potential negative impacts of this chemical and its parent compound tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate on ovarian function. Further studies are required to validate our findings and reveal potential underlying mechanisms.
ABSTRACT
The improper application of pesticides in cultivating vegetables has resulted in the buildup of pesticide residues on vegetables. This study evaluated organophosphate pesticide residue levels in cabbage with specific objectives of investigating the varieties of organophosphate pesticides employed by farmers and their awareness, assessing residue levels on cabbage using semi-structured questionnaires, and determining the distribution of pesticide residues within the layers of the cabbage head using 50 cabbage samples randomly collected from farmers from 14 cabbage-producing communities. The findings indicated that 98 % of the farmers applied pesticides in the morning, whereas 24 % preferred evening application. Meanwhile, 22 % applied pesticides twice in a day. Also, 18 % combined pesticides, 40 % applied 20 ml during the application, 72 % chose a particular pesticide based on the expected efficiency, 46 % applied pesticides between 1 and 5 times in a season and 66 % sprayed between 7 and 14 days. Pyrinex 48 EC and Perferthion emerged as the predominant organophosphates, with usage rates of 10 % and 12 % respectively. Also, eleven (11) organophosphate pesticide residues were identified in the cabbage samples. Profenofos and chlorpyrifos exhibited the highest concentrations of pesticide residues, with levels reaching 0.02 mg/kg, with 56.6 % of the samples containing chlorpyrifos pesticide residue. Nevertheless, all the identified pesticide residues did not exceed the maximum residue limits for cabbage. The study analysis disclosed the presence of various organophosphate pesticide residues in the first 10 layers of cabbage. However, it was noted that the innermost layers might not contain any detectable pesticide residues. The findings highlight the need for farmers to use pesticides judiciously and follow recommended application practices to minimize vegetable residues.
ABSTRACT
Dichlorvos, an organophosphate compound, has the potential to cause acute kidney injury (AKI) besides its well-known neuromuscular complications. We report a case of severe-recurrent AKI that progressed to end-stage-renal-disease (ESRD) following accidental exposure to Dichlorvos. A 52-year-old male farmer presented with breathlessness after accidental exposure while spraying in the field. He required mechanical ventilation due to allergic pneumonitis and developed anuric AKI, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). Biopsy revealed severe acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN), which responded to steroids, and the patient became dialysis-independent by 4 weeks. Two weeks later, the patient had recurrent AKI requiring RRT. A repeat biopsy revealed severe ATIN. However, despite steroid treatment, he progressed to ESRD. Organophosphate compounds can cause renal injury with a wide spectrum of presentations, ranging from subclinical AKI to severe dialysis-dependent renal failure, which may eventually progress to end-stage renal disease.
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the uptake pathways, acropetal translocation, subcellular distribution, and biotransformation of OPEs by rice (Oryza sativa L.) after Cu exposure. The symplastic pathway was noted as the major pathway for the uptake of organophosphate triesters (tri-OPEs) and diesters (di-OPEs) by rice roots. Cu exposure enhanced the accumulation of tri-OPEs in rice roots, and such enhancement was positively correlated with Cu concentrations, attributing to the Cu-induced root damage. The hydrophilic Cl-OPEs in the cell-soluble fraction of rice tissues were enhanced after Cu exposure, while the subcellular distributions of alkyl- and aryl-OPEs were not affected by Cu exposure. Significantly higher biotransformation rates of tri-OPEs to di-OPEs occurred in leaves, followed by those in stems and roots. Our study reveals the mechanisms associated with the uptake, translocation, and biotransformation of various OPEs in rice after Cu exposure, which provides new insights regarding the phytoremediation of soils cocontaminated with heavy metal and OPEs.
ABSTRACT
In recent years, the prevalence and danger of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) have drawn attention from all around the world. This study examined twenty-five OPFRs observed in water and sediment samples from the Qiantang River in eastern China, as well as their occurrence, spatial distribution, possible origins, and ecological hazards. All the 25 OPFRs were detected in water and sediment samples. The levels of Σ25OPFRs in water and sediment were 35.5-192 ng/L and 8.84-48.5 ng/g dw, respectively. Chlorinated OPFRs were the main contributions in water, whereas alkyl-OPFRs were the most common congeners found in sediment. Spatial analysis revealed that sample locations in neighboring cities had somewhat higher water concentrations of OPFRs. Slowing down the river current and making the reservoir the main sink of OPFRs, the dam can prevent OPFRs from moving via the Qiantang River. Positive matrix factorization indicated that plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride, polyester resins, and polyurethane foam made the greatest contributions in water, whereas polyurethane foam and textile were the predominant source in sediment. Analysis of sediment-water exchange of OPFRs showed that twelve OPFRs in sediments can re-enter into the water body. The risk quotients showed the ecological risk was low to medium, but trixylyl phosphate exposures posed high ecological risk to aquatic organisms.
Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring , Flame Retardants , Geologic Sediments , Organophosphorus Compounds , Rivers , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Flame Retardants/analysis , China , Rivers/chemistry , Risk Assessment , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Geologic Sediments/chemistry , Organophosphorus Compounds/analysisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: High low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL-C) during pregnancy have been associated with adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes. While previous studies have suggested a potential link between organophosphate pesticide (OPP) exposure and higher LDL-C in the general population and agricultural workers, the relationship in pregnant women and the effect of body mass index on this relationship remain unclear. We examined the association between the urinary concentrations of OPP metabolites (dialkylphosphates) and blood lipid levels in pregnant women. METHODS: We used data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, which included 5,169 pregnant women with urinary dialkylphosphate data. We examined the association between urinary concentrations of six dialkylphosphates (DEP, DETP, DEDTP, DMP, DMTP, DMDTP) and blood lipid levels (LDL-C, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) during the first trimester using multiple linear regression under a Bayesian paradigm. We examined the association between high LDL-C, defined as ≥90th percentile of LDL-C, and urinary dialkylphosphate concentrations, using multiple logistic regression under a Bayesian paradigm. These analyses were repeated in underweight, normal-weight, and overweight participants. RESULTS: DEP, DMP, and DMTP were detected in >50 % of the participants. Multiple linear regression analyses did not show associations between LDL-C and these dialkylphosphates. Stratified analyses showed a positive association between DEP and LDL-C in overweight women (beta coefficient = 2.13, 95 % credible interval = 0.86-3.38, probability of direction (PD) = 100 %); however, the association was not significant (percentage in region of practical equivalence (% in ROPE) = 84.0). Higher DEP was significantly associated with high LDL-C (odds ratio = 1.32, 95 % credible interval = 1.13-1.55, PD = 100 %, % in ROPE = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Among overweight pregnant women in the first trimester, higher urinary DEP concentrations were associated with high LDL-C. The effects of OPP on blood lipid profiles merit further investigation.
Subject(s)
Organophosphates , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Japan , Adult , Organophosphates/urine , Pregnancy Trimester, First/urine , Lipids/blood , Maternal Exposure/statistics & numerical data , Pesticides/urine , Pesticides/blood , Cholesterol, LDL/blood , Young Adult , Body Mass IndexABSTRACT
Disposable masks, formed mainly from polymers, often incorporate various chemical additives to enhance their performance. These additives, which include plasticizers, may be released during mask usage, presenting a novel source of human exposure to these compounds. In this study, the presence of 16 organophosphate esters (OPEs), 11 phthalates, and four alternative plasticizers, in four various types of face masks, were studied, as well as their release during simulated mask use (artificial laboratory conditions). Total plasticizer concentrations exhibited minimal variation across different mask types, with mean values of 7.27 µg/face mask for surgical, 8.61 µg/face mask for reusable, 11.0 µg/face mask for KN-95, and 13.9 µg/face mask for FFP2 masks. To explore plasticizer release behavior, inhalation experiments were conducted under different conditions. The findings revealed a significant temperature-dependent enhancement in plasticizer release from masks, subsequently increasing human inhalation exposure. The inhalation experiments showed variation in the release percentages, ranging from 0.1 to 95 %, depending on the specific compound and mask type. Notably, OPEs exhibited a mean release percentage of 1.0 %, similar to phthalates, which showed a 1.2 % release. Although alternative plasticizers were less frequently released, they still presented a notable percentage of release of 4.1 %. Daily intake estimations via inhalation ranged from 0.01 to 9.04 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day for these additives. Using these estimations, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with this exposure to these compounds were evaluated. All calculated values for the specific compounds studied in this paper remained below the established threshold limits. However, they do represent an additional exposure pathway that, when considered alongside other more predominant routes such as indoor/outdoor inhalation, dermal absorption, and dietary intake, makes the total exposure worthy of consideration.
Subject(s)
Inhalation Exposure , Masks , Plasticizers , Plasticizers/analysis , Risk Assessment , Humans , Inhalation Exposure/analysis , Phthalic Acids/analysisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Adolescents living in agricultural communities may be at risk for the adverse effects of pesticide exposure because they are involved in agriculture either as a career or to support their families. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of farm activities related to pesticide exposure on blood cholinesterase (ChE) levels among adolescents from farming families in the north of Thailand. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 336 adolescents aged 12-19 years from farming families in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province. Data on pesticide exposure was collected using a questionnaire, and blood ChE activity was assessed using a ChE reactive paper test kit via fingerstick blood sampling. RESULTS: Overall, 51.2% of participants had abnormal blood ChE levels. Univariable logistic regression analysis revealed that pesticide-related activities on farms associated with abnormal ChE levels were mixing/spraying (OR=10.54; 95%CI=4.63-23.99), assisting or working in areas with pesticide application (OR=5.54; 95%CI=3.45-8.89), and harvesting (OR=3.70; 95%CI=2.35-5.82). In a multivariable model (Nagelkerke R2=0.374), mixing/spraying (OR=4.90; 95%CI=2.03-11.83) and assisting or working in areas with pesticide application (OR=2.61; 95%CI=1.49-4.57) were significantly associated with abnormal ChE levels, but harvesting (OR=1.48; 95%CI=0.84-2.61) was not significant after adjusting for sex, age in years, and entering or walking through a farm. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that Thai adolescents living in farming families are at risk of pesticide exposure, particularly those involved in agricultural activities such as pesticide applicators. An intervention and measure to raise awareness and reduce the risk of pesticide exposure in adolescents is required.
Subject(s)
Cholinesterases , Occupational Exposure , Pesticides , Humans , Adolescent , Thailand , Female , Male , Pesticides/blood , Cross-Sectional Studies , Occupational Exposure/statistics & numerical data , Cholinesterases/blood , Child , Young Adult , Farmers/statistics & numerical data , Agriculture/statistics & numerical data , Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
The widespread use of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), a serious type of pervasive environmental contaminants, has led to a global concern regarding their diverse toxicities to living beings. Using a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches, we systematically studied the adsorption, accumulation, and influence of a series of OPFRs on the lipid membranes of bacteria and cells. Our results revealed that OPFRs can aggregate in lipid membranes, leading to the destruction of membrane integrity. During this process, the molecular structure of the OPFRs is a dominant factor that significantly influences the strength of their interaction with the lipid membrane, resulting in varying degrees of biotoxicity. Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), owing to its large molecular size and strong hydrophobicity, causes severe membrane disruption through the formation of nanoclusters. The corresponding severe toxicity originates from the phase transitions of the lipid membranes. In contrast, smaller OPFRs such as triethyl phosphate (TEP) and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) have weaker hydrophobicity and induce minimal membrane disturbance and ineffective damage. In vivo, gavage of TPHP induced more severe barrier damage and inflammatory infiltration in mice than TEP or TCEP, confirming the higher toxicity of TPHP. Overall, our study elucidates the structure-dependent adsorption of OPFRs onto lipid membranes, highlighting their destructive interactions with membranes as the origin of OPFR toxicity.
ABSTRACT
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) have been widely produced and used, while little is known about their occurrence in the food chain and potential sources. In this study, raw cow milk, cow drinking water, and feed were collected from pastures across China, and OPEs were tested to explore the occurrence and transmission of OPEs in the food chain and to further assess daily OPE intakes for cows and humans via certain food consumption. The median level of ∑OPEs (sum of 15 OPEs) in raw milk was 2140 pg/mL, and tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) was the most abundant OPE. Levels of OPEs in water were lower than those in raw milk except for triethyl phosphate (TEP), while levels of most OPEs in feed were significantly higher than those in raw milk (adjusted by dry weight). The estimated dietary intake of OPEs via feed for cows was 2530 ng/kg bw/day, which was much higher than that via water (742 ng/kg bw/day), indicating that feed was a more critical exposure source. For liquid milk consumers, the high-exposure (95th) estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of ∑15OPE were 20 and 7.11 ng/kg bw/day for 3-17 years and adults, respectively, and it is obvious that cows had much heavier OPE intake. Finally, the calculated hazard indexes (HIs) suggested that the intake of OPEs via cow milk consumption would not pose significant health risks to the Chinese population.
Subject(s)
Animal Feed , Dietary Exposure , Drinking Water , Esters , Milk , Organophosphates , Animals , Milk/chemistry , China , Cattle/metabolism , Humans , Animal Feed/analysis , Drinking Water/analysis , Drinking Water/chemistry , Female , Dietary Exposure/analysis , Esters/analysis , Adult , Organophosphates/analysis , Food Contamination/analysis , Adolescent , Child, Preschool , Child , Young Adult , MaleABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are a class of environmental chemicals with endocrine-disrupting properties. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that prenatal OPEs exposure is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. However, studies assessing the effects of prenatal OPEs exposure on the dynamic changes in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in preschoolers are scarce. Since vitamin D has been demonstrated to have a "neuroprotective" effect, the modifying effects of maternal vitamin D were estimated. METHODS: The present study included 2410 pregnant women from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort. The levels of OPEs in the mothers' urine were examined in the three trimesters. The Chinese version of the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire was used to examine preschoolers' ADHD symptoms at 3, 5, and 6 years of age. ADHD symptom trajectories were fitted via group-based trajectory modeling. We used multinomial logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression, quantile-based g-computation, and generalized linear models to assess individual and mixed relationships between OPEs during pregnancy and preschoolers' ADHD symptoms and trajectories. RESULTS: Preschoolers' ADHD symptom scores were fitted to 3 trajectories, including the low-score, moderate-score, and high-score groups. First-trimester dibutyl phosphate (DBP), second-trimester bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP), and third-trimester diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) were associated with an increased risk in the high-score group (p < 0.05). BBOEP in the third trimester was associated with decreased risk in the moderate-score group (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.79, 1.00). For mothers with 25(OH)D deficiency, a positive relationship was observed between OPEs during pregnancy and symptom trajectories. Our results did not reveal any mixed effects of OPEs on ADHD symptom trajectories. CONCLUSION: Prenatal exposure to OPEs had heterogeneous associations with ADHD symptom trajectories in preschoolers. Additionally, the effect of individual OPEs on symptom trajectories was intensified by vitamin D deficiency.
ABSTRACT
In this study, we measured 15 common organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in six categories of tea samples across China. OPFRs were found in all the tea samples, with the total concentrations of OPFRs (∑OPFRs) at 3.44-432 ng/g [geometric mean (GM): 17.6 ng/g]. Triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) was the dominant OPFR, accounting for 39.0-76.2% of ∑OPFRs across all tea categories. The potential factors influencing the residual OPFRs in tea were thoroughly examined, including the agricultural environment, fermentation, and packaging of teas. Tea packaging materials (TPMs) were then identified as the primary sources of OPFRs in teas. The migration test revealed that OPFRs with lower molecular weights and log Kow values exhibited a higher propensity for facilitating the migration of OPFRs from TPMs to teas. The estimated daily intakes of OPFRs from teas were relatively higher for the general populations in Mauritania, Gambia, Togo, Morocco, and Senegal (3.18-9.79 ng/kg bw/day) than China (3.12 ng/kg bw/day). The health risks arising from OPFRs in Chinese teas were minor. This study established a baseline concentration and demonstrated the contamination sources of OPFRs in Chinese tea for the first time, with an emphasis on enhancing the hygiene standards for TPMs.
Subject(s)
Flame Retardants , Organophosphates , Tea , Flame Retardants/analysis , Tea/chemistry , China , Risk Assessment , Food Packaging , Humans , Food ContaminationABSTRACT
Organophosphate esters (OPEs), as alternatives to brominated flame retardants, are extensively used in both production and daily life, with their environmental contamination and toxic effects being a concern. This study investigated the concentration levels, bioaccumulation, and ecological effects of OPEs in five different effluent-receiving rivers. The results demonstrate that the concentration range of Σ13OPEs across the five rivers was between 142.23 and 304.56 ng/L (mean: 193.50 ng/L). The highest pollution levels of OPEs were found in rivers receiving airport and industrial wastewater, followed by agricultural wastewater, mixed wastewater, and domestic wastewater. Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP), triethyl phosphate (TEP), and tricresyl phosphate (TCrP) were identified as the main pollutants. The accumulation concentrations of OPEs in fish ranged from 54.0 to 1080.88 ng/g dw, with the highest bioaccumulation found in Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, followed by Carassius auratus and Misgurnus anguillicaudatus. The brain was the primary organ of accumulation, followed by the liver, gills, intestine, and muscle. Tri-n-propyl phosphate (TPeP) and TEP exhibited the highest bioconcentration, with log BAF values exceeding three. The bioaccumulation of OPEs was influenced by pollutant concentration levels, hydrophobic properties, and biological metabolism. Ecological risk assessment revealed that the cumulative risk values of Σ13OPEs ranged from 0.025 to 16.76, with TCrP being the major contributor. It posed a medium-low risk to algae but a high risk to crustaceans and fish.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Deployment-related neurotoxicant exposures are implicated in the etiology of Gulf War illness (GWI), the multisymptom condition associated with military service in the 1990-1991 Gulf War (GW). A Q/R polymorphism at position 192 of the paraoxonase (PON)-1 enzyme produce PON1192 variants with different capacities for neutralizing specific chemicals, including certain acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. METHODS: We evaluated PON1192 status and GW exposures in 295 GWI cases and 103 GW veteran controls. Multivariable logistic regression determined independent associations of GWI with GW exposures overall and in PON1192 subgroups. Exact logistic regression explored effects of exposure combinations in PON1192 subgroups. RESULTS: Hearing chemical alarms (proxy for possible nerve agent exposure) was associated with GWI only among RR status veterans (OR = 8.60, p = 0.014). Deployment-related skin pesticide use was associated with GWI only among QQ (OR = 3.30, p = 0.010) and QR (OR = 4.22, p < 0.001) status veterans. Exploratory assessments indicated that chemical alarms were associated with GWI in the subgroup of RR status veterans who took pyridostigmine bromide (PB) (exact OR = 19.02, p = 0.009) but not RR veterans who did not take PB (exact OR = 0.97, p = 1.00). Similarly, skin pesticide use was associated with GWI among QQ status veterans who took PB (exact OR = 6.34, p = 0.001) but not QQ veterans who did not take PB (exact OR = 0.59, p = 0.782). CONCLUSION: Study results suggest a complex pattern of PON1192 exposures and exposure-exposure interactions in the development of GWI.
Subject(s)
Aryldialkylphosphatase , Gulf War , Persian Gulf Syndrome , Veterans , Humans , Aryldialkylphosphatase/genetics , Persian Gulf Syndrome/genetics , Persian Gulf Syndrome/epidemiology , Male , Case-Control Studies , Veterans/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , Adult , Female , Polymorphism, Genetic , Occupational Exposure , Logistic Models , Pesticides/toxicity , Cholinesterase Inhibitors , United States/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Organophosphates are widely used in the livestock industry. In this study, we developed a method for detecting 27 organophosphate insecticides in animal-derived foods, including beef, pork, chicken, milk, and eggs, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A modified QuEChERS method was optimized for sample pretreatment. A mixture of acetonitrile and acetone was used as the extraction solvent, and MgSO4 and NaCl were used as salts. Among the five different dispersive solid-phase extraction systems, MgSO4, primary secondary amines, and C18 were selected for purification because they had the highest recovery rates and least matrix effects. The matrix-dependent limit of quantitation was 0.0005-0.005 mg/kg, and the correlation coefficient of the matrix-matched calibration curve was >0.99, which was acceptable for quantifying residues below 0.01 mg/kg-the default maximum residue limit in a positive list system. The recovery efficiencies ranged from 71.9 to 110.5%, with standard deviations ranging from 0.2% to 12.5%, satisfying the SANTE guidelines. The established analytical method was used to monitor organophosphates in animal-derived foods obtained from a local market, and no pesticides were detected. With respect to industry standards, our proposed method is recommended for practical organophosphate detection in animal-derived foods.
ABSTRACT
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) pose hazards to both humans and the environment. This study applied target screening to analyze the concentrations and detection frequencies of OPEs in the soil and groundwater of representative contaminated sites in the Pearl River Delta. The clusters and correlation characteristics of OPEs in soil and groundwater were calculated by self-organizing map (SOM). The risk assessment and partitions of OPEs in industrial park soil and groundwater were conducted. The results revealed that 14 out of 23 types of OPEs were detected. The total concentrations (Σ23OPEs) ranged from 1.931 to 743.571 ng/L in the groundwater, and 0.218 to 79.578 ng/g in the soil, the former showed highly soluble OPEs with high detection frequencies and concentrations, whereas the latter exhibited the opposite trend. SOM analysis revealed that the distribution of OPEs in the soil differed significantly from that in the groundwater. In the industrial park, OPEs posed acceptable risks in both the soil and groundwater. The soil could be categorized into Zone I and II, and the groundwater into Zone I, II, and III, with corresponding management recommendations. Applying SOM to analyze the characteristics and partitions of OPEs may provide references for other new pollutants and contaminated sites.
ABSTRACT
The use of pesticides is often regarded as a fundamental aspect of conventional agriculture. However, these compounds have gained recognition as some of the oldest and most widely employed xenobiotic contaminants, necessitating effective strategies for human biomonitoring. In this context, a method was developed for the determination of 16 legacy organochlorine pesticides, 6 metabolites of current pesticides (2,4-D, malathion, parathion, fipronil, pyraclostrobin, cypermethrin, permethrin, cyfluthrin), and 1 triazine herbicide (atrazine) in serum. Samples were prepared with water, formic acid, acetonitrile, and ultrasound irradiation, followed by solid-phase extraction with Oasis Prime HLB. Subsequently, metabolites from current pesticides underwent derivatization using MTBSTFA with 1% TBDMSCl for analysis via gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), employing an SLB-5MS fused silica capillary column. Analytical curves were generated with limits of quantification from 0.3 to 4.0 ng.mL-1. Accuracy ranged from 69 to 124%, and the coefficient of variation from 2 to 28%. Moreover, determining 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-ol was suggested as a biomarker for pyraclostrobin biomonitoring. This analytical approach facilitated the determination of both legacy and metabolites of current pesticides in the same serum sample, presenting an interesting and cost-effective option for large cohorts, and multi-omics studies that evaluate time-dependent biomarkers in blood samples, thereby enabling biomonitoring within the same matrix. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept involving 10 volunteers demonstrated exposure to 9 pesticides at mean concentrations measured in ng mL-1, consistent with findings from various biomonitoring initiatives.
ABSTRACT
Organophosphate (OP) poisoning is a critical public health issue, particularly in agricultural regions where these compounds are extensively used as pesticides. The toxic effects of OP compounds arise from their inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine and a subsequent cholinergic crisis, which can be fatal if not promptly treated. Traditional management of OP poisoning includes the administration of atropine and pralidoxime; however, these treatments often fall short of reducing the high morbidity and mortality associated with severe cases. Recent research has highlighted the potential of magnesium sulfate as an adjunctive treatment for OP poisoning. Magnesium sulfate exerts its beneficial effects through mechanisms such as calcium channel blockade and stabilization of neuromuscular junctions, which help mitigate the cholinergic hyperactivity induced by OP compounds. Clinical studies have shown that magnesium sulfate can significantly reduce the duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stays and improve overall patient outcomes. This narrative review aims to comprehensively analyze current insights into using magnesium sulfate to manage OP poisoning. It discusses the pathophysiology of OP poisoning, the pharmacological action of magnesium sulfate, and the clinical evidence supporting its use. Furthermore, the review will address the safety profile of magnesium sulfate and its potential role in current treatment guidelines. By synthesizing available evidence, this review seeks to establish magnesium sulfate as a game-changer in the management of OP poisoning, ultimately contributing to better clinical practices and patient outcomes.