Assessment of oxidative stress and its association with biological markers and occupational factors in Tunisian farmworkers chronically exposed to pesticide mixtures

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 GSH levels. The Ps cocktail used correlated with increased MDA(r=0.332;p=0.037), decreased GPx(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(BChE) 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.