Influence of exposure to pesticides on liver enzymes and cholinesterase levels in male agriculture workers

A significant increase in pesticide use has increased concerns about potentially adverse effects on human health and the environment. The study aimed to explore the effects of exposure to pesticides on the liver functions and acetycholinesterase levels in serum (AChES) and red blood cells (AChER) of 100 male participating in agricultural work ranging in age between 20 and 60 year with mean age 37.11±9.3. One hundred males matched for age and socio economic status were recruited as a control group to compare levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilriubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, AChES and AChER. The results indicate that AST, ALT and ALP were significantly (P<0.05) increased in pesticide-exposed workers compared with control. There was also a highly significantly (P<0.01) decrease in AChER among male agriculture workers compared with controls. At 10-50 times of pesticides applications there was a significantly (P<0.05) decrease in AChER and increase in AST, ALT and ALP activity among exposed group. However, there was a negative correlation between AST, ALT, direct bilirubin, and AChES and age among control group and a positive correlation between ALT and AST and age among exposed group. According to the number of pesticide application, there was a positive correlation between AST, ALP, total and direct bilirubin and number of pesticide application. Agricultural villages in Egypt require more attention to decrease the percentage of literacy among the farmers and raise their health awareness.