Comparative Study of Paraoxonase and Cholinestrase Enzymes Activities in Diagnosis of Organophosphorus Insecticide Intoxication

Ghada N El-Sarnagawy ,Rabab El Kelany,Arwa Abo Elfadl,Mona El-Gohary ,Nahla El Ashmawy

doi:10.21608/ajfm.2013.19162

Ghada N El-Sarnagawy , Rabab El Kelany + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.21608/ajfm.2013.19162

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Abstract

Many efforts have been made to evaluate organophosphorus (OP) toxicity by sensitive biomarkers. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate cholinesterase and paraoxonase (PON1) enzymes activities as diagnostic tools in acute & chronic organophosphorus toxicity with poisoning severity assessment.The present study was conducted on 90 adult men after taking their informed consent, they were divided into three groups; group (I) included thirty patients who were acutely exposed to organophosphorus insecticides (OPI). Group (II) included thirty farm workers chronically exposed to OP. Group (III) included thirty healthy matched volunteers served as control group. The severity of symptoms and signs of acute OP poisoning was graded into mild, moderate and severe grade. Long term pesticide exposure intensity was estimated depending on mixing, application methods, repair activities and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Exposure intensity score = (Mix + Apply + Repair) х PPE. Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and paraoxonase (PON1) enzymes activities were determined. The result of the current study revealed significant decrease in BuChE, AChE and PON1 in groups I and II when compared to group III. Moreover, BuChE and AChE enzymes were significantly decreased in group I when compared to group II. Significant positive correlation was detected between AChE enzyme activity and both BuChE and PON1 enzymes activities in group I. However, group IIshowed significant positive correlations between BuChE enzyme activity and the activity of each of AChE and PON1. Moreover, there was significant decrease in AChE enzyme activity in severe cases compared to mild and moderate cases in group I. Nevertheless, group II registered significant decrease in BuChE, AChE and PON-1 when Pesticide Exposure Intensity Score is more than 10.

Highlights

Organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) are extensively used in agricultural and household environments to control insects and pests
Ninety adult male patients and volunteers have participated in the study. They were grouped into group I, included thirty acutely OP poisoned patients, group insecticides (OPI). Group (II), included thirty farm workers chronically exposed to organophosphorus compounds and group III, included thirty healthy adult volunteers matched for age and socioeconomic level
Analysis of cholinesterase and paraoxonase enzymes activities revealed significant decrease in BuChE, acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) and PON-1 in groups I and II when compared to group III

Summary

Introduction

Organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) are extensively used in agricultural and household environments to control insects and pests. Because of their wide spread use and easy accessibility, OP toxicity is an important global health problem especially in developing countries (Buyukokurog et al, 2008). In Egypt, organophosphorus intoxication is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. It represents more than 50% of insecticide poisoned patients (Ibrahim et al, 2011). Organophosphorus compounds act as powerful acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) inhibitors, resulting in acetylcholine accumulation and overstimulation of cholinergic synapses, neuromuscular junction and central nervous system.

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