Occupational Exposure to Mixed Pesticides in Northern West Bengal Tea Gardens: Impact on Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Markers Among Female Tea Pluckers

Abstract

Due to the potential health impacts of pesticides, biomonitoring of pesticide exposure is currently a subject of significant public interest. The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the levels of oxidative stress in female tea pluckers who are vulnerable to being exposed to a combination of pesticides in the northern part of West Bengal, India. Data were collected from 82 permanent female tea pluckers of two tea gardens in Jalpaiguri district and 68 women from the general population not directly exposed to the pesticides but living in the same geographical area. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity were measured, and levels of Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) and Nitric Oxide (NO) were determined in plasma. The student’s t-test analyzed the disparity between the exposed and non-exposed groups. Correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between AChE and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Compared to the control group plasma AChE activity was significantly decreased (17.42%) among female tea pluckers (p≤0.001). In comparison to the control group, female tea pluckers showed a significant increase in LPO and NO levels as markers of oxidative stress, as well as a significant decrease in GSH levels. Enzymatic antioxidants SOD and CAT were significantly reduced in the exposed group. Significant correlations were observed between AChE and biomarkers of oxidative stress. In conclusion, the alterations in different biochemical parameters indicate that female tea pluckers were occupationally exposed to mixed pesticides (containing organophosphates) in tea gardens. It is therefore imperative to highlight the usage of personal protective equipment by the pluckers and environmentally friendly pesticide alternatives in the tea gardens. Additional research is recommended to connect our results with the negative health impacts seen in chronic pesticide exposure, in which oxidative damage is believed to be a key factor.