Renal and Hepatic Toxicity of Alpha-Cypermethrine Pesticide Used on Agricultural Farmers Living Closed to Tigris river, Iraq

Abstract

The study was conducted from October 15, 2021, to February 15, 2022, in Wasit Governorate, Iraq, targeting farmers of different ages exposed to chemical pesticides along the banks of the Tigris River within the administrative borders of the province. The objective of the study was to identify the impact of alpha-cypermethrin on the health condition of farmers during spraying operations. This was achieved by measuring and identifying changes in vital indicators through biochemical tests, specifically kidney functions and liver enzymes. A total of 200 samples were collected for the study and divided into two groups. The first group comprised 150 samples from farmers exposed to the pesticide, categorized into two age groups. The first subgroup included individuals older than 18 (100 samples), and the second included those under 18 (50 samples). The second group, serving as the control, consisted of 50 samples, with 25 individuals over 18 and 25 under 18. Results revealed high significant differences (P≤0.01) in the concentrations of kidney functions (urea and creatinine) and hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) among individuals exposed to the pesticide compared to the concentrations in the non-exposed control group. The study's findings lead to the conclusion that direct exposure to alpha-cypermethrin showed an impact on overall body functions and affected biomarkers, particularly kidney and liver enzyme functions. Moreover, the adverse effects were more pronounced in older farmers exposed to the pesticide than their younger counterparts.