RESUMO
The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate the impact of exposure to mixtures of organochloride pesticides (OCPs) in agricultural workers by detecting their effects on the activity of the enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the presence of polymorphisms of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes. The presence of OCPs was identified and quantified by gas chromatography, while spectrophotometry was used to measure enzymatic GST activity. The frequencies of the GSTM1 genotypes were analyzed by multiplex PCR. A total of 18 metabolites of OCPs were identified in the workers' blood, most of which are either prohibited (DDT and its metabolites p, p'DDD and p, p'DDE, dieldrin, endrin, aldrin) and/or restricted (δ hexachlorocyclohexane, cis chlordane, methoxychlor, and endosulfan). The results obtained indicate lower levels of GST activity at higher OCPs concentrations detected in blood from exposed workers, together with an increase in OCP levels in individuals who presented the GSTT1*0 and GSTM1*0 genotypes. These conditions place the detoxification process in agricultural workers with null polymorphisms in the GST genes and high concentrations of OCPs in the blood (especially DDT and its metabolites, DDD and DDE) at risk, and increase their susceptibility to develop serious diseases.
Assuntos
Hidrocarbonetos Clorados , Praguicidas , Genótipo , Glutationa Transferase/genética , Humanos , Hidrocarbonetos Clorados/análise , México , Praguicidas/análise , Polimorfismo GenéticoRESUMO
Because of concerns that natural aquifers in the region of Todos Santos (Baja California Sur, Mexico) might be contaminated by organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals, a case-control study was conducted among consumers and non-consumers of well- and/or tap-water to determine risks to human health. This study was based on a genotoxic evaluation of buccal cells using the Comet assay technique. Levels of DNA damage in the consumers group were significantly higher than those of the control group. However, occupational exposure to genotoxicants showed to be the critical factor rather than water consumption. Taking into account the professions of well- and/or tap-water consumers, agricultural workers exposed directly (those who fumigated) or indirectly (those not involved in fumigating) to agrochemicals showed greater genetic damage than controls. This difference persisted even when age, and whether the person smoked or consumed alcoholic drinks were considered. These factors were not associated with the level of genetic damage observed. Chemical analyses of organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals were carried out to evaluate the water quality of wells, faucets, and surface water of canals consumed by the population and/or used for irrigation. High concentrations of α and ß endosulfan were detected in water of surface canals. Although our inventory of agrochemicals employed in the region showed the use of products considered carcinogenic and/or mutagenic, they were not detected by the analytical techniques used. Heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, and lead) were detected in water of some wells used for irrigation and human consumption. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:619-627, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assuntos
Carcinógenos/toxicidade , Dano ao DNA/efeitos dos fármacos , Água Potável/efeitos adversos , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidade , Adulto , Idoso , Arsênio/toxicidade , Água Potável/química , Monitoramento Ambiental , Feminino , Humanos , Hidrocarbonetos Clorados/toxicidade , Masculino , Mercúrio/toxicidade , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Mucosa Bucal/efeitos dos fármacos , Mucosa Bucal/patologia , Mutagênicos/toxicidade , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Praguicidas/toxicidade , Poluentes Químicos da Água/químicaRESUMO
Three different immunogens from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Centruroides noxius Hoffmann were used to study protective antibody response in mice and rabbits, challenged with toxin Cn2, one of the most abundant toxic peptide of this venom. The immunogens were: Cn5, a crustacean specific toxin; a recombinant protein containing the peptide Cn5 linked to the maltose transporter and a sub-fraction (F.II.5) containing 25 distinct peptides, among which is Cn5. Mice immunized with these three preparations, when directly challenged with Cn2 presented no apparent protection, whereas anti-sera produced in rabbits with these three immunogens were capable of partially neutralizing the effect of Cn2, when injected into naive mice. Cn5 rabbit anti-serum showed a better protective effect on mice, than the rabbit sera obtained against the two other antigens. The subcutaneous route of challenging mice was shown to be better than intraperitoneal injections. Comparative structural analysis of Cn5 with other toxins of this venom showed that our results are important to be taken into consideration, when choosing appropriate immunogens aimed at the production of better anti-venoms or for the rational design of possible vaccines.