Evaluation of cholinesterase and lipid profile levels in chronic pesticide exposed persons

BACKGROUND: Agriculture being the predominant occupation in India with rampant usage of pesticides to meet its enormous population needs. This pesticide abuse is taking a toll on the health of the persons involved in this work. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate pesticide exposure by assessing serum cholinesterase levels, and comparing them with the serum lipid profile levels which assumes the cardiovascular risk status. STUDY DESIGN: It is a cross-sectional comparative study involving around 283 agricultural farm workers in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh. The study period was for about 3 months during pesticide spraying season. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the blood samples were collected and analysed for biochemical parameters like plasma glucose, blood urea, serum creatinine, and lipid profile and serum cholinesterase levels using XL 640 fully automated random access analyser. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Results were analysed using SPSS software version 20. RESULTS: The study group was classified into two groups based on serum cholinesterase levels. It was observed that there were significant alterations in lipid profile levels in the study group with decreased cholinesterase levels when compared to those of normal cholinesterase levels. There was significant negative correlation between cholinesterase levels and non-HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol/HDL ratio. CONCLUSION: This study implicates that the pesticides have an adverse health effect with regard to cardiovascular risk status.