Clinical and biochemical parameters of children and adolescents applying pesticides

The primary agricultural product in Egypt is the cotton crop. Children and adolescents work seasonally in the cotton fields applying pesticides. To examine the effect of pesticide exposure on clinical and biochemical parameters in children and adolescents applying pesticides. Male children currently applying pesticides and aged between 9 and 19 years [n = 50] were recruited for this study. They were asked to complete work, health, and exposure questionnaires; examined for any medical and neurological problems with particular attention to sensory and motor functions including cranial nerves, sensory and motor system, and reflexes. From each participant, a blood sample was taken to measure acetylcholinesterase activity, and liver and kidney functions. Children who have never worked in agriculture [n = 50], matched on age, education, and socioeconomic status were also studied and served as controls. More neuromuscular disorders were identified in pesticide applicators than controls. A significant lower level of acetylcholinesterase was found in the applicator group compared to the controls. There was also a significant difference in hematological, renal and hepatic indices in the exposed children compared to the control children. Working more days in the current season and also working more years as a pesticide applicator were both associated with an increase in the prevalence of neuromuscular abnormalities and significant changes in the laboratory tests. Children and adolescent pesticide applicators working in farms of Egypt are at risk of developing serious health problems similar to those of adults

Assessment of liver dysfunction in silica exposed workers

Seventy five silica exposed workers in sandbricks industry and twenty five controls were chosen for this study. Each individual was subjected to a questionnaire [for personal and medical histories] and clinical examination. Liver function tests, procollagen III peptide, alpha-I - antitrypsin, hepatitis markers [B and C], haematological tests for schistosomiasis, urine and stool analysis, abdominal sonography and chest X-ray were done for all chosen subjects. Environmental study was done for estimation of total and free crystalline silica. The results of environmental study showed higher concentration of total respirable dust and free crystalline silica than threshold limit values. Silica exposed workers had a significantly higher mean of gamma-glutamyl trans peptidase and procollagen III peptide than controls. These two parameters increased significantly in exposed workers [free from schistosomiasis and / or hepatitis markers] as chest grading of silicosis and time intensity factor increased. Gamma-glutamyl-trans peptidase and procollagen III peptide can be used for early detection of liver dysfunction in silica exposed workers. Also, in the pre-employment medical examination, individuals with previous liver affection [either due to schistosomiasis and / or hepatitis] should not be exposed to silica to avoid further deterioration of liver function

Pathological, male reproductivity and residues of dimethoate toxicity in albino rats

The current study explores the effect of the organophosphorus compound [dimethoate] on male reproductive efficiency, tissue residues and its pathological picture. Dimethoate was given either directly to aibino rats at dose level 1/10, 1/20, 1/40 of LD50 and also given green sprayed forage along 65 consecutive days. The results indicated that dimethoate altered the biochemical parameters of serum indicating liver and kidney dysfunction. Also semen picture and the weight of male sexual organs [testes, prostate and seminal vesicle] together with [lower testosterone level gave indication for lower reproductive efficiency. Tissue dimethoate residues were detected in liver, testes and skeletal muscles. Concerning hepathological findings dimethoate induced degenerative changes in liver, kidneys and heart in the form of cloudy swelling, vacuolar and hydropic degeneration. Focal areas of hemorrhages and necrosis were also seen in liver and kidneys. Vascular lesions in the form of congestion, thrombosis and necrosis of blood vessels as well as perivascular mononuclear infiltration were also pronounced. The mostly affected organs were brain and testes especially in rats given dimethoate contaminated feed. These changes included vesiculation in the brain tissue, encephalomalacia as well as satellitosis and neurophagia. The testes showed atrophy of seminiferous tubules together with fibrosis, intertubular edema and failure of spermatogenesis. We advise that great attention should be taken when dealing with such insecticides in order to avoid its various adverse action on different body tissue