Arun J. Patil

Biochemical effects of various pesticides on sprayers of grape gardens.

A total of 85 healthy male pesticide sprayers in grape garden exposed to different class of pesticides for 3 to 10 years were compared with 75 controls matched for age with respect to serum cholinesterase, serum total protein, albumin, AST, ALT, hematological parameters such as Hb, Hct, RBC and serum lipid peroxidation. Serum lipid peroxidation was estimated in the form of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) produced. Significant decrease was observed in serum cholinesterase, serum total proteins, albumin and hematological parameters viz. Hb, Hct and RBC. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation, AST, ALT, was observed in exposed group when compared with control. These results suggest that the long term exposure of various pesticides on sprayers of grape garden affect liver, heme biosynthesis and decrease serum cholinesterase.

Occupational lead exposure in battery manufacturing workers, silver jewelry workers, and spray painters in western Maharashtra (India): effect on liver and kidney function

We studied liver and kidney function tests of occupational lead exposed Battery Manufacturing Workers (BMW) (n = 30), Silver Jewelry Workers (SJW) (n = 30), and Spray Painters (SP) (n = 35) and normal healthy subjects (n = 35), all 20 to 40 years of age, in Western Maharashtra (India). Venous blood and random urine samples were collected from all groups. The blood lead (Pb-B) and urinary lead (Pb-U) levels were significantly increased in all experimental groups, except urinary lead excretion in SJW as compared with the controls. Liver functions tests parameters (serum transaminase enzymes SGOT, AST, SGPT, ALT) activities were significantly increased only in SP; no alteration was noticed in BMW and SJW as compared with the control group. Serum total protein levels were significantly decreased in all three experimental groups as compared with control subjects. Serum albumin concentrations were significantly decreased in SJW, SP, and increased in BMW. The serum globulin levels, however, were significantly decreased, and the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was increased in BMW and SJW as compared with the control. The bilirubin level was significantly increased only in BMW. Blood urea was significantly increased only in BMW, and blood urea and serum uric acid were decreased in SJW. The serum creatinine level was not significantly altered in any experimental groups. Increased Pb-B values in all experimental groups indicate the greater rate of lead absorption and impairment of liver and kidney functions in all three types of occupational lead-exposed workers of Western Maharashtra (India).

Biochemical aspects of lead exposure in silver jewelry workers in western Maharashtra (India).

This study was conducted to examine the effect of blood lead (Lead) on heme biosynthesis, the hematopoietic system, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status of silver jewelry workers (SJW) in western Maharastra (India). The blood lead level of the SJW group (N = 30) was in the range of 30.2-64.7 microg dL(-1) (mean +/- SD, 48.56 +/- 7.39 microg dL(-1)), whereas that of non-occupational Lead-exposed normal healthy control subjects (N = 35) was 2.8-22.0 microg dL(-1) (mean +/- SD, 12.52 +/- 4.08 microg dL(-1)). Although the blood lead level of the SJW group increased significantly (p < 0.001) when compared with the control group, the urinary excretion of lead in the SJW group was not altered. In the SJW group, non-activated delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and the ratio of activated/non-activated ALAD increased when compared with controls (p < 0.001), whereas activated ALAD activity was not altered significantly. Erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) was not altered in SJW. The urinary excretion of delta-amino-levulinic acid (p < 0.001) and porpobilinogen (p < 0.05) of the SJW group increased significantly when compared with controls. Hematology parameters, such as the packed cell volume (p < .001) and total erythrocyte count (p < 0.05) significantly decreased, whereas the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p <.001) and total white blood cell count (p < .001) increased in the SJW group in comparison with controls. The serum malondialdehyde content significantly increased (p < .001), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes erythrocyte-SOD (p < .001), erythrocyte catalase (p < .05), and plasma ceruloplasmin (p < .001) significantly decreased in the SJW group compared with the controls. The results of the study clearly show an alteration of heme biosynthesis and cellular impairment of the pro-oxidants/antioxidants balance, resulting in oxidative damage in the silver jewelry workers group in western Maharashtra (India).

Occupational pesticides exposure of sprayers of grape gardens in Western Maharashtra (India): effects on liver and kidney function

We compared hematologic parameters and liver and kidney function tests in occupationally exposed pesticide sprayers of grape gardens (n = 60) and normal healthy participants (n = 30), 20-45 years of age, in Western Maharashtra (India). Venous blood samples were collected from both groups. Compared with control participants, sprayers showed the following-significantly increased serum C reactive protein (117.6%), liver function marker enzymes-serum aspartate transaminase (57%), alanine transaminase (37.4%), alkaline phosphatase (16.9%), serum bilirubin (41.8%), creatinine (18.4%), blood glucose (11.4%), and urea (13.%); and decreased acetyl cholinesterase activity (30.9%) and serum cholesterol (12.12%). Serum total protein, globulin, and the A/G ratio were not significantly altered, however, but serum albumin decreased slightly (3.3%, P <.05). Compared with the control group, hematologic parameters significantly decreased in sprayers-hemoglobin (6.9%), hematocrit (3%), mean corpuscular volume (3.8%), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (4.5%), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (5.8%), and red blood cell count (7.7%), whereas the white blood cell count increased (18.2%). The decreased serum acetyl cholinesterase value indicates a high degree of pesticides absorption, which leads to impairment of liver and kidney functions and slightly altered hematologic parameters in the occupationally exposed pesticides sprayers of grape gardens studied here.

Effect of methomyl on hepatic mixed function oxidases in rats

Objective: To study the effect of the methomyl on mixed function oxidase system in rats. Materials and Methods: The effect of the methomyl on mixed function oxidase was studied using different dosages, durations and sex. Microsomes were isolated using the calcium precipitation method. The levels of cytochrome P450 , and cytochrome b5 were determined using extinction coefficient of 91 and 85 mM-1 respectively. The activities of drug metabolizing enzymes, hemoglobin content, liver function enzymes, and serum cholinesterase activity were assayed by using standard methods. Results: Intraperitoneal administration of methomyl (4 mg/kg body weight) showed significant decrease in the level of cytochrome P450 , and the activities of aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase on the third day of the treatment. Methomyl (4 mg/kg) treatment of old male rat and adult female rat also showed a decrease in the level of cytochrome P450 , and aminopyrine N-demethylase activity. The serum samples from methomyl treated rats (male and female), when analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) and aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT) as markers of the liver toxicity, showed significant increase in the activity. The activities of SGPT and SGOT were significantly higher in the treated rats (2 and 4 mg/kg) than in the control group. A significant decrease in the level of hemoglobin and serum cholinesterase activity was observed, when there was an increase in the dose level. A significant increase was observed in alkaline phosphatase activity at all dose levels. Conclusion: Methomyl influences mixed function oxidase and creates abnormality of liver functions in the rats. This effect depends on the dose and duration of methomyl.

Biochemical effects of lead exposure on oxidative stress and antioxidant status of battery manufacturing workers of Western Maharashtra, India

Abstract Background: Lead induces oxidative stress and alters the antioxidant status of population exposed to high lead levels, i.e. battery manufacturing workers. The aim of this study was to know the current scenario of blood lead (PbB) levels and their effect on the oxidative stress parameter, i.e. serum lipid peroxide (LP), and antioxidant parameters, such as red blood cell (RBC)-superoxide dismutase (SOD), RBC-catalase (CAT), plasma ceruloplasmin (CP), and serum nitrite, of battery manufacturing workers. Methods: Forty-three battery manufacturing workers from Western Maharashtra, India, with ages between 19 and 42 years, were selected as study group and compared with 38 age-matched, healthy male subjects (control group). From both group subjects, 10 mL of blood sample was drawn by puncturing the antecubital vein, and PbB, serum LP, RBC-SOD, RBC-CAT, plasma CP, and serum nitrite were estimated using standard methods. Results: The PbB levels of the battery manufacturing workers were significantly higher (p<0.001, 1050%) as compared with the control subjects. The serum LP levels were significantly increased (p<0.001, 96.86%); all antioxidant status parameters such as RBC-SOD (p<0.001, –26.32%), RBC-CAT (p<0.001, –51.57%), and plasma CP (p<0.001, –35.13%) were significantly decreased; and serum nitrite levels (p<0.001, 154%) were significantly increased in the battery manufacturing workers as compared with the control subjects. Conclusions: Despite modern techniques used to reduce lead exposure in battery manufacturing workers, PbB levels remain high, inducing oxidative stress and altering the antioxidant status of battery manufacturing workers.

Effects of blood lead level on biochemical and hematological parameters in children with neurological diseases of Western Maharashtra, India

Abstract Background: Lead is found in small but appreciable quantities in air, soil, drinking water, and food. Exposure to such amounts of lead does not lead to acute lead toxicity but produces subtle effects particularly in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of blood lead level on biochemical and hematological parameters in children with neurological diseases in Western Maharashtra, India, and to estimate the blood lead level by liver and kidney function tests and hematological parameters in children with neurological disorders admitted to the pediatric ward and compare them with healthy controls. Methods: In this study, 30 children with various neurological disorders admitted to the pediatric ward of Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, were compared with 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Four milliliters of venous blood was collected for estimation of blood lead level, and biochemical and hematological parameters were determined using standard methods. Results: Blood lead level was significantly increased in the study group (p<0.01, 65.38%) compared to that in the control group. When different neurological conditions were grouped into three groups according to blood lead levels, there was a significant difference between the groups. All other biochemical and hematological parameters were not significantly altered in the study group as compared to the control group. Conclusions: Neurologically challenged children are more vulnerable to lead intoxication. It is imperative for the parents to take extra care of their children’s food habits and limit hand-to-mouth activities to prevent lead intoxication.