Evaluation of Changes in Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Workers of Mehriz Elixir Pesticide Plant in Yazd

Abstract

Background and Aims: Some pesticide chemical compounds, such as organophosphates and carbamates, interfere with or inhibit cholinesterase activity. Employees working in pesticide factories are one of the groups at risk of pesticide poisoning. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of work on exposure to toxins on the serum level of erythrocyte cholinesterase activity.

Materials and Methods: This research was conducted on Mehriz Elixir Pesticide Factory workers. Blood samples were taken from 76 employees in 2 groups as a control group, and 38 workers were exposed to organophosphorus toxins three months after starting work in a factory. Cholinesterase activity was analyzed using the Elman method, and data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 35.07 years, which was 35.26 in the exposure group (n = 38) and 34.89 in the control group (n = 38). The activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme in the control group at 0, 10, and 20 minutes was 12.78 ku/l, 14.24 ku/l, and 15.45 ku/l, respectively. The acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity in the exposed group was 10.77 ku/l, 10.40 ku/l, and 10.36 ku/l at 0, 10, and 20 minutes, respectively. At all stages, the mean acetylcholinesterase activity in the control group was higher than the exposed group, but significant differences were observed at 10 and 20 minutes between the 2 groups.

Conclusion: Exposure of workers to organophosphate inhibits acetylcholinesterase, which manifests by a decrease in the activity of this enzyme.