Chronic Exposure to Organophosphates Pesticides and Risk of Metabolic Disorder in Cohort from Pakistan and Cameroon

Abstract

(1) Background: Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) are major chemicals used in agriculture for eradication of insecticides/pesticides. Unfortunately, the longtime exposure of human beings to OPPs could lead to metabolic disorder such as high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, overweight or dyslipidemia. The aim of this research is to evaluate the possible metabolic dysregulations as a consequence of chronic OPPs exposure to individuals in Cameroon and Pakistan. (2) Methods: Blood samples were collected from 300 participants in each country, into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes. The samples were extracted with solid phase extraction (methanol/water) for analysis of OPPs with gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The spectrophotometry and Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) were used to measure the hepatic, renal, pancreatic and cardiovascular functions. The atherogenic index (AI) was also determined in OPPs exposed and nonexposed cohorts. (3) Results: The results showed the presence of malathion, parathion and chlorpyrifos OPPs residues in Cameroonians, and malathion and chlorpyrifos in Pakistani samples, respectively. Elevated Body Mass Index (BMI), insulin, blood glucose, dyslipidemia and hypertension were noted in OPPs chronic exposed groups. In addition, dysregulated liver and kidney function profiles were observed in all participants regardless of gender and age groups. (4) Conclusions: The study concludes that both the study cohorts showed several metabolic dysregulations attributable to chronic exposure to a mixture of OPPs which may provide precursors for establishment of metabolic syndrome and other chronic diseases. Further different extended population-based studies are suggested to understand the differential metabolic dysfunctions caused by structurally different OPPs mixtures exposure.