Toxicology International (Formerly Indian Journal of Toxicology)

Amar Santosh Dhalla , Suman Sharma

Abstract

Serum cholinesterase (SChE) activity is considered as a biomarker and is also taken as an exposure index to assess the low level, chronic residue exposures among sprayers. Thus, cholinesterase activity was studied in the professional rural Punjabi sprayers of Bathinda district in Punjab. This study was made to estimate the irregularities in the level of cholinesterase according to multiple pesticides used by sprayers, exposure periods, age, and body mass index (BMI) of the sprayers. The data generated was statistically analyzed by applying Student’s ‘t’ test and one‑way analysis of variance. A positive correlation was found between SChE activity and years of exposure and a significant reduction in SChE activity was observed in younger population. Again, a positive correlation was seen between BMI and SChE inhibition.

Keywords

Cholinesterase, pesticides, spray workers

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Zorawar Singh , Pooja Chadha , Suman Sharma

Abstract

Battery manufacturing workers are occupationally exposed to lead (Pb), which is a highly toxic heavy metal. The aim of this study was to investigate the blood lead levels (BLL) of 30 battery manufacturing workers and find the correlation between BLL, micronucleated cell (MNC) frequency, binucleated cell (BNC) frequency in buccal mucosal cells and malondialdehyde concentrations in serum. 30 subjects of the BMW group, exposed to lead, and 30 control subjects, matched with the exposed subjects with respect to age, socio‑economic status, sex, diet, smoking and drinking habits, were monitored for this study. BLL was found to have highly significant difference between both the groups (P < 0.001). The serum MDA levels were observed at significantly higher levels (6.76 ± 3.26) for the exposed group as compared to the control group (2.10 ± 1.02; P < 0.001). Buccal micronucleus test showed that both MNC and BNC frequencies were higher among the workers, in comparison to the control subjects. A positive correlation has been found between BLL and all the parameters. Our results indicate an increased health associated risk for workers occupationally exposed to lead.

Keywords

Battery manufacturing workers, blood lead levels, buccal micronucleus test, genotoxicity, lead, lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde

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