Integrative Analysis of DNA Damage, Oxidative Stress, and Serum Mineral Composition in Pesticide-Exposed Agricultural Workers from South Punjab, Pakistan
Integrative Analysis of DNA Damage, Oxidative Stress, and Serum Mineral Composition in Pesticide-Exposed Agricultural Workers from South Punjab, Pakistan
Abdul Ghaffar1*, Kashfa Akram1, Habiba Jamil1, Riaz Hussain2, Ghulam Abbas3, Fozia Afzal4, Ahrar Khan5,6, Rabia Tahir7, Muhammad Ahmad Chishti1 and Shahnaz Rashid3
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the adverse effects of pesticide exposure on agricultural workers in South Punjab, Pakistan. A sample of 100 exposed and 100 unexposed individuals with clinical abnormalities was selected from districts Bahawalpur, Lodhran, and Rahim Yar Khan. Clinical abnormalities, including throat infection, nasal allergy, skin allergy, eye irritation, uric acid levels, muscle and respiratory infections, hepatitis, restlessness, and chest tightness, were significantly more prevalent among pesticide-exposed individuals. Hematological parameters revealed significant decreases in hemoglobin, white blood cell count, erythrocytes, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lymphocytes, and neutrophils, alongside significant increases in mixed cell count and monocytes. Serum profiles displayed decreased glucose levels and increased levels of urea, creatinine, bilirubin, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), cholesterol, and triglycerides in exposed workers. Conversely, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), creatine phosphokinase, and serum minerals were notably reduced in exposed workers compared to unexposed counterparts. Prolonged pesticide exposure induces oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated production of free radicals and alterations in antioxidant defense enzymes. Comet assay analysis detected DNA damage in pesticide-exposed workers, correlated with increased age and duration of exposure. In conclusion, pesticides elicit oxidative stress and lead to hematological, serological, and genetic abnormalities in exposed agricultural workers.
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