Distribution profiles of paraoxonase and cholinesterase phenotypes in a Spanish population

The paraoxonase/arylesterase phenotype was measured in a Spanish population as previous studies have reported that the polymorphic variation in serum paraoxonase activity may affect the metabolism of organophosphates in indiv iduals at risk of chronic intoxication. The prevalence of congenital defici ency in serum cholinesterase was also established in order to ascertain whe ther individuals with a congenital defect would be at a higher risk against a potential organophosphate exposure. We consider it useful to incorporate these two biomarkers into the health programme of agricultural workers wit h the purpose of monitoring workers who spray organophosphate pesticides, a s they provide reliable indications of early-stage effects related to bioch emical alterations that might precede overt clinical pictures. (C) 1999 Els evier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.