Biochemical effects of some pesticides on lipid peroxidation and free-radical scavengers

Oxidative stress was studied in blood samples obtained from lindane, malath ion and propoxur poisoning cases admitted to the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi and evaluated for lipid peroxidation, oxygen free radical (OFR) scav enging enzymes, and glutathione (GSH) and related enzymes. Acetylcholine es terase (AChE), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and GSH level were also assayed in lymphocytes. The level of thiobarbituric acid reacting substance s and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and GGT were increased and GSH level was decreas ed in pesticide poisoning. Apparently lindane (at the concentration examine d) was more potent than malathion and propoxur in producing alteration in l ipid peroxidation, GSH related parameters and OFR scavenging enzymes. Howev er, AChE activity and GSH level in lymphocytes of malathion poisoning cases were reduced and GGT activity was enhanced in comparison to control subjec ts. The present results suggest that OFR scavenging enzymes were induced wh ile combating oxidative stress in a differential manner in organochlorine, organophosphate and carbamate poisoning. Increased lipid peroxidation, coup led with altered levels of GSH and OFR scavenging enzymes in the blood are discussed in the light of oxidative stress. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Irela nd Ltd. All rights reserved.