Ba. Hatjian et al., Cytogenetic response without changes in peripheral cholinesterase enzymes following exposure to a sheep dip containing diazinon in vivo and in vitro, MUT RES-GTE, 472(1-2), 2000, pp. 85-92
Citations number
49
Categorie Soggetti
Molecular Biology & Genetics
Journal title
MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS
Occupational exposure to organophosphorus insecticides (OPs), such as diazi
non, may be monitored by the measurement of the activity of peripheral chol
inesterase enzymes, including erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (EAChE) and
plasma or serum cholinesterase (plasma or serum ChE). Exposures have also b
een measured by the analysis of dialkyl phosphate metabolites of OPs in uri
ne. The potential health risks associated with exposure, especially those o
f a neurological nature, may then be estimated, and appropriate measures to
reduce or eliminate exposures can be implemented. There is evidence that s
ome OP pesticides may have in vivo genotoxic effects, suggesting a possible
link with cancer with long term or repeated heavy exposures. This paper de
scribes work performed in 17 subjects with a single or two exposures to a s
heep dip containing diazinon. Urine samples revealed OP metabolites dimethy
lphosphate (DMP), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), diethylphosphate (DEP) and
diethylthiophosphate (DETP) in 37% of subjects at low levels which were not
elevated after exposure. EAChE and plasma ChE were also unchanged before a
nd after exposure, and were similar to those measured in unexposed control
groups. Sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), a marker of chromosome damage, wa
s significantly elevated in peripheral blood lymphocytes after exposure com
pared with before. SCE were unchanged in a group of non-occupationally expo
sed workers. In vitro studies with both authentic diazinon (98%) and diazin
on in a sheep dip formulation (45%) showed increased SCE and decreased repl
icative indices, suggesting toxic and genotoxic effects of diazinon. (C) 20
00 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.