Pesticide-induced Biochemical and Toxicological Changes in Farmers in a South-East Metropolis of Nigeria

Abstract

Pesticides are widely used for crop protection to increase crop yields. However, they can have significant adverse effects on farmers and possibly consumers. These effects result from the use of inappropriate spraying equipment and the failure to use personal protective equipment, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate biochemical changes in farmers who use pesticides in the Enugu metropolis of Nigeria and reasoned that if crops can assimilate pesticides from the soil, consumers may also experience similar adverse effects. The cross-sectional study involved 150 subsistence farmers in Enugu Metropolis of Enugu State, Nigeria, and 120 age-matched office workers who were not involved in farming. The biochemical parameters evaluated included lipid profiles (total cholesterol, high-density cholesterol, low-density cholesterol, very low-density cholesterol and triglycerides), electrolytes, urea, creatinine and liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase). All parameters were measured spectrophotometrically, except electrolytes determined with ion-selective electrodes. SPSS was used to analyze the data, with a significant value of p≤0.05. The results showed that total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides increased significantly in pesticide-exposed persons compared to non-exposed persons (controls). Also significantly increased in farmers were urea concentration and alanine transaminase activities. There were no significant differences in concentrations of high-density lipoprotein, creatinine, electrolytes, and aspartate transaminase activity. These results implied that pesticides can cause dyslipidemia, subclinical renal disturbances and hepatotoxicity, calling for appropriate health education for farmers and insistence on the use of personal protective equipment.