Caspases as prognostic markers and mortality predictors in acute organophosphorus poisoning

Abstract

Background: Organophosphorus (OP) compounds have been widely available for decades in agriculture for crop protection and as cheap pest controllers, which increases the rate of exposure and poisoning cases. Using serum cholinesterase as prognostic markers for the acute OP toxicity is controversial; therefore, we aim to find out prognostic biomarkers that best correlate with mortality and outcomes of patients with acute OP toxicity. Levels of serum oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) and activity of the apoptotic biomarkers (caspase 3 and caspase 9) and pseudo-cholinesterase (p.ChE) were performed. Also, we evaluated the apoptotic capacity through determining the genotoxic effects and chromosomal abnormalities among OP intoxicated patients. Results: We found the activity of caspases and serum MDA and TAC were significantly increased after OP poisoning and decreased after the appropriate atropine and oxime treatment course. The ROC curve suggested caspases as mortality and outcome predictive markers for acute OP poisoning patients. However, OP poisoning cases before treatment showed significant DNA damage, and they did not show any chromosomal aberration. Conclusion: The mentioned results strongly suggest apoptotic-related markers (caspase 3, caspase 9) as prognostic markers for evaluation of the treatment, outcomes, and mortality rate in the acute OP toxicity patients.

Chitosan-Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Effective Trapping of the Nerve Agent Simulant Dimethyl Methylphosphonate

“…8 The increase in the use of OPCs in some countries could be accredited to its availability and cost-effectiveness. 9 In 2017, OPCs were accredited to approximately 110,000 deaths worldwide, either by mishandling of the product or attempted suicide. 10 The field of commercial and warfare applications has the need for effective protective methods against OPCs.…”

“…Generally, Europe has moved to alternative pesticides, but Poland has also seen an additional rise in the use of OPCs from 1277 metric tons in 2018 to 2256 metric tons in 2019 . The increase in the use of OPCs in some countries could be accredited to its availability and cost-effectiveness . In 2017, OPCs were accredited to approximately 110,000 deaths worldwide, either by mishandling of the product or attempted suicide …”

Role of Paraoxonase-1 Enzyme in Prediction of Severity and Outcome of Acute Organophosphorus Poisoning: A Prospective Study

“…Pesticides refer to a wide range of chemicals that are employed to increase agricultural output. Several pesticides have been shown to have severe negative impacts on human health, including acute toxicity (accidental poisoning deaths, particularly in impoverished nations) and chronic toxicity (even at low concentrations) (Trellu et al, 2021). In the central nervous systems of mammals and insects, organophosphate compounds (OPC) inhibit acetylcholinesterase irreversibly by inhibiting acetylcholine breakdown during nerve impulse transmission.…”

Enzymes, Reacting with Organophosphorus Compounds as Detoxifiers: Diversity and Functions

“…Besides, OPCs can randomly bind to other proteins [ 4 ], proteinaceous receptors [ 5 ], etc. That totally leads to multiple dysfunctions of cellular regulation [ 6 ], oxidative stress, and apoptosis [ 7 ]. To avoid these negative outcomes, biocatalytic detoxification of OPCs seems to be the most reliable.…”