Exposure to Organophosphate and Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Its Association with Steroid Hormones among Male Reproductive-Age Farmworkers in Northern Thailand

Abstract

Several studies indicated organophosphate (OP) and neonicotinoid (NEO) insecticides are endocrine disruptors; however, data are scarce. This cross-sectional study recruited 143 male farmworkers aged 18–40 years in Fang district, Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand. OP exposure was assessed by measuring urinary dialkylphosphate (DAPs) using a gas-chromatography flame photometric detector. Urinary NEOs, their metabolites (NEO/m) and serum steroid hormones were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Characteristics of participants were determined by face-to-face interviews. DAPs and five NEO/m were detected in more than 60% of samples. The concentration of diethylphosphate was highest among DAP metabolites (geometric mean concentration (GM: 23.9 ng/mL) and the concentration of imidacloprid (IMI) was highest among NEO/m (GM: 17.4 ng/mL). Linear regression models showed that the IMI level was positively associated with testosterone, dehydrocorticosterone (DHC) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels. Imidacloprid-olefin and DHEA levels were positively associated. Thiamethoxam (THX) were inversely associated with DHC and deoxycorticosterone levels. Clothianidin (CLO), THX and N-desmethyl-acetamiprid levels were positively associated with the androstenedione level. CLO and THX levels were inversely associated with the cortisone level. In conclusion, the association between NEO insecticides exposure and adrenal androgens, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, suggest potential steroidogenesis activities. Our findings warrant further investigation.

Association between Haematological Parameters and Exposure to a Mixture of Organophosphate and Neonicotinoid Insecticides among Male Farmworkers in Northern Thailand

“…The QC urine samples were analysed for reproducibility precision. The procedure was described in our previous study [43]. Proficiency testing materials from the German External Quality Assessment Scheme (G-EQUAS) were analysed as part of the quality assurance of the method.…”

“…Duplicate analyses of samples were performed every analytical batch of 40 samples during measurement. The procedure was described in our previous study [43].…”

“…The sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants were described in our previous study [43]. Briefly, the study participants had a mean age of 30.1 (SD = 5.8) years.…”

“…The health effects of occupational exposures to a heterogeneous chemical mixture of insecticides are of great concern. We previously reported the association of OPs and NEOs, with serum steroid hormones among these farmworkers [43]. Still, little is known about the effects of OP exposure based on DAPs on haematological parameters [12,38,44].…”

Microalgae-Enabled Wastewater Treatment: A Sustainable Strategy for Bioremediation of Pesticides

“…Lately, drinking water has been identified as a possible route for human exposure to pesticides. The pesticides in drinking water supplies, even at low-level contamination, are perceived as a potential source of health problems due to their functions as endocrine disruptors [14]. The presence of pesticide residues in these water systems has become a continuous concern as it presents a potential threat to public health and water security.…”