TITLE:
Monitoring of biochemical effects of organochlorine pesticides on human health
AUTHORS:
Sobia Khwaja, Rubina Mushtaq, Rehana Mushtaq, Masarrat Yousuf, Muhammad Attaullah, Fozia Tabbassum, Rabiya Faiz
KEYWORDS:
Organochlorine; Enzymes; Blood Parameters
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.5 No.8,
August
7,
2013
ABSTRACT: The present study was
designed to analyze organochlorine pesticide residues in the blood samples of
the residents of Karachi. Biochemical and hematological parameters were
tested thoroughly for changes as a result of organochlorine residues. In the
blood samples which were drawn from both genders, organochlorine compounds like α-endosulfan (1.565 mg/kg) and β-endosulfan (1.233 mg/kg) were found in
higher quantities and were the most frequently detected compounds. Average
concentrations of the detected compounds (mg/kg) were: HCH (0.819); Cyclodienes
(2.839); Diphenylaliphatics (0.240). An evident finding was the alteration in
enzyme activity in higher residue samples. Levels of GPT, GOT, ALP, Choline-esterase
and γ-GT were tested in all samples
and observed major shifts in the upper and lower limits in high residue
samples as compared with the normal values. Analysis of the blood parameters
were carried out thoroughly and checked the levels of TLC, RBC, Hb, Hct, MCV,
MCH, MCHC, Platelets and differential
leucocytes (Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils and Monocytes) but
found no distinct changes and hence no convincing relation was observed. Results
of the present investigation of OCs in different blood sera indicated that
bioconcentration and biomagnification of these chemicals were common phenomena
in the population of Karachi city and this may be accountable for a variety of
diseases and health hazards.