Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

---

Pesticides are often used indiscriminately in a large amounts causing environmental pollution. Pesticides cause adverse effects on different body systems, including hematological and endocrine systems. Animal studies have shown the ability of organophosphorus and organochlorine pesticides to disturb thyroid function, but evidence of such effects on human remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between exposure to pesticide and serum levels of thyroid hormones in pesticide sprayers. Blood samples were obtained from 40 cases and 20 controls after overnight fasting. Glucose, urea, acid uric and lipid profile were measured by enzymatic methods. Immunoassay methods were used for determining of TSH, T3 and T4 levels. The TSH level in sprayers (2.64±1.50 mIU/l, P=0.007) was significantly increased compared to control subjects (1.33±0.83 μM). Significant decreased in T3 and insignificant decreased in T4 level of sprayers were observed. These results suggest that exposure to organophosphorus and organochlorine pesticides may be responsible for increasing TSH level and decreasing T3 and T4 serum hormone levels, therefore supporting the hypothesis that organophosphorus and organochlorine pesticides cause hypothyroidism in pesticide sprayers. So administration of supplementary nutrients or improving defense system in these peoples is advised.

Keywords: organochlorine, organophosphate, thyroid hormones, hypothyroidism, pesticide sprayers

Full-Text [PDF 423 kb]   (5507 Downloads)    

Add your comments about this article : Your username or Email:

---