The Relationship between Pesticide Exposure and Liver and Renal Enzyme Disorders in Adults Aged 35-70: The Results of the First Phase of the Shahedieh Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: Liver and kidney are known as important organs in detoxification of the body and may be exposed to pesticide damage. This study aims to investigate the relationship between pesticide exposure and disorders of liver and renal enzymes. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 5637 Iranian adults aged 35-70 from the first phase of Shahedieh Cohort Study. The investigated variables included age, sex, BMI, smoking, liver enzymes (SGPT, SGOT, ALP, GGT), renal enzymes (Urea, Creatinine), and the information related to exposure to pesticides in the yard, home, and agricultural land during the last 12 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24. Results: The findings showed that 8% of the people were exposed to pesticides/ insecticides on agricultural land, 2% in yard, and 59.6% at home. The mean of liver and renal enzymes in people exposed to pesticides in agricultural land was higher than in non-exposed individuals. This relationship was significant for all the enzymes except GGT. People exposed to pesticides in the yard had significantly higher levels of renal enzymes than non-exposed individuals. People exposed to pesticides at home had significantly higher levels of liver enzymes and renal enzymes than the non-exposed ones. Moreover, the mean of liver and renal enzymes were lower in people who used personal protective equipment. Conclusion: This study suggests that exposure to pesticides may impact liver and kidney functions, and taking precautions like using personal protective equipment can help minimize potential health risks.

Keywords

• pesticide
• exposure
• kidney
• liver
• shahedieh cohort study.