β-Glucuronidase and Its Relationship With Clinical Parameters and Biomarkers of Pesticide Exposure.

Abstract

This study determined β-glucuronidase activity and its relationship with clinical, biochemical, and pesticide-exposure biomarkers in workers occupationally exposed mainly to OP insecticides. A cross-sectional study was conducted in pesticide applicators. Three study groups were established: reference group, moderate-exposure group, and high-exposure group. Blood samples were obtained to determine the activity of β-glucuronidase. Clinical analysis was conducted in a certified laboratory. The activity of β-glucuronidase was associated with clinical variables such as glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, HDL, atherogenic index, transaminases, and BuChE activity, but not with AChE activity. The activity of this enzyme exhibited a significant increase in the group of moderate exposure to pesticides but not in the group of high exposure. β-Glucuronidase activity is a sensitive biomarker under certain scenarios of OP exposure.