Alterations in serum Thyroid and Reproductive hormone levels in occupationally exposed pesticides sprayers

Abstract

Background: Pesticides contain endocrine disrupting chemicals that have potential to perturb the normal thyroid and reproductive hormone axis. The aim of present study was to estimate the variations in serum tri-iodothyronine (T3) tetra-iodothyronine (T4) thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and testosterone levels in occupationally exposed pesticide sprayers in comparison to controls. Methods: For this purpose, blood samples of (n=50) pesticide sprayers were collected from District Layyah, south Punjab, Pakistan. Whereas, samples (n=25) of healthy control subjects were obtained from University of the Punjab, Lahore. Levels of T3, T4, TSH and testosterone in the serum were estimated by ELISA technique. The data obtained was analyzed by applying Un-paired Student “t” test at with significance level of P < 0.05. Graph pad prism version 6.0 software was utilized for statistical interpretation. Results: Pronounced (P < 0.0001) decrease of both T3 and T4, whereas, a significant increase in TSH (P = 0.005) level was evidenced in pesticide sprayers as compared to controls. Moreover, a significant decrease (P < 0.001) was noted in the level of testosterone in pesticide sprayers as compared to controls. Conclusion: Pertinently, the pesticides are a potent source of inducing imbalances in T3, T4, TSH, and testosterone secretion. Pesticide sprayers are, therefore, recommended to use prophylactic measures like wearing face masks and opt safer protocols in order to avoid direct hazardous exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals.