Serum choline esterase and liver function among a group of organophosphorus pesticides sprayers in Egypt

This study was initiated to investigate the long term effect of exposure to organophosphorus pesticides (O.P), with consideration to bilharziasis (an endemic parasitic disease in Egypt, usually associated with liver fibrosis). Serum levels of choline esterase (Ch E), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (Alk. Ph.) and proteins were estimated among 100 (O.P.) sprayers with various duration of exposure (3 to 15 years) and among 60 controls. O.P. sprayers showed significantly higher, SGPT and Alk. Ph. and lower Ch E and serum proteins than the controls. Among sprayers, duration of exposure to O.P. was significantly correlated with their levels of Ch E, SGPT, and Alk. Ph. but not with serum proteins. Compared to other parameters, SGPT seems to be a good indicator of the hepatic effect of long term exposure to O.P. Bilharzial infection did not modify the effect of O.P. pesticides on the above mentioned parameters. Ch E of smoker sprayers was significantly less than that of non smokers. This was attributed to increased absorbtion of O.P. during smoking at work places.