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Biological monitoring for organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy
Abstract:
Certain organophosphate (OP) pesticides cause a delayed polyneuropathy. The two-step initiation mechanism for this toxicity involves the phosphorylation and subsequent 'aging' of a protein in the nervous system called Neuropathy Target Esterase (NTE). The observation of this enzyme activity in peripheral blood lymphocytes led to several studies to verify whether its measurement after OP exposures might be used as a biological monitoring test for the OP-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDP). The evidence, so far, on the use of this biochemical test in man is discussed together with the need for further research.
Insights
Organophosphate pesticides can cause delayed neurotoxicity. Measuring Neuropathy Target Esterase (NTE) activity in blood lymphocytes may serve as a biomarker for organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDP) in humans.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are known to induce a delayed neurotoxic effect.
- This toxicity, known as organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDP), involves a two-step mechanism affecting the Neuropathy Target Esterase (NTE) enzyme.
- NTE enzyme activity has been detected in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of measuring NTE activity in peripheral blood lymphocytes as a biological monitoring test for OPIDP.
- To review existing evidence on the use of this biochemical test in humans following OP exposures.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies investigating NTE activity in lymphocytes after OP exposure.
- Analysis of the correlation between NTE inhibition/aging and the development of OPIDP.
Main Results:
- The measurement of NTE activity in lymphocytes has been explored as a potential biomarker for OPIDP.
- Evidence regarding the effectiveness of this test in humans is currently under discussion.
Conclusions:
- Further research is necessary to validate the use of lymphocyte NTE activity as a reliable biological monitoring test for OPIDP in humans.
- The potential of this biomarker for assessing OP exposure and associated neurotoxicity requires additional investigation.