Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025

Demonstration of the Sequence Alignment to Predict Across Species Susceptibility Tool for Rapid Assessment of Protein Conservation
Published on: February 10, 2023
Association between exposure to organophosphorus pesticide and suicidal ideation among U.S. adults: A
Mo-Yao Tan1, Shan Wu2, Si-Xuan Zhu2
1Chengdu Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Objective:
This study aims to investigate the potential link between exposure to organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and suicidal ideation (SI) among adults.
Methods:
This study encompassed four cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), involving 5244 participants aged 20 and above. SI was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The levels of exposure to OPPs were estimated by analyzing concentrations of OPP metabolites in urine samples. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the association between exposure to each OPP and SI. Stratified analyses and interaction tests were conducted across various groups, including pairwise combinations of gender and age, as well as body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes. Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models were applied to assess the cumulative impact of exposure to the four OPPs on SI, along with their respective contributions. Additionally, the potential interactions among these four OPPs were evaluated.
Results:
Multivariate logistic regression revealed that only dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP) among OPPs demonstrated a statistically significant positive association with SI [OR: 1.18; 95 % CI: 1.02-1.37]. Stratified analyses indicated that the influence of OPPs on SI was particularly pronounced in young and older men. The WQS regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association between the mixed metabolites of OPPs and SI [OR = 1.10, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.16], with DMTP (weighted 0.63) contributing the most. Furthermore, the BKMR model supported a positive trend in the overall impact of these OPP metabolites on SI, displaying notable individual exposure-response relationships for DMTP (PIP: 0.77).
Conclusions:
Our study suggests an association between exposure to DMTP and an increased risk of SI. Specifically, young adult males and older males appear particularly susceptible to the effects of OPP exposure.
Insights
Exposure to organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), particularly dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), is linked to increased suicidal ideation (SI) in adults. Young and older men show heightened susceptibility to these pesticide effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) are widely used, raising concerns about potential neurotoxic effects.
- Suicidal ideation (SI) is a significant public health issue with multifactorial causes.
- Understanding environmental risk factors for SI is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between exposure to organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and suicidal ideation (SI) in adults.
- To identify specific OPP metabolites and population subgroups most vulnerable to these effects.
- To assess the cumulative impact and interactions of multiple OPP exposures on SI.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from four cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with 5244 adult participants.
- Assessed SI using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and measured OPP metabolite levels in urine samples.
- Employed multivariate logistic regression, WQS regression, and BKMR models for association and cumulative impact analyses, including stratified analyses by demographics and health status.
Main Results:
- Dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP) showed a statistically significant positive association with SI (OR: 1.18).
- WQS and BKMR models confirmed a significant association between mixed OPP metabolites and SI, with DMTP being a major contributor.
- Stratified analyses revealed a pronounced effect of OPPs on SI in young and older men.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to DMTP is associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation (SI).
- Young adult males and older males are particularly susceptible to the adverse mental health effects of OPP exposure.
- These findings highlight the need for further research into environmental toxins as potential contributors to suicidal ideation.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is...
Preparedness and Phobias
Panic Disorder
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...

