Environmental exposure to pesticides is associated with oxidative stress, oxidative DNA damage, and elevated interleukin-8 in a child population.

Abstract

Pesticide exposure can cause various adverse effects in humans, with children being particularly susceptible. Such exposure leads to neurological, immunological, respiratory, and genetic damage, primarily by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The increase in ROS induces lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the formation of hydroxyl radicals, which generate DNA adducts. This study involved children aged 6–12 from three communities: two in an agricultural region (communities A and B) and one reference population (community C). The objective was to evaluate lipid peroxidation through malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, the content of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) adducts, and the concentrations of the cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α in children environmentally exposed to pesticides. Anthropometric measurements were taken from the study population. Dialkylphosphates (DAP) in urine were determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Plasma concentrations of MDA and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) were quantified using biochemical assays and urinary concentrations of 8-OHdG. The findings showed that DAP, MDA, and 8-OHdG concentrations in communities A and B increased significantly compared with community C. Additionally, IL-8 exhibited a significant increase in community A compared to community C, while no significant differences were observed for IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. Higher pesticide exposure is linked to oxidative stress, DNA damage and inflammation, key indicators of chronic diseases. In conclusion, this study provides evidence linking environmental pesticide exposure in agricultural communities to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in children.