Levels of acetylcholinesterase and DNA damage in children exposed to organophosphate pesticides in Tanjung Karang, Selangor, Malaysia

This study aims to determine the levels of acetylcholinesterase in blood and DNA damage in children exposed to organophosphate pesticides in Tanjung Karang, Selangor, Malaysia. The acetylcholinesterase level was analysed using a Cholinesterase Test Kit. A comet assay was applied on the cheek wall, where DNA was liberated from the head of the comet assay. There was a significant difference in the acetylcholinesterase levels (p = <0.001) between the exposed and control groups. There was also a significant correlation between acetylcholinesterase levels and the length of the comet tail in the exposed group (p = 0.028) and in the combined groups (p < 0.001). The distance from the children’s houses to the paddy field ranged from less than 100 m to more than 1,000 m, and acetylcholinesterase levels showed a significant relationship with micronucleus frequency and comet assay. Cycling showed a significant relationship with the micronucleus frequency. A distance of less than 100 m from home to school, completion of primary school, and having a father who worked as a farmer were significantly associated with the comet assay. The children exposed to organophosphate pesticides exhibit lower levels of acetylcholinesterase and an increase in comet tail length, indicating heightened DNA damage.

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