Ss21-03 the Profile of Genetic Polymorphisms and Exposure Characteristics of Pesticide Applicators in Central Java, Indonesia

Introduction Several organophosphate pesticides including chlorpyrifos (CPF) are metabolically activated to their Oxon form through reactions catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP). CYP enzymes such as CYP2B6 and CYP2C19 have an important role in activation and detoxification processes in CPF metabolism. This study aims to profile genetic polymorphisms and exposure characteristics of pesticide applicators in Central Java. Materials and Methods A total of 151 vegetable farmers aged 18–65 years who have actively applied chlorpyrifos for ≥1 year were included in this study. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted to elicit occupational characteristics and is therefore used to estimate cumulative exposure level (CEL). The CYP2C19*2 and *3 gene polymorphisms were analyzed using PCR-RFLP, while a TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assay was used to analyze CYP2B6*6 gene polymorphisms. The urinary 3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy) and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (RBC-AChE) activity were determined in the laboratory. Results This study found poor pesticide handling practices as indicated by a high proportion of multiple pesticides used and a low frequency of personal protective equipment used. The reduced function alleles of CYP2B6 and CYP2C19 were present in 56.6% and 21.2% of samples. TCPy concentrations were associated with the CEL and CYP2B6*6 gene polymorphisms, while RBC-AChE was negatively associated with the CEL. Conclusions This study provides information on the prevalence and potential role of toxicologically relevant gene polymorphisms along with the exposure characteristics in the Javanese pesticide applicator population. Further studies to confirm the role of gene polymorphisms are needed. Therefore, comprehensive control measures shall be implemented.