Hum Exp Toxicol. 2009 Aug;28(8):451-9. doi: 10.1177/0960327109107045. Epub 2009
Sep 10.
Effects of exposure to pesticides during
pregnancy on placental maturity and
weight of newborns: a cross-sectional pilot
study in women from the Chihuahua State,
Mexico.
Acosta-Maldonado B, Sánchez-Ramírez B, Reza-López S, Levario-Carrillo M.
Source
Medical Research Unit in Clinical Epidemiology of the Mexican Social Security Institute, 3
Ave. Ocampo y Deza y Ulloa S/N, Colonia Centro, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Abstract
It is known that pesticides cross the placental barrier and can cause alterations in the
development of placental structures resulting in adverse effects in reproduction. The
objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of pesticide exposure during
pregnancy on placental maturity and to evaluate the relationship between placental
maturity, gestational age and birth weight. We collected the placentas from singleton
pregnancies from women exposed (n = 9) and non-exposed (n = 45 full-term and n = 31
preterm) to pesticides as evaluated geographically, by questionnaire and by
acetylcholinesterase levels. Placental morphometry from the central and peripheral regions
was examined by microscopy and staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The placental
maturity index (PMI) was estimated by dividing the number of epithelial plates in terminal
villi to their thickness in 1 mm(2) of the placental parenchyma. Gestational age, birth
weight and the following characteristics of the mother were also recorded: pre-pregnancy
body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy and hemoglobin concentrations. Birth
weight and the gestational age were correlated with PMI (r = .54 and r = .44, respectively; p
< .01). Pesticide exposure was associated with a higher PMI (beta = 7.38, p = .01) after
adjusting by variables related to placental maturity. In conclusion, the results suggest a
relationship between prenatal exposure to pesticides and placental maturity and may
potentially affect the nutrient transport from the mother to the fetus.
Toxic effects of organochlorine pesticides
on Penaeus vannamei. Shrimps in Sinaloa,
Mexico



JoséG. Galindo Reyes ,
Alejandra Medina Jasso,
Cecilio Villagrana Lizarraga

Escuela de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa. Paseo Claussen
s/n, Mazatlán, Sin, C.P. 82000 México


Abstract

The shrimp fishery in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico, has decreased due to various
causes. Recent studies have reported significant residues of organochlorine
pesticides; thus, this work evaluated the toxic effects of some pesticides on the
shrimp Penaeus vannamei.
Juvenile shrimp were exposed to chlordane, DDT, lorsban and fndane to estimate
the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) at 48 h. The LC50'S were: 0.0632, 0.0087,
0.0048 and 0.0039 mg/l respectively for each pesticide. Shrimp were treated with
sublethal concentration of pesticides to determine changes in the respiration and in
the amount of protein. The % of protein in exposed shrimp, decreased 28.5, 41.8,
36.9, and 37.6 for shrimp exposed to chlordane, DDT, lorsban and lindane,
respectively. The shrimp treated with pesticides registered increases in the
respiration compared to controls ones. These results indicate that pesticide pollution
represent a potential danger for fishery and aquaculture in Sinaloa
Toxicol Mech Methods. 2011 Nov;21(9):681-91. doi: 10.3109/15376516.2011.602130.
Organophosphorous pesticides research in
Mexico: epidemiological and experimental
approaches.
Sánchez-Guerra M, Pérez-Herrera N, Quintanilla-Vega B.
Source
Departamento de Toxicología, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico.
Abstract
Non-persistent pesticides, such as organophosphorous (OP) insecticides have been
extensively used in Mexico, and becoming a public health problem. This review presents
data of OP use and related toxicity from epidemiological and experimental studies
conducted in Mexico. Studies in agricultural workers from several regions of the country
reported moderate to severe cholinergic symptoms, including decreased
acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity (the main acute OP toxic effect that causes an over
accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine), revealing the potential risk of
intoxication of Mexican farmers. OP exposure in occupational settings has been associated
with decreased semen quality, sperm DNA damage and as endocrine disrupter, particularly
in agricultural workers. Alterations in female reproductive function have also been
observed, as well as adverse effects on embryo development by prenatal exposure in
agricultural communities. This illustrates that OP exposure represents a risk for
reproduction and offspring well-being in Mexico. The genotoxic effects of this group of
pesticides in somatic and sperm cells are also documented. Lastly, we present data about
gene-environmental interactions regarding OP metabolizing enzymes, such as paraoxonase1 (PON1) and its role in modulating their toxicity, particularly on semen quality and sperm
DNA integrity. In summary, readers will see the important health problems associated with
OP exposure in Mexican populations, thereby the need of capacitation programs to
communicate farmers the proper handling of agrochemicals to prevent their toxic effects
and of more well designed human studies to support data of the current situation of workers
and communities dedicated to agriculture activities.
Science of The Total Environment
Volume 449, 1 April 2013, Pages 302–308
Association between PON1 genetic
polymorphisms and miscarriage in
Mexican women exposed to pesticides








Julia Blanco-Muñoza, ,
Clemente Aguilar-Garduñob,
Ricardo Gamboa-Avilac,
Miguel Rodríguez-Barrancod,
Oscar Pérez-Méndeze,
Claudia Huesca-Gómezc,
Beatriz González-Alzagad,
Marina Lacasañad, f, ,

a





Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública de México (INSP) (National Institute of Public
Health of México), Av, Universidad 655, Col. Sta María Ahuacatitlán, CP 62100,
Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
b
Centro Superior de Investigaciones en Salud Pública (CSISP-FISABIO), (Center
for public Health Research), Valencia, Spain
c
Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez” (National Institute of
Cardiology “Ignacio Chavez”), Department of Physiology, Juan Badiano 4, Section
XVI, 14080, Mexico DF, Mexico
d
Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP) (Andalusian School of Public Health),
Campus Universitario de la Cartuja, Cuesta del Observatorio 4, CP: 18180 Granada,
Spain
e
Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez” (National Institute of
Cardiology “Ignacio Chavez”), Department of Molecular Biology and
cardiovascular Diseases Genomic and Proteomic, Juan Badiano 4, Section XVI,
14080, Mexico DF, Mexico
f
Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Ciber of Epidemiology and
Public Health. Granada, Spain
J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2007 Aug;42(10):1513-20.
Ecotoxicological effects of POPs on ariidae Ariopsis felis (Linnaeus, 1766) from three coastal
ecosystems in the Southern Gulf of Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula.
Zapata-Pérez O, Ceja-Moreno V, Olmos MR, Pérez MT, Río-García MD, Yarto M, Mendoza-Cantú A,
Ize-Lema AI, Gavilán-García A, Felipe ST, Gold-Bouchot G.
Source
Marine Resources Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies at Merida, Mexico.
ozapata@mda.cinestav.mx
Abstract
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are still used for agricultural and disease vector control, as
well as for industrial purposes. In the last decades, various studies have shown that fish are
sensitive to the toxicological effects of certain POPs, including a large class of endocrinedisrupting chemicals (EDCs). In the present study, the relationship between of POPs and their
effects using vitellogenin gene expression as biomarker of effect in hardhead catfish Ariopsis felis
(Linnaeus, 1766) from three ecosystems in the Southern Gulf of Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula are
discussed. Contaminant results showed that median concentrations of PCBs, HCHs, DDTs and
Chlordanes were higher in Laguna de Terminos with respect to Celestun and Dzilam. In the same
way, the vitellogenin gene expression was clearly over-expressed in fish collected from Terminos
Lagoon. Principal Component Analysis showed that vitellogenin gene expression is related to the
concentrations of total DDTs and PCBs, and negatively related to total Drins. Overall, this study
represents the first tests exploring changes in molecular diagnostic indicators following exposure
of several organic compounds in our country. Vitellogenin gene expressions associated with some
endocrine disruptors detected in Terminos Lagoon were measured and we can now report clear
changes in fish exposed.
Salud Publica Mex. 1994 Nov-Dec;36(6):624-32.
[Health risk control for organophosphate pesticides in Mexico: challenges under the Free Trade
Treaty].
[Article in Spanish]
Ortega-Ceseña J, Espinosa-Torres F, López-Carrillo L.
Source
Departamento de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónicas y Lesiones, Instituto Nacional de Salud
Pública (INSP), México.
Abstract
This paper discusses recent trends concerning the commercialization of pesticides in Mexico and
focuses on organophosphates and their potential health risk impact. It points out the existing lack
of knowledge on health effects associated to chronic exposure to organophosphate pesticides. A
need for both toxicological and epidemiologic studies of chronic exposure is identified. Regulatory
programs for pesticides in Mexico and the United States are also compared. The paper also
addresses the possibility of effective enforcement of environmental and health regulations in
Mexico as a result of more rigorous surveillance under NAFTA.
Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2012 Apr;62(3):445-54. doi: 10.1007/s00244-011-9716-5. Epub 2011
Oct 16.
Persistent organic contaminants and steroid hormones levels in Morelet's crocodiles from the
Southern Gulf of Mexico.
Gonzalez-Jauregui M, Valdespino C, Salame-Méndez A, Aguirre-León G, Rendón-Vonosten J.
Source
Centro EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campeche, Mexico.
Abstract
Effects of endocrine disruptors on reproductive variables of top predators, such as alligators and
crocodiles, have long been cited. Due to their long life span, these predators provide us with
historic contaminant annals. In this study we tried to test whether lifestyle (free-ranging vs. farm
animals) and reproductive age of Morelet's crocodiles in Campeche, Mexico, affect the
bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Subsequently, we tested to see whether their concentration was related to steroid hormones
(testosterone and estradiol-17β) levels once normal cyclic hormone variation and reproductive age
had been taken into account. From the group of contaminants considered (analyzed as families),
only frequency of hexachlorocyclohexanes (∑HCH) and ∑PCB permitted analyses. Whereas there
was a greater concentration of ∑HCH bioaccumulated by free-ranging crocodiles, ∑PCB was found
in equal quantities in free-ranging and farm animals. No difference was observed in relation to
reproductive age for any of the contaminants. However, ∑PCB concentrations were related to
testosterone levels among female crocodiles. This androgenic effect of ∑PCB has not been
reported previously. Because testosterone promotes aggressive behavior in vertebrates, excessive
aggression during the estrous season, or when female crocodiles should be caring for their young,
could result in reproductive failure in Morelet's crocodiles and potential long-term decline of the
population.
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2008 Jul 15;230(2):261-8. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2008.02.021. Epub 2008
Mar 4.
PON1Q192R genetic polymorphism modifies organophosphorous pesticide effects on semen
quality and DNA integrity in agricultural workers from southern Mexico.
Pérez-Herrera N, Polanco-Minaya H, Salazar-Arredondo E, Solís-Heredia MJ, Hernández-Ochoa I,
Rojas-García E, Alvarado-Mejía J, Borja-Aburto VH, Quintanilla-Vega B.
Source
Sección Externa de Toxicología, CINVESTAV-IPN, PO Box 14-760, Mexico City, 07360, Mexico.
Abstract
Pesticide exposure, including organophosphorous (OP) insecticides, has been associated with poor
semen quality, and paraoxonase (PON1), an enzyme involved in OP deactivation, may have a role
on their susceptibility, due to PON1 polymorphisms. Our objective was to evaluate the role of
PON1Q192R polymorphism on the susceptibility to OP toxicity on semen quality and DNA integrity
in agricultural workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in farmers with Mayan ascendancy
from southeastern Mexico chronically exposed to pesticides; mostly OP. Fifty four agricultural
workers (18-55 years old) were included, who provided semen and blood samples. Semen quality
was evaluated according to WHO, sperm DNA damage by in situ-nick translation (NT-positive
cells), PON1Q192R polymorphism by real-time PCR and serum PON1 activity by using
phenylacetate and paraoxon. Two OP exposure indexes were created: at the month of sampling
and during 3 months before sampling, representing the exposure to spermatids-spermatozoa and
to cells at one spermatogenic cycle, respectively. PON1 192R and 192Q allele frequencies were
0.54 and 0.46, respectively. Significant associations were found between OP exposure at the
month of sampling and NT-positive cells and sperm viability in homozygote 192RR subjects, and
dose-effect relationships were observed between OP exposure during 3 months before sampling
and sperm quality parameters and NT-positive cells in homozygote 192RR farmers. This suggests
that cells at all stages of spermatogenesis are target of OP, and that there exists an interaction
between OP exposure and PON1Q192R polymorphism on these effects; farmers featuring the
192RR genotype were more susceptible to develop reproductive toxic effects by OP exposure.
Environment International
Volume 35, Issue 8, November 2009, Pages 1155–1159
Genotoxic biomonitoring of agricultural workers exposed to pesticides in the north of Sinaloa
State, Mexico
Carmen Martínez-Valenzuelaa,
Sandra Gómez-Arroyob, Corresponding author contact information, E-mail the corresponding
author,
Rafael Villalobos-Pietrinic,
Stefan Waliszewskid,
María Elena Calderón-Segurab,
Rubén Félix-Gastéluma,
Armando Álvarez-Torrese
a Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Occidente, Boulevard Macario Gaxiola y
Carretera Internacional, Los Mochis 81223, Sinaloa, Mexico
b Laboratorio de Citogenética Ambiental, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad
Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán 04510 D.F., Mexico
c Laboratorio de Mutagénesis Ambiental, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad
Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán 04510 D.F., Mexico
d Instituto de Medicina Forense, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Ver. Mexico
e Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B4H 4J
Abstract
Genotoxic damage was evaluated in 70 agricultural workers, 25 women and 45 men, exposed to
pesticides in Las Grullas, Ahome, Sinaloa, Mexico, with an average of 7 years of exposure. The
effect was detected through the sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in lymphocytes of peripheral
blood and micronuclei (MN) and other nuclear anomalies (NA) in buccal exfoliated cells. Also, the
influence on cellular proliferation kinetics (CPK) was studied by means of the replication index (RI)
and the cytotoxic effect was examined with the mitotic index (MI). The non-exposed group
consisted of 70 other persons, 21 women and 47 men from the city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa,
Mexico. Significant differences between the exposed and the non-exposed groups were observed
in SCE, CPK, MI, MN and NA. Analysis of variance revealed that age, gender, smoking and alcohol
consumption did not have a significant effect on genetic damage. However, there was a
correlation between exposure time to pesticides and SCE frequency. These results could have
been due to the exposure of workers to pesticides containing different chemical compounds. This
study afforded valuable data to estimate the possible risk to health associated with pesticide
expos
Environ Toxicol. 2010 Aug;25(4):381-90. doi: 10.1002/tox.20508.
Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus)
from the Gulf of California.
Niño-Torres CA, Zenteno-Savín T, Gardner SC, Urbán R J.
Source
Postgraduate Program in Marine Sciences and Limnology, National Autonomous University of
Mexico, Postal Box 70-305, Ciudad Universitaria, México 04510, D.F. Mexico.
carlosalni@gmail.com
Abstract
The present study reports unique data on concentrations of several classes of organochlorine
pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in blubber biopsies from healthy living fin whales
(Balaenoptera physalus) from the Gulf of California, Mexico, one of the most isolated and
unstudied population in the world. OC levels in this population were generally lower than levels
reported in fin whales from other regions. The rank order of OCs were SigmaDDTs (range from 300
to 2400 ng g(-1) lw) > SigmaPCBs (range from 40 to 290 ng g(-1) lw) > SigmaHCHs (range from
<LOQ to 92 ng g(-1) lw) > or = SigmaCHLORs (from < LOQ to 100 ng g(-1) lw). The most abundant
OC pesticide measured was the DDT metabolite, p,p'-DDE. The PCBs 138, 153, and 180 were the
most abundant PCBs congeners found in the fin whales samples. Males had significant higher
concentrations of SigmaOC, SigmaDDTs and SigmaPCBs than females (P < 0.05), although the p,p'DDE/SigmaDDTs ratios were similar between the sexes. Although the OC concentrations found in
this population were generally below the levels that would be expected to cause deleterious
health effects, the maximum values observed (2700 ng g(-1) lw) in some animals were higher than
those associated with reproductive effects in whales. Given the small population size and highly
isolated characteristics of Gulf of California fin whales, health effects in individuals could readily
translate into population-level effects. Future research on this topic will be necessary to better
understand the role that these compounds may have on the health of this population.
J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2012 Jan-Feb;22(1):60-9. doi: 10.1038/jes.2011.31. Epub 2011 Oct 5.
Persistent organic pollutant concentrations in first birth mothers across Mexico.
Rodríguez-Dozal S, Riojas Rodríguez H, Hernández-Ávila M, Van Oostdam J, Weber JP, Needham LL,
Trip L.
Source
Environmental Health Department, Center for Population Heath Research, National Institute of
Public Health, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
Abstract
This project was initiated by the North America Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC).
Its main purpose was to obtain an initial profile on pregnant woman's exposure to persistent
organic pollutants (POPs) in North America (Canada, the United States and Mexico). Persistent
organic pollutants are transferred to the fetus via the placenta during the pregnancy or to the
infant via maternal milk; therefore, the pregnant woman's body burden is important because of
the higher exposures and potential health effects in the fetus and infant. This paper presents the
results from 240 pregnant women in 10 Mexican cities, and includes the concentrations of various
POPs such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated
dibenzo dioxins and furans (PCDDs and PCDFs) in maternal plasma. We found concentrations of
p,p'-DDE in maternal samples from Coatzacoalcos to be ∼60% higher than those found in Ciudad
Obregon, which had the second highest concentration. Pregnant women from Merida had higher
mean concentrations of PCBs than all women in other regions. Results for PCDDs and PCDFs plus
dioxin-like PCBs data were only available on the basis of composite samples, and their
concentrations are similar in most cities except for Coatzacoalcos, which had more than double
the concentration found in other cities. Although this study provides useful information on the
variability of POPs in specific populations and possible regional/local differences, these results
cannot be generalized to the entire Mexican population because of differences in age, gender,
sources of exposure and nonrandom nature of the sample.
Biomarkers. 2011 Feb;16(1):12-9. doi: 10.3109/1354750X.2010.520336. Epub 2010 Oct 27.
Inhibition of two enzyme systems in Euchlanis dilatata (Rotifera: Monogononta) as biomarker of
effect of metals and pesticides.
Arias-Almeida JC, Rico-Martínez R.
Source
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Ciudad
Universitaria, Mexico. jcariasa@hotmail.com
Abstract
The inhibitory effects on esterases and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in the freshwater rotifer Euchlanis
dilatata, native to Mexico, were assessed by fluorimetry after in vivo exposure (30 min) in
laboratory conditions to sublethal concentrations of metals and pesticides. EC(50) values for
esterases ranged from 7.9 × 10(-7) for DDT to 61.9 μg l(-1) for methyl parathion, while
corresponding values for PLA2 ranged from 0.96 × 10(-6) for mercury to 69.2 μg l(-1) for lead.
These enzyme systems in E. dilatata are very sensitive to the tested agents and suggest they would
be suitable biomarkers. However, sensitivity to other environmental contaminants should be
investigated in laboratory conditions and field studies to assess their potential as environmental
biomarkers.
Chemosphere
Volume 92, Issue 9, August 2013, Pages 1117–1125
The role of plant metabolism in the mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of four organophosphorus
insecticides in Salmonella typhimurium and in human cell lines
 Josefina Cortés-Eslavaa,
 Sandra Gómez-Arroyoa, , ,
 Francisco Arenas-Huerterob,
 Saúl Flores-Mayac,
 Martha E. Díaz-Hernándeza,
 María Elena Calderón-Seguraa,
 Rafael Valencia-Quintanad,
 Jesús Javier Espinosa-Aguirree,
 Rafael Villalobos-Pietrinia
 a Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad
Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 México, D.F., Mexico
 b Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Departamento de Patología, Hospital Infantil de
México Federico Gómez, México, D.F., Mexico
 c Laboratorio de Recursos Naturales Citogenética-Vegetal-UBIPRO, Facultad de Estudios
Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios No. 1,
Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Edo. de México, Mexico
 d Facultad de Agrobiología, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Av. Universidad No. 1, Col.
La Loma X. Tlaxcala, Mexico
 e Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,
Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 México, D.F., Mexico
Abstract
This study used a cell/microbe co-incubation assay to evaluate the effect of four
organophosphorus insecticides (parathion-methyl, azinphos-methyl, omethoate, and
methamidophos) metabolized by coriander (Coriandrum sativum). The reverse mutation of
Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 was used as an indicator of genetic damage.
Treatments with these insecticides inhibited peroxidase activity in plant cells by between 17%
(omethoate) and 98% (azinphos-methyl) and decreased plant protein content by between 36%
(omethoate) and 99.6% (azinphos-methyl). Azinphos-methyl was the most toxic when applied
directly. In the Ames test, treatments applied directly to strain TA100 killed the bacteria; however,
the presence of plant metabolism detoxified the system and permitted the growth of bacteria. In
strain TA98, plant metabolites of insecticides were mutagenic. This result suggests that the tested
pesticides produce mutations through frameshifting. The same pesticides were applied to human
skin (HaCaT) and lung (NL-20) cell lines to evaluate their effects on cell viability. Pesticides applied
directly were more cytotoxic than the combination of pesticide plus coriander metabolic fraction.
Omethoate and methamidophos did not affect the viability of HaCaT cells, but azinphos-methyl
and parathion-methyl at 100 and 1000 μg mL−1 significantly decreased viability (p < 0.05). The NL20 cell line was remarkably sensitive to the direct application of insecticides. All of the treatment
conditions caused decreases in NL-20 cell viability (e.g., viability decreased to 12.0% after
parathion-methyl treatment, to 14.7% after azinphos-methyl treatment, and to 6.9% after
omethoate treatment). Similar to the Ames test, all of the insecticides showed decreased toxicity
in human cells when they were cultured in the presence of plant metabolism. In conclusion, when
the studied organophosphorus insecticides were plant-metabolized, they induced mutations in the
bacterial strain TA98. In human cell lines, plant metabolism reduced the cytotoxic properties of
the insecticides, and human keratinocytes were more resistant to mortality than bronchial cells.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Volume 84, 1 October 2012, Pages 199–206
Implications of cytochrome 450 isoenzymes, aryl-esterase and oxonase activity in the inhibition
of the acetylcholinesterase of Chirostoma jordani treated with phosphorothionate pesticides

Ricardo Dzul-Caamala,

M. Lilia Domínguez-Lópezb,

Ethel García-Latorreb,

Armando Vega-Lópeza,

a

b
,
Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, IPN. Av.
Wilfrido Massieu s/n, Unidad Profesional Zacatenco, México D.F. CP 07738, México
Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica I, Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de
Ciencias Biológicas, IPN. Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomás. D.F. CP
11340, Méxic
Abstract
Organophosphate pesticides must be metabolized by cytochrome-P450 isoenzymes such CYP 2C19
as CYP 3A4 to induce neurotoxicity, but damage apparently depends on the activity of aryl
esterases of the oxonase type that are involved in detoxication of these compounds. However,
information on this subject is not available in fish. Chirostoma jordani has sustained significant
population reductions, probably due to changes in land-use as well as pesticide impact;
nevertheless, no specific studies demonstrating this are available. This study shows for the first
time that the activity of cytochrome-P450 isoenzymes (CYP 2B6, CYP 2C19, CYP 3A4) in C. jordani is
involved in diazinon and chlorpyrifos bioactivation. However, higher toxicity of chlorpyrifos cannot
be explained solely because its bioactivation. Differences in toxicity between both pesticides are
due to the activity of aryl esterases and oxonases that are responsible for oxon detoxication. Both
hepatic enzymes metabolize diazoxon more efficiently than chlorpyrifos oxon. At lethal
concentrations, detoxication is particularly important since mortality was lower with diazinon
(LC50=1.5 μg/L) than with chlorpyrifos (LC50=0.17 μg/L). At sublethal levels, maximum
acetylcholinesterase inhibition took place at 4 h in both brain and muscle and was of lower
magnitude in diazinon-treated fish. This is due to the higher affinity of both aryl esterases for
diazoxon, which allows higher detoxication rates and therefore greater recovery of
acetylcholinesterase activi
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
Volume 243, Issue 1, 15 February 2010, Pages 19–26
Association between organophosphate pesticides exposure and thyroid hormones in floriculture
workers
 Marina Lacasañaa, b, , ,
 Inmaculada López-Floresa, b,
 Miguel Rodríguez-Barrancoa,
 Clemente Aguilar-Garduñoa, c,
 Julia Blanco-Muñozd,
 Oscar Pérez-Méndeze,
 Ricardo Gamboae,
 Susana Bassolf,
 Mariano E. Cebriang
 a Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada, Spain
 b CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
 c Observatorio de Salud Ambiental de Andalucía, Granada, Spain
 d Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
 e Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, México D.F., Mexico
 f Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
 g Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Instituto Politécnico
Nacional, México D.F., Me
Abstract
The ability of organophosphate pesticides to disturb thyroid gland function has been
demonstrated by experimental studies on animal, but evidence of such effects on human
remains scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the association between exposure to
organophosphate compounds and serum levels of thyroid hormones in floriculture workers.
A longitudinal study was conducted on 136 male subjects from the State of Mexico and
Morelos, Mexico, occupationally exposed to organophosphate pesticides, during
agricultural periods of high (rainy season) and low (dry season) levels of pesticide
application. Using a structured questionnaire, a survey was carried out on
sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometry, clinical history, alcohol and tobacco
consumption, residential chemical exposure, and occupational history. Urine and blood
samples were taken the day after pesticide application to determine urine dialkylphosphate
(DAP) levels, serum levels of TSH, total T3, total T4, serum PON1 activity, and serum p,p′DEE levels. The analysis of the association between DAP levels and thyroid hormonal
profile was carried out using multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) models.
Our results showed an increase in both TSH and T4 hormones in serum associated with a
increase in total dimethylphosphate levels (ΣDMP) in urine (p-trend < 0.001) and a
decrease in total T3 serum levels with an increase of ΣDMP levels in the urine (ptrend = 0.053). These results suggest that exposure to organophosphate pesticides may be
responsible of increasing TSH and T4 serum hormone levels and decreasing T3 serum
hormone levels, therefore supporting the hypothesis that organophosphate pesticides act as
endocrine disruptors in huma
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
March 2012, Volume 184, Issue 3, pp 1359-1369
Pollution by organochlorine pesticides in Navachiste-Macapule, Sinaloa, Mexico

Adriana M. Montes,

Fernando A. González-Farias,

Alfonso V. Botello
Abstract
The lagoon system of Navachiste-Macapule is located in northern Mexico, in the state of Sinaloa,
with an area of 24,000 ha. The main economic activity in the area is agriculture, and the lagoon
lies next to the irrigation district ID-063 which covers 116,615 ha. The purpose of this study is to
evaluate the levels of pollution generated by organochlorine pesticides (OC) in the surface
sediments of the lagoon and in the agricultural drains of the ID-063 that are supposedly
transported into the system as a result of agricultural activities and runoff from adjacent land. For
this, between 2006 and 2007, 45 surface sediment samples were collected (warm dry, rainy and
cold dry) from 15 sampling sites, during the three climatic seasons. Of these, eight were located
inside the lagoon in marine conditions (salinity >31 PSU) and seven in the agricultural drains of the
ID-063 in freshwater conditions (salinity <5 PSU). The average concentration of the OC in the
sediments was 44.75 ng g − 1, among which the group of the alicyclic compounds presented the
greatest concentrations. The average value of the total organic carbon (TOC) in the sediments of
the system was 0.90%. The sediments collected inside the lagoon had an average OC
concentration of 18.97 ng g − 1, and the predominant type of sediment was fine to very fine sand.
The average OC concentration in the sediments collected in the agricultural drains was
75.69 ng g − 1, where fine sediments (silt) were predominant. The presence of methoxychlor, endrin
and heptachlor suggested that these compounds were continuously used in the system, even
though their use is forbidden in Mexi
Arch Environ Health. 1998 Jan-Feb;53(1):29-35.
Poverty, production, and health: inhibition of erythrocyte cholinesterase via occupational
exposure to organophosphate insecticides in Chiapas, Mexico.
Tinoco-Ojanguren R, Halperin DC.
Source
El Colegio de la Frontera Sur-Ecosur San Cristóbal de Las Casas Chiapas, Mexico.
Abstract
Occupational exposure to organophosphate pesticides and its effects on the concentration of
erythrocyte cholinesterase in the rural population of Chiapas, Mexico, are described. The authors
surveyed agricultural production and pesticide use was surveyed among 199 campesinos
(peasants) in three communities that used various agricultural production systems. The authors
measured the concentration of the cholinesterase enzyme in blood samples obtained from 65
campesinos before and after exposure to the insecticide. The authors established a comparison
value for the population that was not exposed occupationally. The exposure values of the enzyme
concentration were significantly lower than preexposure values (p = .00001) and reference group
values (p = .0008). Individuals in the community characterized by subsistence production had
significantly lower levels of the enzyme than individuals in the other two communities (p = .01).
This result suggested that a greater risk of adverse health effects existed among the poorest
communities.
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2002 Oct;53(2):191-5.
Effects of pesticides on DNA and protein of shrimp larvae Litopenaeus stylirostris of the
California Gulf.
Galindo Reyes JG, Leyva NR, Millan OA, Lazcano GA.
Source
Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Paseo Claussen s/n, Mazatán, Sin,
C.P. 82000 Mexico.
Abstract
Recently, diverse pathologies and massive mortalities have been presented in shrimp hatcheries
located along the California Gulf; therefore, toxic responses of shrimp larvae were used as
biomarkers of pesticide pollution, because in this region intensive agriculture is practiced. Shrimp
larvae were exposed to DDT, azinphosmethyl, permethrine, parathion, chlorpyrifos, malathion,
endosulfan, and carbaryl, in order to determine LC50, DNA adducts and/or breaks, and total
protein in larvae. The results indicate reductions in protein and DNA in larvae exposed to these
pesticides, and in those exposed to DDT, breaks and/or adducts were registered. It is possible that
pesticide pollution is a cause of these problems, because reduction in protein indicates a decrease
in larvae growth rate and DNA breaks or adducts have been related to pathologies and
carcinogenesis in many aquatic organisms.
Mutat Res. 2000 Mar 3;466(1):117-24.
Cytogenetic biomonitoring in a Mexican floriculture worker group exposed to pesticides.
Gómez-Arroyo S, Díaz-Sánchez Y, Meneses-Pérez MA, Villalobos-Pietrini R, De León-Rodríguez J.
Source
Laboratorio de Citogenética Ambiental, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional
Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Mexico. slga@ccaunam.atmosfcu.unam.mx
Abstract
The cytogenetic damage in floriculturists of Morelos State, Mexico, exposed to pesticides, was
evaluated by mean of biological tests based on sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in lymphocytes of
peripheral blood and micronuclei (MN) in exfoliated cells of the buccal mucosa. Besides the
cytogenetic analysis, the effects of pesticides exposure on the cell proliferation kinetics (CPK) by
the replication index (RI) were also studied. The mitotic index (MI) to detect cytotoxic effects was
also determined. Greenhouses of the towns of Santa Catarina, Jiutepec and Yecapixtla were
selected for the study, because the application of chemicals to the flowers is uncontrolled. As nonexposed group, people of the town of Temisco were chosen; their activity was not related to
pesticides. The SCE were analyzed in the peripheral blood of 30 persons, 22 women and 8 men,
with 10 and 1.5 years of exposure to pesticides, respectively, and of 30 persons, 28 women and 2
men, that were considered as the non-exposed group. Samples of buccal mucosa were also taken
from each person. Significant differences between exposed and non-exposed groups were found
in SCE, CKP and MI. Besides, the MN frequencies in the exposed group were three times higher
than in the non-exposed group.
Agricultural Systems
Volume 120, September 2013, Pages 38–48
Sustainability of holistic and conventional cattle ranching in the seasonally dry tropics of
Chiapas, Mexico

Bruce G. Fergusona,

Stewart A.W. Diemonta, b,

Rigoberto Alfaro-Arguelloa,

Jay F. Martinc,

José Nahed-Torala,

David Álvarez-Solísa,

René Pinto-Ruízd

a

b

c

d
,
,
Departmento de Agroecología, El Colegio de La Frontera Sur, Carretera Panamericana y
Periférico Sur s/n, María Auxiliadora San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, San Cristóbal de
Las Casas, Chiapas, CP 29290, Mexico
Department of Environmental Resources Engineering, State University of New York,
College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, Ecological Engineering
Program, The Ohio State University, 590 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Apdo. Postal 63,
Villaflores, Chiapas CP 30470, Mexico
Abstract
Conventional cattle ranching in the lowlands of Chiapas, Mexico typically employs
extensive grazing, annual pasture burns and frequent applications of agrochemicals,
threatening biodiversity and long-term productivity. A small group of innovative ranchers
in the Central Valleys are converting to holistic management through careful land-use
planning, rotational grazing, diversified forage, and diminished use of purchased inputs.
We compared the sustainability of 18 conventional and seven holistic, dual-purpose
ranches, using three sets of sustainability metrics. First, we combined semistructured
interviews and field observations to better describe the two productions systems and to
calculate an “Organic Conversion Index” (OCI), combining economic, social, technological
and environmental indicators. Holistic ranchers have more pasture divisions, higher grazing
pressure, greater lengths of time between pasture burns, greater milk productivity, larger
forest reserves, lower cow and calf mortality, purchase less hay and feed, and use less
herbicides and pesticides than their conventional neighbors (T-tests and Fisher’s Exact
Tests; all p < 0.05). OCI was greater (T-test, p < 0.0005) for holistic ranches (81.8 ± 4.6%
compliance with organic standards), than for conventional ranches (32.1 ± 9.0%
compliance), with holistic ranches demonstrating superiority for nine of ten OCI indicators.
Second, drawing on data from the same interviews, we conducted “emergy” analysis to
quantify the embodied energy of inputs, outputs and sustainability of the ranching systems.
The Emergy Yield Ratio, an index of a systems emergy throughput relative to the emergy
in purchased inputs, was marginally higher in holistic ranches (T-test; p = 0.07), but
became significant when only ranches ⩾40 ha were analyzed (p = 0.04) and when
government assistance (mostly in the form of machinery) was removed from the
calculations (p = 0.008). Holistic ranches exhibited marginally higher Emergy
Sustainability Indices, a measure of system yield relative to environmental impact, for all
ranches combined (p = 0.07) and for ranches ⩾ 40 ha (p = 0.06). Third, we sampled
vegetation and soils on seven holistic and seven conventional ranches. We found higher soil
respiration, deeper topsoil, increased earthworm presence, more tightly closed herbaceous
canopies (all p < 0.05), and marginally greater forage availability (p = 0.053) in holistic
ranches. Other variables, including soil compaction, soil chemistry and pasture tree cover,
did not differ significantly between groups. These data are a snapshot of long, complex
processes. Nonetheless, these complementary metrics combine to suggest that holistic
management strategies are leading to greater ecological and economic sustainability. This
production model merits further study for potential broader application as well as greater
attention from decision makers concerned with ranching and the environment.