Introduction: Cholinesterases and Paraoxonase 1 are mediators of poisoning process by organophosphate (OP). Monitor the activities of these enzymes and know the genetic variability of the agricultural population is of great importance in the evaluation of possible risk groups for poisoning OP. Objective: This case-control study aimed to investigate the association of genetic markers (tag SNPs) in BchE and PON1 genes with characteristic symptoms of exposure to OP pesticides in rural workers.Methodology: 427 patients, both sexes, mean age 40.96 years old, divided into 226 with and 201 without characteristic symptomatology of exposure to pesticides, were genotyped for three tag SNPs, rs1803274 (BChE gene), rs662 e rs854560 (PON1 gene). Also, socio-demographic and economic parameters were analyzed. BChE activity was demonstrated, as well as the profile of workers' health was evaluated. For the test of association of the categorical variables, the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. For the genetic models tests the Binary Logistic Regression was used in the Additive Model and Fisher's Exact Test and Chi-SquareTest in the Dominant and Recessive Models (p < .05). Results: Associationstatistically significant for place of residence with symptoms presentation; between the rs1803274 and symptoms, in the Recessive model. Muscular weakness was the most representative symptom, presenting a statistical association with rs1803274, in the Additive and Dominant model. BChE activity was associated with rs662 in theRecessive model, demonstrating that individuals with this SNP have a higher chance of presenting reduced activity for this enzyme. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the intrinsic factors (SNPs) and extrinsic (residence) studied can modulate theprocess of intoxication by OR, increasing or reducing the susceptibility of the individuals involved. / Introdução: As colinesterases e a Paraoxonase 1 atuam como mediadores do processo de intoxicação por organofosforado (OF). Monitorar as atividades destas enzimas e conhecer a variabilidade genética da população agrícola é de grande importância na avaliação de possíveis grupos de risco para intoxicação por OF. Objetivo: Investigar associação dos polimorfismos genéticos rs1803274 (geneBChE) e rs662 e rs854560 (gene PON1) com sintomatologia característica de exposição a agrotóxicos OF em trabalhadores rurais. Metodologia: Estudo Casocontrole com abordagem transversal. Composto por 427 pacientes, ambos os gêneros, média de idade de 40,96 (±12,6) anos, divididos em: G1-226 indivíduos com presença de sintomas característicos de intoxicação por OF e G2-201 indivíduos sem presença de sintomas; foram genotipados para 3 SNPs: rs1803274 (gene BChE), rs662 e rs854560 (gene PON1). Além disso, os parâmetros socioeconômicos, sociodemográficos, perfil de saúde e a atividade de BChE foram analisados. Para teste de associação das variáveis categóricas, foi utilizado o teste Qui-Quadrado e Exato de Fischer. Para os testes dos modelos genéticos a Regressão Logística Binária foi utilizada no Modelo Aditivo e o Teste Exato de Fisher e teste Qui-Quadrado nos Modelos Dominante e Recessivo (p<0,05). Resultados: Associação estatisticamente significante para local de residência com apresentação de sintomas; entre o rs1803274 e sintomas, no modelo Recessivo. A fraqueza muscular se mostrou o sintoma mais representativo, apresentando uma associação estatística com o rs1803274, no modelo Aditivo e Dominante. A atividade de BChE apresentou associação com o rs662, no modelo Recessivo, demonstrando que indivíduos com este SNP tem maior chance de apresentar atividade reduzida para esta enzima. Conclusão: Os resultados demonstram que os fatores intrínsecos (SNPs) e extrínsecos (local de residência) estudados podem modular o processo de intoxicação por OF, aumentando ou reduzindo a susceptibilidade dos indivíduos envolvidos. / Lagarto, SE

Compte-tenu de l’importance des populations exposées, les effets à long terme des pesticides sont un enjeu de santé publique majeur. Leur étude pose néanmoins des problèmes méthodologiques complexes. Notre objectif était de contribuer à la connaissance des effets chroniques des pesticides sur le système nerveux central en explorant par une approche épidémiologique innovante le rôle des insecticides organophosphorés dans l’apparition de troubles cognitifs. Nous avons développé et utilisé deux outils de mesure de l’exposition (une matrice culture-exposition : PESTIMAT, et des algorithmes basés sur des études de terrain : PESTEXPO) afin d’estimer l’exposition à 34 insecticides organophosphorés utilisés en vigne, en considérant pour chaque individu l’ensemble des tâches viticoles exposant aux pesticides (préparation, application, nettoyage, réentrée) réalisées au cours de sa vie. Ces outils ont été appliqués dans le cadre du premier suivi (2001-2003) de la cohorte PHYTONER constituée en 1997 par l’inclusion de 925 affiliés à la Mutualité Sociale Agricole de Gironde. L’exposition aux organophosphorés définie par des index cumulés à l’aide de nos deux outils était associée à une baisse des performances cognitives, de manière plus marquée pour les tests explorant la mémoire de travail visuelle et la vitesse de traitement de l’information. Les niveaux de risque variaient en fonction des organophosphorés et étaient plus marqués pour le mévinphos. Cette thèse a confirmé le risque de troubles cognitifs chez les utilisateurs professionnels de pesticides et pose la question d’une évolution ultérieure vers une démence. Elle a également démontré la faisabilité et la pertinence d’une approche s’attachant à établir des scores d’exposition à des matières actives pesticides spécifiques pour en analyser les effets de santé. / Given the number of exposed persons, long term effects of pesticides are a foremost Public Health concern. However their study raises complex methodological issues. Our objective was to contribute to the knowledge of the pesticide chronic effects on the central nervous system by exploring the role of organophosphate insecticides in occurence of cognitive disorders by an innovative epidemiological approach. Two exposure assessment tools were developed (a crop exposure matrix: PESTIMAT and algorithms based on field studies: PESTEXPO) to estimate the lifetime cumulated exposure to 34 organophosphate insecticides used in vineyards, taking into account pesticide exposure during tasks (mixing, spraying, cleaning, re-entry) performed by wine-growers. These tools were used in the framework of the first follow-up (2001-2003) of the PHYTONER cohort, initiated in 1997 by the enrollment of 925 workers affiliated to the farmer health insurance system in Gironde, France. Cumulative organophosphate exposure defined by an index using the two tools was associated with poor cognitive performances, particularly for tests exploring the visual working memory and the processing speed. Risk level varied depending on the organophosphate, and was more pronounced for mevinphos. This thesis supports the hypothesis that cognitive impairment may be associated with pesticide occupational use and raises the question of a further evolution towards dementia. It also demonstrated the feasibility and the relevance of an approach based on chemical specific exposure scores to analyze health effects.

Les pesticides utilisés pour protéger les plantes des insectes nuisibles constituent une menace pour les organismes non cibles tels que les vers de terre. En raison de leur activité de bioturbation de sol, les vers de terre sont en contact direct avec les particules et les micro-organismes du sol, ainsi qu'avec les polluants, notamment les pesticides. L‘objectif de ce travail est d‘étudier (1) l‘effet d‘un organophosphoré (OP) «éthyl-parathion» sur la sensibilité de deux espèces de vers de terre endogés, Aporrectodea caliginosa et Allolobophora chlorotica; et (2) le rôle du microbiote intestinal, en synergie avec les voies de détoxification du ver de terre, dans la tolérance ou la détoxification des pesticides. Dans la première partie, les réponses biochimiques et comportementales ont montré que A. caliginosa est plus sensible à l'exposition à «l‘éthyl-parathion» que A. Chlorotica. Les résultats portent sur l‘analyse de biomarqueurs physiologiques (poids), biochimiques (AChE, CbEs, GST) et comportementaux (production de turricules et activité de creusement). Nous avons montré que la sensibilité de A. caliginosa semble liée à la sensibilité intrinsèque de l‘AChE à «l‘éthyl-parathion». De plus, le rôle des carboxylestérases, capables de piéger les insecticides OP, ainsi que le rôle de détoxification des GST notamment, ne semblaient pas être des mécanismes efficaces impliqués dans la tolérance de A. chlorotica. Dans la deuxième partie, nous avons caractérisé, en présence ou non d‘insecticide, le microbiote dans le sol ingéré, les turricules et les intestins des 2 vers de terre. Nos résultats ont montré des différences dans la composition microbienne de ces compartiments. A cet égard, nous avons suggéré que chacune de ces espèces hébergent un microbiote spécifique de l‘espèce dans leur intestin. Nos résultats ont notamment montré que l‘intestin du ver de terre agit comme un «filtre biologique» pour les communautés microbiennes ingérées lors du passage dans l‘intestin. A ce niveau, nous avons identifié, au niveau bactérien, quatre genres dominants dans l'intestin de A. caliginosa et deux genres dominants dans l'intestin de A. chlorotica. Nous avons notamment identifié une souche de Rhodococcus, très abondante dans l'intestin de A. chlorotica. Des études ont montré que des souches de Rhodococcus peuvent dégrader certains groupes de pesticides. Nous suggérons que la présence de cette souche pourrait contribuer à la tolérance de A. chlorotica. Enfin, nous avons montré que l‘effet de l‘éthyl-parathion sur les activités enzymatiques du sol dépend principalement de la texture du sol et non pas de la présence et/ou de l‘espèce de ver de terre.Selon nos conclusions, il est extrêmement important d'inclure plus d'une espèce pour évaluer la toxicité des insecticides organophosphorés, en raison des différences interspécifiques pouvant se produire au sein d'une même catégorie écologique. De plus, l'identification et l'analyse fonctionnelle des micro-organismes présents au niveau de l‘intestin et susceptibles d'intervenir dans la détoxication des pesticides permettraient d‘améliorer nos connaissances sur le devenir du pesticide dans l'organisme et pourraient constituer un outil important dans les programmes de bioremédiation. / Pesticides used to protect plants from pests, threat grievously non-target organisms such as earthworms. Due to their feeding and burrowing activities, earthworms are in direct contact with soil particles and microorganisms, as well as pollutants including pesticides. This work investigated (1) the effect of an organophosphate “ethyl-parathion” on the sensitivity of two endogeic earthworms’ species, Aporrectodea caliginosa and Allolobophora chlorotica; and (2) the role of the gut-microbiota, in synergy with the earthworm’s detoxification pathways, in pesticide tolerance or detoxification. In the first part, biochemical and behavioral responses showed that A. caliginosa is more sensitive to “ethyl-parathion” exposure than A. chlorotica. The endpoints measured ranged from physiological (weight), biochemical (AChE, CbEs, GST) to behavioral biomarkers (cast production and burrowing activity). Our findings showed that the sensitivity of A. caliginosa could be mainly due to the intrinsic sensitivity of its AChE to “ethyl-parathion”. The role of the carboxylesterases, acting as bioscavenger of OP, and the role of the detoxifying enzymes GST did not appear to be efficient mechanisms involved in A. chlorotica tolerance. In the second part, we aimed to characterize the microbiome within the ingested soil, the cast and the gut tissue of A. caliginosa and A. chlorotica in control or polluted soils. Our results showed differences in the microbial composition between these compartments. In this line, we suggested that these two earthworms’ species harbor a species-specific microbiome in their gut. In particular, our findings showed that the earthworm’s gut acts as a “biological filter” for ingested microbial communities during the gut passage. At the level of the gut, we identified four dominated genus within the gut of A. caliginosa versus two dominated genus in the gut of A. chlorotica. Notably, we identified a Rhodococcus strain, which is highly abundant in the gut of A. chlorotica. Previous studies reported Rhodococcus strains for their ability to degrade some group of pesticides. We suggest that the presence of this strain could contribute to the tolerance of A. chlorotica. Finally, we showed that the effect of ethyl-parathion on soil enzyme activities mainly depend on soil texture rather than the presence and/or the species of earthworms. According to our findings, it is of considerable importance to include more than one species to assess toxicity from organophosphorus insecticides, due to the interspecific differences that can occur within the same ecological category. Moreover, the identification and the functional analysis of the microorganisms found in the earthworm’s gut and able to intervene in pesticide detoxification could enhance our knowledge about the fate of the pesticide inside the organism, and could be an important tool for bioremediation program.

En Afrique, la contamination des zones humides par les métaux et les pesticides va se poursuivre durablement. Pour autant, le statut toxicologique de ces milieux reste trop peu documente. Le but du présent travail est d’estimer la valeur du varan du Nil (Varanus niloticus) en tant qu’espèce sentinelle pour la contamination des zones humides continentales d’Afrique sub-Saharienne. Plomb, cadmium, et pesticides organochlorés et organophosphorés ont été quantifies, par spectrométrie d’absorption atomique et chromatographie gazeuse (respectivement), dans plusieurs tissus provenant de 71 spécimens issus de quatre sites (au Mali et au Niger) juges a priori inégalement contamines. Bien que des différences claires apparaissent, la contamination environnementale s’avère modérée sur les quatre sites, et ne semble pas constituer un risque notable pour les varans ni pour les humains qui s’en nourrissent occasionnellement. Toutefois la variabilité interindividuelle est importante. Les organotropismes des polluants détectés sont cohérents avec ceux préalablement décrits. Si l’on n’a pu mettre en évidence de différence liée au sexe en ce qui concerne les pesticides, les femelles présentaient des charges en métaux supérieures. La relation entre d’autres facteurs (taille, proportion de graisse) et les concentrations tissulaires a également été considérée. Les varans sont susceptibles de révéler des différences subtiles de contamination environnementale entre sites, et la résolution spatiale de l’outil semble très fine. La possibilité pratique d’utiliser cet indicateur se trouve donc validée. Un travail expérimental sur des varans captifs a par ailleurs été mené pour approfondir l’étude / In Africa, metal and pesticide contamination of wetlands is supposed to continue on a permanent basis. However, the ecotoxicological status of these ecosystems remains poorly documented. The aim of the present work is to assess the value of the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) as a sentinel species for the environmental contamination of continental wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa. Lead and cadmium on the one hand, and organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides on the other, have been quantified in several tissues by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and gas chromatography, respectively. Samples come from 71 specimens originating from four sites considered unequally contaminated (in Mali and Niger). Although clear differences appear between sites, the environmental contamination turns out to be moderate at the four sites, and does not seem to represent a significant risk neither for the monitors themselves, nor for occasional human consumers. However, the interindividual variability is important. The organotropisms relative to the detected pollutants are consistent with those described in previous studies. Concerning the pesticides, no gender effect has been found, whereas females were more contaminated by metals. The relation between other factors (size, proportion of fat) and tissue concentrations has been considered too. Nile monitors can reveal subtle differences in local pollution and the spatial resolution of this tool seems to be very sharp. Its practical relevance is thus validated. Additionally, an experimental work has been carried out on captive monitors to go into the subject in greater depth

Cette étude porte sur la réalisation de biocapteurs et la mise au point d'un système d'analyse par injection en flux continu (FIA). Ces systèmes sont destinés au dosage de composés polluants présents dans l'eau, notamment de pesticides organophosphorés et de carbamates. Ces biocapteurs associent une électrode de pH et une membrane enzymatique. Différentes techniques d'immobilisation des cholinestérases (acétylcholinestérase et butyrylcholinestérase) sur des membranes polyamide pré-activées, par piégeage dans un gel polymère et sur des membranes en toile de Nylon™ sont d'abord présentées. Ensuite, l'optimisation des conditions opératoires et la comparaison de leurs performances sont examinées. Des capteurs enzymatiques à réponse rapide, pour le dosage de substrat, sont réalisés grâce à une nouvelle technique d'immobilisation d'enzyme sur électrode de verre (Brevet français F-9011630, 1990). L'innovation de cette technique réside dans le dépôt par vaporisation d'un agent réticulant sur l'extrémité sensible de l'électrode de verre. Une simulation mathématique de la réponse de ces biocapteurs permet d'apprécier les quantités d'enzyme immobilisées. Un système FIA basé sur l'inhibition de l'acétylcholinestérase immobilisée au sein d'un réacteur tubulaire à une rangée de billes, est mis au point pour le dosage des organophosphates et des carbamates. Plusieurs paramètres opératoires sont d'abord optimisés. Ce système est ensuite appliqué au dosage d'insecticides contaminant accidentellement l'eau de mer. La réactivation, dans le réacteur, de l'enzyme inhibée permet sa réutilisation de nombreuses fois.

The submitted thesis deals with determination of selected pesticides in water samples by gas chromatography. The target pesticides belong to the group of organophosphates (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, parathion, dimethoate, phosmet) and carbamates (carbofuran, aldicarb, methiocarb, pirimicarb, and propamocarb). In the theoretical part, the division of pesticides is stated, and their properties are described, as well as their fate in the environment and their negative effects. Then, the possibilities of analytical determination based on gas chromatography are characterized. The experimental part describes the treatment of the samples and their subsequent analysis. Solid phase extraction was chosen as the extraction technique. Two kinds of cartridges were optimized (Oasis HLB and Supelclean ENVI-18) in combination with various elution reagents. The most suitable combination was then used for processing of real samples of waste-water, which was taken from WWTP in Brno Modřice. For the final determination of the target compounds by gas chromatography, two types of detectors were used: mass spectrometer and an electron capture detector.

O estado de São Paulo é responsável por 70% da produção nacional de flores e plantas ornamentais. Esses cultivos ocupam 7,5 mil hectares e mais da metade desta área é cultivada em estufas. Atualmente existem aproximadamente 8 mil produtores de pequeno, médio e grande porte em todo Brasil e este setor gera em torno de 200 mil empregos diretos, abrangendo produção e comércio. As estufas são microcosmos planejados para propiciar as condições ambientais adequadas ao crescimento de plantas. Qualquer infestação é controlada usando praguicidas que, devido ao enclausuramento e ajustes das condições climáticas, podem prolongar e intensificar a exposição ocupacional aos mesmos. Alguns estudos sugerem que os trabalhadores de estufas de flores e plantas ornamentais estão expostos a níveis mais elevados de praguicidas durante o carregamento, mistura e aplicação dos praguicidas, bem como pelo contato contínuo com as flores e plantas ornamentais, quando comparados a outros trabalhadores que entram em contato com essa classe de compostos. No presente trabalho, objetivou-se conhecer o processo de trabalho, práticas de saúde, higiene e segurança e localizar possíveis fontes de exposição ocupacional a praguicidas nas estufas de flores da região do Alto Tietê, e também otimizar métodos analíticos para a detecção e quantificação de praguicidas organofosforados (diclorvós, metil-paration e metidation) em patches de algodão e em tubos coletores XAD-2, com o intuito de analisar a exposição ocupacional dérmica e inalatória. O processo de avaliação incluiu o acompanhamento da jornada de trabalho, entrevistas e aplicação de questionários de trabalhadores de 18 estufas. Destas 18 foram selecionadas 6 estufas para coleta de amostras. Os organofosforados diclorvós, metidation e metilparation foram detectados e quantificados por cromatografia gasosa/espectrometria de massas (GC-MS), operado no modo de ionização por impacto de elétrons. Os dados da avaliação qualitativa demonstraram percentual elevado de desconhecimento das práticas adequadas de saúde, higiene e segurança para a utilização destes compostos, sugerindo que há risco de exposição durante a manipulação, armazenamento e descarte dos mesmos. Os limites de quantificação (LQ) obtidos foram abaixo de 0,4 ng/mL e limites de detecção (LD) foram abaixo de 0,1 ng/mL para todos os compostos. O método mostrou boa linearidade na concentração estudada (LSQ-500 ng/mL), com coeficiente (r) maior que 0,99. A precisão foi avaliada pelo desvio padrão relativo e apresentou valores inferiores a 15% para todos os compostos estudados. Após os métodos serem validados, foi realizada a amostragem dérmica e do ar e encontraram-se concentrações variadas de praguicidas. / The state of São Paulo - Brazil, accounts for 70% of domestic production of flowers and ornamental plants. Currently, these crops occupy 7.5 thousand hectares and over 50% of this area is cultivated in greenhouses. This market has an average of 8.000 producers and generates around 200.000 jobs. Greenhouses are microcosms designed to provide environmental conditions suitable for plant growth. Infestation is controlled using pesticides that due to the closure and adjustment to the weather conditions can prolong and intensify the exposure to them. Some studies suggest that workers in greenhouses of flowers and ornamental plants are exposed to higher levels of pesticides during loading, dilution and application, as well as by continuous contact with flowers and ornamental plants, when compared to other workers who enter in contact with this class of compounds. The aim of the present was to know the work process, to survey the practices of health, hygiene and safety standards and locate possible sources of occupational exposure to pesticides in greenhouses of flowers in the Alto Tietê region (São Paulo state), and to optimize analytical methods for detection and quantification of organophosphate pesticides (dichlorvos, methyl parathion and methidathion) in patches of cotton and in XAD-2 sorbent tubes, with the aim of analyzing the occupational dermal and inhalation exposure. The evaluation process included the monitoring of the working day, interviews and questionnaires, and samples collected in greenhouses. The organophosphorus compounds were detected and quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) operated in electron impact ionization. The data show a high percentage of lack of appropriate health practices, hygiene and safety for pesticide use suggests that there is risk of exposure during handling, storage and disposal of them. The limits of quantification (LOQ) obtained were below 0.4 ng/mL and limits of detection (LOD) were below 0.1 ng/mL for all compounds. The method showed good linearity in the studied concentration (LOQ-500 ng/mL), with coefficient (r) greater than 0.99. The precision was evaluated by relative standard deviation and showed values below 15% for all compounds studied. After the methods are validated, the dermal and air sampling was performed and a great range of pesticide concentrations was found. So it is evident that this study is valuable for future analysis and guidance to workers about possible hazards and proper use for reducing exposure to these compounds.

O estado de São Paulo é responsável por 70% da produção nacional de flores e plantas ornamentais. Esses cultivos ocupam 7,5 mil hectares e mais da metade desta área é cultivada em estufas. Atualmente existem aproximadamente 8 mil produtores de pequeno, médio e grande porte em todo Brasil e este setor gera em torno de 200 mil empregos diretos, abrangendo produção e comércio. As estufas são microcosmos planejados para propiciar as condições ambientais adequadas ao crescimento de plantas. Qualquer infestação é controlada usando praguicidas que, devido ao enclausuramento e ajustes das condições climáticas, podem prolongar e intensificar a exposição ocupacional aos mesmos. Alguns estudos sugerem que os trabalhadores de estufas de flores e plantas ornamentais estão expostos a níveis mais elevados de praguicidas durante o carregamento, mistura e aplicação dos praguicidas, bem como pelo contato contínuo com as flores e plantas ornamentais, quando comparados a outros trabalhadores que entram em contato com essa classe de compostos. No presente trabalho, objetivou-se conhecer o processo de trabalho, práticas de saúde, higiene e segurança e localizar possíveis fontes de exposição ocupacional a praguicidas nas estufas de flores da região do Alto Tietê, e também otimizar métodos analíticos para a detecção e quantificação de praguicidas organofosforados (diclorvós, metil-paration e metidation) em patches de algodão e em tubos coletores XAD-2, com o intuito de analisar a exposição ocupacional dérmica e inalatória. O processo de avaliação incluiu o acompanhamento da jornada de trabalho, entrevistas e aplicação de questionários de trabalhadores de 18 estufas. Destas 18 foram selecionadas 6 estufas para coleta de amostras. Os organofosforados diclorvós, metidation e metilparation foram detectados e quantificados por cromatografia gasosa/espectrometria de massas (GC-MS), operado no modo de ionização por impacto de elétrons. Os dados da avaliação qualitativa demonstraram percentual elevado de desconhecimento das práticas adequadas de saúde, higiene e segurança para a utilização destes compostos, sugerindo que há risco de exposição durante a manipulação, armazenamento e descarte dos mesmos. Os limites de quantificação (LQ) obtidos foram abaixo de 0,4 ng/mL e limites de detecção (LD) foram abaixo de 0,1 ng/mL para todos os compostos. O método mostrou boa linearidade na concentração estudada (LSQ-500 ng/mL), com coeficiente (r) maior que 0,99. A precisão foi avaliada pelo desvio padrão relativo e apresentou valores inferiores a 15% para todos os compostos estudados. Após os métodos serem validados, foi realizada a amostragem dérmica e do ar e encontraram-se concentrações variadas de praguicidas. / The state of São Paulo - Brazil, accounts for 70% of domestic production of flowers and ornamental plants. Currently, these crops occupy 7.5 thousand hectares and over 50% of this area is cultivated in greenhouses. This market has an average of 8.000 producers and generates around 200.000 jobs. Greenhouses are microcosms designed to provide environmental conditions suitable for plant growth. Infestation is controlled using pesticides that due to the closure and adjustment to the weather conditions can prolong and intensify the exposure to them. Some studies suggest that workers in greenhouses of flowers and ornamental plants are exposed to higher levels of pesticides during loading, dilution and application, as well as by continuous contact with flowers and ornamental plants, when compared to other workers who enter in contact with this class of compounds. The aim of the present was to know the work process, to survey the practices of health, hygiene and safety standards and locate possible sources of occupational exposure to pesticides in greenhouses of flowers in the Alto Tietê region (São Paulo state), and to optimize analytical methods for detection and quantification of organophosphate pesticides (dichlorvos, methyl parathion and methidathion) in patches of cotton and in XAD-2 sorbent tubes, with the aim of analyzing the occupational dermal and inhalation exposure. The evaluation process included the monitoring of the working day, interviews and questionnaires, and samples collected in greenhouses. The organophosphorus compounds were detected and quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) operated in electron impact ionization. The data show a high percentage of lack of appropriate health practices, hygiene and safety for pesticide use suggests that there is risk of exposure during handling, storage and disposal of them. The limits of quantification (LOQ) obtained were below 0.4 ng/mL and limits of detection (LOD) were below 0.1 ng/mL for all compounds. The method showed good linearity in the studied concentration (LOQ-500 ng/mL), with coefficient (r) greater than 0.99. The precision was evaluated by relative standard deviation and showed values below 15% for all compounds studied. After the methods are validated, the dermal and air sampling was performed and a great range of pesticide concentrations was found. So it is evident that this study is valuable for future analysis and guidance to workers about possible hazards and proper use for reducing exposure to these compounds.

Made available in DSpace on 2011-05-04T12:36:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010 / Os agrotóxicos são substâncias usadas para exterminar pragas ou doenças que causam danos às plantações. Os organofosforados são agrotóxicos responsáveis por 70 por cento das intoxicações ocupacionais e atuam inibindo a enzima acetilcolinesterase por meio da fosforilação do aminoácido serina do sítio ativo. Existem diversos métodos de diagnóstico para monitorar a exposição a estes compostos, tais como: identificação e análise quantitativa de compostos livres noplasma; identificação e análise quantitativa de metabólitos na urina; determinação da atividade de colinesterases no plasma ou no sangue total. Entretanto, estas metodologias possuem algumas limitações, como por exemplo, a falta de especificidade, tecnologias de análise caras e variações interindividuais (sexo, idade, etc.). Uma tentativa de contornar estas limitações na quantificação da atividade de colinesterases é o desenvolvimento de metodologias baseadas na detecção da enzima fosforilada através de técnicas imunoquímicas. Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um método de imunoensaio para o diagnóstico rápido da exposição humana aos organofosforados pela detecção deacetilcolinesterase inibida no sangue humano por anticorpos aviários produzidos contra uma sequência de aminoácidos ao redor da serina fosforilada do centro catalítico da enzima. Para isto, foram adquiridos dois decapeptídeos sintéticos correspondentes ao sítio catalítico "não fosforilado" (SOH) e outro com o resíduode serina fosforilado (SOP). Estes peptídeos foram conjugados com albumina bovina de soro (BSA), injetados em galinhas poedeiras da raça Isa-Brown e anticorpos IgY foram obtidas das gemas dos ovos das galinhas imunizadas. A especificidade dos anticorpos IgY anti-SOH e anti-SOP foi testada por meio de métodos ELISA constatando-se que estes anticorpos reconhecem os peptídeos livres, os peptídeos conjugados com BSA e a própria BSA. Além disso, ocorreu uma significativa reação cruzada, ou seja, os anticorpos IgY anti-SOH e anti-SOP não conseguiram diferenciar os peptídeo SOH e SOP. Estes resultados não permitem a indicação destes anticorpos para o desenvolvimento de métodos para diagnóstico de intoxicação. / Pesticides are chemical substances used to control plagues and diseases in plantations. Organophosphates are the pesticides involved in 70% of the occupational intoxications and act inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase by phosphorylation of the serine residue of catalytic centre. There are several methods for monitoring the exposition to these compounds, as so: identification and assay the free compounds into plasma; identification and assay metabolites into urine; cholinesterases assay into plasma or blood. However, these methods have some limitations, as for example lack of specificity, expensive analytical technologies and inter-individual variety (sex, age, etc.). One way to outline these limitations on cholinesterase assay is the development of methods based on phospho-enzyme detection by imunochemical techniques. This study have had the objective to developing an imuno-assay method for rapid diagnosis of human exposition to organophosphorus compounds by imuno-detection of inhibited acetylcholinesterase using aviary antibodies produced against a peptide sequence of the catalytic centre around phospho-serine residue. Two synthetic decapeptides were bought: one with the sequence of "not-phosphorylated" catalytic centre (SOH) and another with a serine-phosphorylated residue. These peptides were conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), injected into Isa-Brown hens and antibodies IgY were isolated from egg yolk of immunized hens. The specificity of IgY anti-SOH and anti-SOP was tested using ELISA methods showing that these antibodies recognize free peptides, conjugated peptides and BSA. In addition, there was a significant cross reaction, or in other words, the antibodies IgY anti- SOH and anti-SOP failed on differentiate the peptide SOH and SOP. These results do not allow the indication of these antibodies for developing methods for intoxication diagnosis.

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No. of bitstreams: 1 raphaeldasilvaalvin.pdf: 3200596 bytes, checksum: 01129a5b7d70b7b3e44dd871c5c77b1d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-19 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Os organofosforados encontram aplicações na indústria, nas áreas de corantes, vernizes, couro artificial, isolantes elétricos, impermeabilizantes, plásticos, aditivos de petróleo e dissolventes; também são usados na medicina no tratamento de doenças, como o glaucoma; no uso doméstico e na agricultura encontram aplicabilidade como inseticidas e pesticidas. Além dessas várias utilidades civis, os organofosforados são utilizados, também, como armas químicas de destruição em massa, e possuem estrutura similar àquelas dos compostos utilizados como inseticidas e pesticidas. No caso do VX, um organofosforado utilizado como arma química, a quebra da ligação P­S é essencial na sua degradação química. Embora muitas reações químicas possam ser empregadas para decompor agentes químicos de guerra, somente algumas podem ser utilizadas na prática em uma neutralização, porque estas reações precisam ser simples e os reagentes empregados devem ser estáveis, baratos e de baixa massa molecular. No entanto, muitas das reações que podem ser úteis para a neutralização do agente neurotóxico VX ainda seguem em discussão em recentes pesquisas, mas na maioria delas se limita alguns sucessos a hidrólise catalisada. Nesta dissertação foram estudados processos de hidrólise catalisada do agente VX por MgO(001) por meio de cálculos ab initio. Foi utilizado o programa PWscf ­ Plane­Waves Self Consistent Field. O PWscf utiliza a Teoria do Funcional da Densidade, a partir de um conjunto de base de autofunções dado por ondas planas e pseudopotenciais. Entre outros atributos, este código é capaz de calcular a energia do estado fundamental dos orbitais de Kohn­Sham para um elétron, além de forças atômicas em diferentes condições de tensão, otimização estrutural e estado de transição. A molécula de VX foi substituída por uma molécula menor, chamada de p­VX, em que foram substituídos alguns radicais do VX por grupos metila. Isto foi feito para diminuir o tamanho da molécula, que reduzirá o custo computacional, mas sem afetar substancialmente a química do problema, o estudo da quebra da ligação P­S. O mecanismo de hidrólise proposto esta relacionado com a quebra heterolítica da ligação P­S, com a conseqüente formação de íons intermediários R­P+ e R'­S­, estes, por sua vez, estabilizados por quimissorção na superfície de MgO(001). Em conjunto com essa reação, acontece a dissociação de moléculas de água para a formação dos íons H+ e HO­, cujos íons também são estabilizados na superfície de MgO(001). O passo final é a recombinação desses íons, para gerar os produtos de hidrólise R­POH e R'­SH, seguida pelo processo de dessorção destas moléculas da superfície do catalisador. Para a reação global de hidrólise da molécula de p­VX, a variação da energia interna foi calculada em ­5,66kcal/mol. Foram determinadas as estruturas dos íons R­P+ e R'­S­ estabilizados sobre a superfície de MgO(001), com uma energia de formação calculada em ­0,20kcal/mol, indicando que os intermediários teriam boa estabilidade sobre a superfície se comparados com a molécula de p­VX original. Na quimissorção dissociativa de moléculas de água sobre a superfície de MgO(001), verificou­se que os íons formados somente ficam estabilizados se estiverem a uma distância mínima de 4,70Å. Qualquer distância abaixo desta levará a formação da molécula de água novamente. No processo envolvendo duas moléculas de água, apenas uma delas se dissocia, enquanto a outra estabiliza os íons formados via ligação de hidrogênio. A molécula não dissociada também interage com um sítio superficial de magnésio. Este resultado foi comprovado pelos cálculos de diferença de densidade de carga eletrônica do sistema, determinação do caminho de reação, onde este obteve uma barreira energética calculada em 5,55kcal/mol para a reação direta e em 7,53kcal/mol para a reação inversa, e pela dissociação parcial utilizando um trímero de moléculas de água, com energia calculada em ­5,40kcal/mol. Os resultados permitem concluir que o mecanismo proposto para a hidrólise catalisada do agente neurotóxico VX pelo MgO é possível. Os modelos construídos podem ser modificados para testes de novos catalisadores com estrutura tipo MgO, via adição de defeitos ou dopantes à superfície da estrutura cristalina, visando a elaboração de catalisadores mais eficientes para a reação de hidrólise com o mesmo mecanismo. / The organophosphates are used in industry, in the fields of dyes, varnishes, artificial leather, electrical insulation, waterproofing, plastics, oil additives and solvents, are also used in medicine to treat diseases such as glaucoma, in the household and in agriculture are applied as insecticides and pesticides. Besides these various civilian facilities, the organophosphates are used as well as chemical weapons of mass destruction, and have similar structure to those of compounds used as insecticides and pesticides. In the case of VX, an organophosphate used as a chemical weapon, the fall in P­S binding is essential in its chemical degradation. Although many chemical reactions can be used to decompose the chemical agents of war, only some can be used in practice in a breakthrough, because these reactions need to be simple and the reagents used should be stable, inexpensive and low molecular weight. However, many of the reactions that may be useful for the neutralization of the neurotoxic VX agent still follow under discussion in recent polls, but most of them are confined to some successes catalyzed hydrolysis. In this dissertation we studied processes of the VX agent catalyzed hydrolysis by MgO (001) by means of ab initio calculations. We used the program PWscf ­ Plane Waves Self­Consistent Field. The PWscf using the Density Functional Theory from a set of basic autofunction given by plane waves and pseudopotentials. Among other attributes, this code is able to calculate the energy of the ground state of the Kohn­Sham orbital for an electron, and atomic force under different conditions of stress, structural optimization and transition state. The VX molecule was replaced by a smaller molecule, called a p­VX, which replaced some of the radicals VX for methyl groups. This was done to reduce the size of the molecule, which reduces the computational cost, but not substantially affect the chemistry of the problem, the study of breaking the link P­S. The proposed mechanism of hydrolysis is related to the breaking of the link heterolytic P­S, with the consequent formation of intermediate ion R­P+ and R'­S­, they, in turn, stabilized by quimissorption the MgO(0010 surface. Together with this reaction, is the dissociation of water molecules to the formation of ions H+ and HO­, whose ions are stabilized on the MgO(001) surface. The final step is the recombination of these ions, to generate products of hydrolysis and R­POH and R'­SH, followed by the process of desorption of molecules from the surface of the catalyst. For the overall reaction of hydrolysis of the molecule p­VX, the variation of internal energy was calculated to be ­5.66 kcal/mol. Were determined the structures of ion R­P+ and R'­S­ stabilized on the MgO(001) surface, with an formation energy calculated at ­0.20 kcal/mol, indicating that the middlemen have good stability on the surface is compared with the p­VX molecule original. In dissociative quimissorption of water molecules on the MgO(001) surface, it was found that the ions formed are stable only if a minimum distance of 4.70 Å. Any distance below this will lead to formation of the water molecule again. In the process involving two water molecules, only one is dissociated, while the other ions stabilizes by the hydrogen bonding formed. The non­dissociated molecule also interacts with a surface site of magnesium. This result was confirmed by the calculations of load density difference of the system, determining the reaction path, where he obtained a energy barrier calculated at 5.55 kcal/mol for the direct reaction and 7.53 kcal/mol for the reverse reaction and by partial decoupling using a trimer of water molecules, with energy calculated at ­5.40 kcal/mol. The results show that the proposed mechanism for the catalyzed hydrolysis of the neurotoxic agent VX by MgO is possible. The models constructed can be modified for testing of new catalysts with MgO type structure, via addition of doping or defects on the surface of the crystal structure, to the development of more efficient catalysts for the hydrolysis reaction with the same mechanism.