Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of hematological and hepatic alterations and possible association with serum levels of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH), p,p′-DDE, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) among residents in an area heavily contaminated with organochlorine (OC) pesticides. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 415 male and 432 female residents aged >14 years. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for OC pesticides concentrations and biochemical parameters. Frequencies of hematological and hepatic alterations were calculated for each gender. Association between beta-HCH, p,p′-DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene), and HCB levels and presence of alterations was determined by logistic regression stratified by gender and controlling for confounders. Highest frequencies were observed for eosinophilia (23% men and 18% women), low hemoglobin (12% men and 15% women), and low erythrocyte count (12% men). High levels of bilirubin, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were observed, respectively, in 10, 11, and 12% of men and <10% of women. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was elevated in 26 and 25% of males and females, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed associations between eosinophilia and beta-HCH in men (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.01–1.12) and women (OR = 1.05, 96%CI = 0.99–1.11), p,p′-DDE in men (OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 0.99–1.06) and women (OR = 1.02, 95%CI = 0.99–1.06), and HCB in women (OR = 1.54, 95%IC = 0.85–4.45). Beta-HCH was found to be associated with increased risk of elevated bilirubin in females (OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.07–1.29) and males (OR = 4.21, 95%CI = 1.87–9.47 for fourth vs. first quintile). Thus, OC pesticides may exert adverse effects on hematopoietic tissue and liver in populations chronically exposed to high levels of these compounds.