Effect of pyrethroid insecticides exposure in relation to pyrethroid metabolite and GABA concentration of young children, Bangkok Thailand

Abstract

Exposure to pyrethroids (PYR) commonly used in households affects nervous system in children. Data on pyrethroids exposure related to neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is unknown. This study aims to investigate a relationship between urinary pyrethroids metabolite and GABA concentration, and determine factors related to pyrethroids metabolite among young children in urban areas in Bangkok, Thailand. Urine samples (n = 80) were collected from children aged 2–3 years in April – May 2019 and their mothers completed a questionnaire. Urinary metabolite, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC/MS) and GABA was measured by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay kit (ELISA). The result showed that median concentration of 3-PBA metabolite was 1.46 µg/mL and GABA median concentration was 355.11 ng/mL. The 3-PBA concentration was negatively correlated with GABA concentration (r_s= −0.230, p < 0.05). 3-PBA concentration were significantly associated with personal exposure factors, use of insecticide coil, frequency of PYR insecticide use, and frequency of floor-cleaning (p < 0.05). Daily use of insecticide coil in households can cause children exposure to PYR while walking bare feet. Consequently, these factors may affect neurotransmitter GABA level in PYR exposed children. This study suggest that should give education and awareness to reduce risk of PYR insecticide exposure to children living in households.

Keywords:

• pyrethroids metabolite
• GABA
• children
• households

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the following support: Grant for the 90th anniversary of Chulalongkorn University fund, Grant for International Research Integration: Chula Research Scholar, Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund (GCURS 59-06-79-01) and Office of International Affairs Scholarship for Short-term Research, Chulalongkorn University, NIH-NIEHS CEED P30 ES005022, and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers University.