Association between butyrylcholinesterase enzyme activity and HbA1c Levels in diabetic patients exposed to pesticides residues through fruit and vegetable consumption

Abstract

Exposure to pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables has been associated with alterations in butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme activity, a potential biomarker of chemical exposure. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between BChE enzyme activity and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels among diabetic patients in Khun Si Subdistrict, Sai Noi District, Nonthaburi Province. A total of 126 diabetic individuals from eight villages participated in the study. Data on fruit and vegetable consumption behaviors and adherence to antidiabetic medication were collected using structured questionnaires. BChE enzyme activity was measured using cholinesterase reactive paper kits from capillary blood samples, and HbA1c levels were obtained from patient medical records. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests, were used to examine associations among variables. The results showed no statistically significant association between fruit and vegetable consumption behaviors and BChE enzyme activity (p > 0.05). Likewise, BChE activity was not significantly associated with HbA1c levels (p > 0.05), and no significant relationship was found between types or patterns of antidiabetic medication use and glycemic control. Given the limited sample size (n=126) and cross-sectional design, these preliminary findings suggest that BChE enzyme activity was not found to be a reliable indicator of glycemic control in this specific population. However, the data may not be sufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the broader utility of BChE as a glycemic control biomarker. Further research using larger sample sizes, longitudinal design, and biochemical exposure markers is needed to clarify potential relationships and long-term effects.