Comparison of Serum Butyrylcholinesterase Levels and Health Conditions Between Elderly Conventional and Organic Farmers in Prachinburi Province, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Exposure to organophosphates and carbamates is commonly assessed by measuring the decrease in serum Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity, as these pesticides inhibit enzyme activity. This research aimed to compare differences in serum BChE activity and health conditions between elderly conventional and organic farmers. Methods: A total of 147 conventional farmers and 81 organic farmers were purposively sampled from February to April 2022. Questionnaires and blood samples were collected from the farmers. Pre-pesticide exposure data was collected at start of the growing season (February). Post-exposure data was collected after pesticide spraying (conventional farmers) or cultivation (organic farmers) (MarcheApril). Serum BChE activities and metabolic indicators were determined in both groups of farmers. Results: The majority of farmers in both groups were aged over 60. Conventional farmers mostly used carbaryl and carbofuran pesticides on the farm. Regarding BChE level, the average baseline in the serum of conventional farmers was 23.77 ± 7.69 U/mL, decreasing to 21.66 ± 7.50 U/mL after spraying. For organic farmers, the baseline BChE level was 16.48 ± 5.03 U/mL, increasing to 20.23 ± 5.40 U/mL after cultivation. The average delta change in BChE (post versus pre-cultivation) for conventional farmers and organic farmers was ¡2.12 ± 8.3 U/mL and 3.75 ± 6.04 U/mL, respectively. Conclusion: A significant difference in BChE activity levels was observed between conventional and organic farmers. No significant differences were identified among metabolic indicators. Nevertheless, conventional farmers were more likely to experience elevated BMI and increased waist circumference compared to organic farmers.