P-349 OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES AND THEIR IMPACT ON ENDOCRINE AND EPIGENETIC PROFILES OF FARMWORKERS IN MOROCCO: A STUDY PROTOCOL

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Pesticides are commonly used chemicals to improve agricultural yield and face farming challenges. However, these compounds might significantly affect the human health. In Morocco, pesticides are increasingly used in agriculture and start to constitute a major concern for farmers’ and farmworkers’ health, especially in rural areas where safety guidelines are weakly respected. Therefore, we aim in this study to assess the exposure of farmers and farmworkers to pesticides and evaluate the impact on their endocrine and epigenetic profiles. Methods This ongoiong study takes place in Meknes prefecture and is conceived based on an analytical cross-sectional design, consisting in exposed and control groups. 200 healthy and volunteer participants are asked to enroll the study following a clear informed consent, to answer a questionnaire on pesticide usage, exposure and lifestyle and to provide blood and urine samples. First, a set of 7 organophosphate pesticide metabolites will be quantified in urine using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography methods being developed. Then, blood will serve in measuring thyroid and reproductive hormones in serum, in addition to global DNA methylation markers and specific hormones receptros genes in the whole blood. Results The results are expected to explain the association that might exist between pesticide exposure and epigenetic and/or endocrine alterations from one hand and the importance of Biomonitoring in preserving the health of Moroccan populations in occupational settings. Discussion and conclusion Finally, this study will help to shed light on the potential health risks in farmworkers related to pesticide usage and will promote knwoledge and safety elaboration to protect this range of population.