Setting a baseline for human biomonitoring and epigenetic studies of pesticides in Morocco: The PaPOE study

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In Morocco, due to the lack of education and the presence of a counterfeit and illegal market, pesticides constitute a major problem to be addressed by occupational and environmental health. In fact, growing evidence suggests a link between pesticides exposure and epigenetic changes, including variations in DNA methylation. In this context, the purpose of the PaPOE study is to examine comprehensively whether multi-residue exposure to commonly used pesticides, could induce epigenetic alterations. METHOD: The PaPOE study is divided into two major phases: a cross-sectional study assessing the occupational exposure among farmworkers and pesticide appliers in Meknes (Morocco), and a birth cohort where pregnant healthy women attending maternity care hospitals in Meknes. Survey questionnaires have been conducted between 2018 and 2022 to assess pesticide exposures and work practices of the farmers. AChE and BuChE were analyzed in blood. The biomonitoring approach using LC-MS and GC-MS targeted the profiling of 28 pesticides and their metabolites in urine. Oxidative stress biomarkers include GSH and 8-OHdG. Global DNA methylation is performed using LC-MS in blood. RESULTS: Overall, knowledge was significantly associated with education level and previous training on pesticides use, while health risks were significantly associated with the use of PPE. Pesticides were detected in 77% of samples, with mainly organophosphates and organochlorines. Glutathione and 8-OHdG were significantly associated with pesticides exposure. Global DNA methylation status is altered in the pesticides-exposed population compared to the non or less-exposed group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study paves the way for a biomonitoring system in Morocco to assess environmental and occupational exposures and to provide insight into the long‐term course and potential health consequences of the pesticides exposure.