Objective: To determine pesticide exposure among PD patients, identify specific pesticides, assess exposure duration and frequency in relation to PD onset, using data from the LARGE-PD study in El Salvador.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting dopaminergic neurons, influenced by genetic and environmental factors like pesticide exposure, which causes oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In El Salvador, high pesticide use (5.5 kg per hectare annually) raises chronic poisoning risks for farmworkers and rural communities. Studying this link is crucial for prevention and public health policies.

Method: Data from LARGE-PD study (Latin American Research Consortium on the Genetics of Parkinson’s Disease) were analyzed, in El Salvador. Recruitment began in 2023 and to date, 251 subjects have been enrolled (128 cases and 123 controls, with a ratio of 1.4:1). Information was collected using a standardized LARGE-PD form, which included clinical data, demographics, habits, and exposure to risk factors, such as pesticide contact. Data was analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics, employing Open Epi. The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee.

Results: Of the 128 patients diagnosed with PD, 39 (30.5%) reported occupational exposure to pesticides, including paraquat, glyphosate, atrazine, methomyl, permethrin, malathion, methamidophos, and methyl parathion. In the control group, only twelve subjects (9.8%) reported pesticide exposure. A Yates-corrected Chi-square value of 15.37 (p = 0.00008855) was obtained, with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.05 (95% CI: 2.00–8.20). Among the exposed patients, 82% were men and 18% were women. The mean age of onset of PD symptoms was 56.8 years (SD: 11.04) in pesticide-exposed patients, compared to 54.8 years (SD: 12.01) in unexposed patients. The mean duration of exposure was 22.6 years (SD: 15.13). Regarding the frequency of exposure, 72% reported 1–5 days/year, 8% reported 6–10 days/year, another 8% reported 11–30 days/year, and 10% reported more than 30 days/year.

Conclusion: Occupational pesticide exposure is associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), suggesting the importance of preventive measures and stricter regulations, particularly for prolonged exposure. Further research, including genetic analyses and biomarkers could enhance our understanding of their role in PD development.

References: 1. Tanner CM, Kamel F, Ross GW, Hoppin JA, Goldman SM, Korell M, et al. Rotenone, paraquat, and Parkinson’s disease. Environ Health Perspect. 2011;119(6):866–72.
2. Goldman SM, Kamel F, Ross GW, Jewell SA, Bhudhikanok GS, Umbach DM, et al. Genetic modification of the association of paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. Mov Disord. 2017;32(5):814–9.
3. Chao OY, Pum ME, Li JS, Huston JP. Pesticides and Parkinson’s disease: Mechanisms and pathways. Neurobiol Dis. 2022;163:105601.
4. Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) of El Salvador. Report on the use of pesticides in Salvadoran agriculture. 2020.
5. Pezzoli G, Cereda E. Exposure to pesticides or solvents and risk of Parkinson disease. Neurology. 2013;80(22):2035–41.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/exploring-the-relationship-between-pesticides-and-parkinsons-disease-in-el-salvador/