Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of pesticides on kidney function and serum protein profile of farm workers in the Gaza Strip. Methods: The study included 96 farm workers exposed to pesticides as well as 96 non-exposed controls from different Governorates of the Gaza Strip. Farm workers and controls were age and sex matched. Blood samples were collected from all farm workers and controls to assess kidney function through determination of urea, creatinine and uric acid and to measure serum protein profile including total protein, albumin and globulin. Results: Kidney function test showed significant elevation in serum urea and creatinine concentrations in farm workers compared to control group (P < 0.05). However, uric acid exhibited no significant difference between farm workers and controls (P > 0.05). Serum total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly increased in farm workers as compared to controls (P < 0.05). In general, serum urea and creatinine concentrations were the function of farm workers' age and work duration. Conclusion: The results of the present study confirm that pesticides exposure affects farm workers causing alterations with significant values in some biochemical parameters including urea, creatinine, total proteins, albumin and globulin.