Publication:

Bivariate and multivariate regression analysis of pesticide exposure duration, protective practices and PON1 (192Q/R) polymorphism among agricultural workers in Malerkotla and Rupnagar Districts of Punjab, India

Background Occupational pesticide exposure poses a significant public health risk among agricultural workers, particularly in developing regions with limited safety practices. Genetic variability, especially in the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene, influences individual susceptibility to organophosphate toxicity. The PON1 (192Q/R) polymorphism affects enzyme activity involved in pesticide detoxification.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at RIMT university hospital among 200 pesticide-exposed agricultural workers from the Malerkotla and Rupnagar districts of Punjab, India. Participants (184 males, 16 females) were selected based on occupational exposure. Exposure characteristics and safety practices were assessed using structured questionnaires. Genotyping of the PON1 (192Q/R) polymorphism was performed using PCR-RFLP. Bivariate logistic regression was used to examine associations between genotype and gender, while multivariate logistic regression evaluated relationships between exposure variables using combined genotype (QR+RR vs QQ) and allele (R vs Q) models. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results No significant association was observed between PON1 polymorphism and gender. The QR genotype showed higher odds of occurrence in females (OR=3.61; p=0.28), whereas the RR genotype showed reduced odds (OR=0.70; p=0.52). The R allele was not significantly associated with gender (OR=0.75; p=0.59). Multivariate analysis indicated a gradual increase in the odds of R allele-containing genotypes with longer pesticide exposure, with workers exposed for >40 years showing higher odds (adjusted OR≈2.08), though not statistically significant (p=0.08). Protective measures were associated with reduced odds but lacked significance.

Conclusions PON1 (192Q/R) polymorphism was not associated with gender; however, prolonged pesticide exposure showed a non-significant trend toward increased R allele prevalence, highlighting the need for improved occupational safety practices.