Red blood cell acetylcholinesterase activity among healthy dwellers of an agrarian region in Sri Lanka: a descriptive cross-sectional study

• Main Authors: Devarajan Rathish, Indika Senavirathna, Channa Jayasumana, Suneth Agampodi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2018-06-01
• Series: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine
• Subjects: Acetylcholinesterase activity; Organophosphate; Carbamate; Healthy volunteers
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12199-018-0717-0
• ISSN: 1342-078X; 1347-4715

Abstract Background Assessment of acetylcholinesterase-inhibitor insecticide (AChEII) toxicity depends on the measurement of red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (RBC-AChE) activity. Its interpretation requires baseline values which is lacking in scientific literature. We aim to find the measures of central tendency and variation for RBC-AChE activity among dwellers of Anuradhapura, where the use and abuse of AChEIIs were rampant for the last few decades. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study with a community-based sampling for 100 healthy non-farmers (male:female = 1:1) was done using pre-determined selection criteria. Duplicate measurements of RBC-AChE activity were performed according to the modified Ellman procedure. Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis were sort for RBC-AChE activity against its possible determinants. Results RBC-AChE activity had a mean of 449.8 (SD 74.2) mU/μM Hb with a statistical power of 0.847. It was similar to values of “healthy controls” from previous Sri Lankan toxicological studies but was low against international reference value [586.1 (SD 65.1) mU/μM Hb]. None of the possible determinants showed a significant strength of relationship with RBC-AChE activity. Conclusion The baseline RBC-AChE activity among people of Anuradhapura is low in comparison with international reference values. This arises a need to find a causative mechanism.