Many organophosphorus compounds produce a chronic toxicity that has been classified as a dying-back process in which the long axons are particularly affected. Recent evidence indicates that an essential first step in the production of the lesion is the phosphorylation of a protein that is able to hydrolyse substrates such as phenyl phenylacetate. The esterase activity of the protein is inhibite...

Over the years, evidence has been accumulating [1, 2] that selenium is an essential nutrient in animals, preventing various serious deficiency diseases. On the other hand, no such firm proof for the need of selenium in human nutrition has been established, although several instances of beneficial effects as a result of selenium supplementation of human diet have been reported [3-5]. Although va...

This brief review describes the reactions of organophosphorus compounds with cholinesterases, neuropathy target esterase, and phosphoric triester hydrolases with respect to their toxicity. It also describes antidotes, protectors, and decontaminating agents against organophosphates.

BACKGROUND Pesticide poisoning is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in India. OBJECTIVES To assess the oxidative damage, hemoglobin level and leukocyte count in acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning. METHODS Plasma cholinesterase was assessed as a toxicity marker. Oxidative damage was assessed by estimating serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, plasma total antioxidant capaci...

Nerve agents are highly toxic organophosphorus compounds with strong inhibition potency against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Herein, we describe two first extremely promising uncharged reactivators for poisoned human AChE with a superior or similar in vitro ability to reactivate the enzyme as compared to that of HI-6, obidoxime, TMB-4 and HLö-7.

The continuous production and release of chemicals into the environment has led to the need to assess their genotoxicity. Numerous organophosphorus compounds with different structures have been synthesized in recent years, and several oxaphosphole derivatives are known to possess biological activity. Such chemical compounds may influence proliferating cells and cause disturbances of the genetic...

Background: Organophosphorus pesticides are widely used in agriculture, homes, gardens, and veterinary practices. Extensive application of pesticides in agriculture often results in residues of these compounds being absorbed into the foods, including wheat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the residue levels of 20 organophosphorus pesticides in wheat samples collected from different region...

Burkholderia species are widely distributed in the environment. A Burkholderia zhejiangensis strain was isolated from pesticide-contaminated soil from an agricultural field in Mexico and identified as an organophosphorus compound-degrading bacterium. In this study, we report the draft genome sequence of Burkholderia zhejiangensis strain CEIB S4-3.