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2006

PON1 May Indicate Disease from Pesticide Exposure

farm equipment spraying field of crops

NIEHS-funded research demonstrated that a gene known as paraoxonase 1 (PON1) may serve as an important indicator for disease from pesticide exposure. The gene has been found to play a critical role in breaking down organophosphate insecticides. The high or low activity level of PON1 during pregnancy and early-life development may either protect or leave individuals who are exposed to pesticides more vulnerable.


Tags: genes


Citation:

Furlong CE, Holland N, Richter RJ, Bradman A, Ho A, Eskenazi B. 2006. PON1 status of farm worker mothers and children as a predictor of organophosphate sensitivity. Pharmacogenet Genomics 16(3):183-190. [Abstract]

Berkowitz GS, Wetmur JG, Birman-Deych E, Obel J, Lapinski RH, Godbold JH, Holzman IR, Wolff MS. 2004. In utero pesticide exposure, maternal paraoxonase activity, and head circumference. Environ Health Perspect 112(3):388-391. [Abstract] [PDF]