Pesticide Exposure Panel – Extended (Urine)

Beschrijving

Analytes included

1. Glyphosate

What it is:
A widely used herbicide, commonly applied to crops such as wheat, corn, soy, and oats.

Why it is harmful:
Glyphosate has been associated with:

• Disruption of gut microbiota
• Impaired amino acid metabolism
• Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction
• Potential endocrine-disrupting effects

Common exposure sources:

• Non-organic grains and cereals
• Drinking water contamination in agricultural regions
• Residues on fruits and vegetables
• Occupational exposure (farming, landscaping)

2. Organophosphates (Chlorpyrifos marker)

What they are:
A class of neurotoxic insecticides. Chlorpyrifos is used as a representative marker due to its historical and ongoing relevance.

Why they are harmful:

• Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase
• Neurodevelopmental toxicity
• Cognitive, mood, and memory effects
• Autonomic nervous system dysregulation

Common exposure sources:

• Agricultural spraying
• Residues on produce
• Indoor pest control products (older or illegal use)
• Occupational exposure

3. Pyrethroids

What they are:
Synthetic insecticides widely used as replacements for older organophosphates.

Why they are harmful:

• Interference with sodium channels in nerve cells
• Neurotoxicity and sensory disturbances
• Endocrine-disrupting potential
• Linked to attention and sleep disturbances with chronic exposure

Common exposure sources:

• Household insect sprays
• Mosquito repellents
• Treated clothing and pet products
• Indoor dust contamination

4. Imidacloprid (Neonicotinoid marker)

What it is:
A neonicotinoid insecticide commonly used in agriculture and gardening.

Why it is harmful:

• Acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
• Potential neurobehavioral effects
• Mitochondrial stress
• Increasing concern for chronic low-dose exposure

Common exposure sources:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Drinking water
• Garden products
• Agricultural environments

5. TCCA-related pesticide markers

What they are:
Compounds related to chlorinated agricultural and disinfectant by-products.

Why they are harmful:

• Oxidative stress induction
• Potential liver and kidney burden
• Contribution to overall toxic load

Common exposure sources:

• Agricultural disinfectants
• Water treatment by-products
• Industrial and environmental contamination

6. Persistent Organochlorine Pesticides

(PCP, Lindane, DDT, DDE)

What they are:
Older-generation pesticides banned or restricted in many countries but still present due to environmental persistence.

Why they are harmful:

• Strong endocrine disruption
• Accumulation in fat tissue
• Long-term neurological and immune effects
• Associations with metabolic and hormonal disorders

Common exposure sources:

• Historical agricultural contamination
• Imported foods
• Fatty animal products
• Contaminated soil and dust
• Old building materials and treated wood (PCP)

Clinical value of the Extended Panel

• Identifies long-term body burden, not just recent exposure
• Particularly relevant for:

1. Chronic unexplained symptoms
2. Neurological or hormonal disorders
3. Patients with historical or occupational exposure
4. Detoxification and follow-up programs

Sample & methodology

• Sample: Spot urine (first morning preferred)
• Method: GC or LC-MS/MS (quantitative)
• Reporting: Creatinine-corrected concentrations with interpretive comments

Suitable for postal submission.