LAUSR

Organophosphates (OP) are widely used in both agriculture and household settings as pesticides. Human exposure is mainly due to residues in food or living environment and the main mechanism of OP toxicity are the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Acute poisoning is associated with a high rate of mortality due to parasympathetic overstimulation. In long-term exposure, OP are linked to systemic damage occurrence like nervous, hepatic or renal dysfunction. These compounds are considered as potential endocrine disrupters, causing significant hormonal imbalance targeting the adrenals or thyroid glands. The aim of this article is to review current data in the literature regarding effects of both acute and chronic OP exposure on thyroid hormonal status.