# The association between organophosphate pesticide residue exposure and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review

## TL;DR

This review explores the link between organophosphate pesticide exposure and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, highlighting key findings and gaps in understanding.

## Contribution

The paper systematically reviews evidence connecting organophosphate pesticide residues to NAFLD and identifies key metabolites and research gaps.

## Key findings

- There is a link between exposure to organophosphate pesticides and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Demographic characteristics influence the severity of liver complications caused by organophosphate pesticides.
- Diet can be a strategy to reduce NAFLD caused by organophosphate pesticide exposure.

## Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic disease that has had a significant prevalence in recent decades. Various factors contribute to the disease, with diet being one of the most important. In recent decades, several studies have reported a correlation between agricultural pesticide residues and NAFLD. This systematic review aimed to discuss scientific findings and analyze evidence of the association between organophosphate pesticide residues and NAFLD. To achieve this, relevant keywords were identified, and a search protocol was established in databases over the past decade to facilitate article retrieval. Finally, a total of 314 articles were identified through the search, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this review. This review identified a diverse range of OPs and their metabolites concerning NAFLD. Glyphosate and its formulations (such as Roundup) were the most studied OPs. The key OPE metabolites most frequently studied were BDCIPP, BCIPHIPP, DPHP, and BCEP. In addition, pesticides such as triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), trichlorofon, tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), and tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) were also investigated. The primary method for assessing OPs exposure involved measuring urinary metabolites. We discuss the evidence for the correlation between exposure to OPs and NAFLD, as well as the factors that influence it.

•There is a link between exposure to OPs and NAFLD.•Demographic characteristics influence the severity of liver complications caused by OPs.•The reference dose of OPs leading to NAFLD remains a knowledge gap.•Diet can be a strategy to reduce NAFLD caused by OPs.•Identifying the metabolic pathways of OPs is essential for defining prevention strategies.

There is a link between exposure to OPs and NAFLD.

Demographic characteristics influence the severity of liver complications caused by OPs.

The reference dose of OPs leading to NAFLD remains a knowledge gap.

Diet can be a strategy to reduce NAFLD caused by OPs.

Identifying the metabolic pathways of OPs is essential for defining prevention strategies.