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This research project will investigate the influence of genetic variability in enzyme activity on the toxicity of mixtures of pesticides.
<p>The project will investigate the role of cytochromes P450 and paraoxonase in variability in response to individual pesticides and mixtures.
<p>Metabolism of selected pesticides will be characterised. In vitro techniques will be used to investigate interactions of the pesticides in mixtures at low individual concentrations in human tissues.
<p>The data obtained will provide a framework for future development of mathematical models to predict the effects of individual variability on the metabolism, and hence toxicity, of complex pesticide mixtures.
In its report on Risk Assessment of Mixtures of Pesticides and Similar Substances, the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) highlighted the need for characterisation of possible variability in human responses to mixtures of residues, including genetic susceptibility.
<p>This project will adopt an enzymological approach to investigate the role of polymorphic drug metabolising enzymes in the toxicity of mixtures of pesticides.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.