Analysis of Chlordecone Tissue Concentrations in Patients Treated for Thyroid Surgery at Guadeloupe University Hospital

Chlordecone, an organochlorine pesticide, is recognized as an endocrine disruptor. Following ingestion, this molecule is preferentially stored in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in adipose tissue. The development of thyroid goiter may be promoted by exposure to certain substances. Environmental pollutants have been shown to increase TSH secretion, and prolonged exposure to endocrine disruptors affecting the pituitary-thyroid axis has been associated with thyroid neoplasia.

Currently, exposure to chlordecone is assessed through measurement of chlordeconemia (plasma concentration), reflecting exposure during the months preceding sampling and providing an estimate of body burden at the time of assessment. However, chlordecone impregnation in thyroid tissue and adjacent structures has not yet been investigated in humans.

The aim of this study is to model chlordecone concentration in tissues using chlordeconemia, occupational activity, dietary habits, and place of residence.

A biological collection will be established and stored at the Biological Resources Center (CRB) of the University Hospital to support the primary and secondary objectives. Blood, adipose tissue, and thyroid tissue samples will be collected.

The inclusion period will last 11 months, each participant will be involved for 4 months, and the total study duration will be 16 months.

Inclusion criteria

• adult patients hospitalized at the Guadeloupe University Hospital for surgical treatment of thyroid pathology
• person affiliated to or beneficiaries of a social security system
• person with free, informed, and written consent signed by the participant and the investigator

Exclusion criteria

• patients subject to a judicial safeguard measure,
• patient under 18 years old
• patient without signed consent
• current pregnancy at the time of inclusion