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Toxics
Special Issues
Hazardous Effects of Pesticides on Human Health
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Hazardous Effects of Pesticides on Human Health

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Agrochemicals and Food Toxicology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 October 2023) | Viewed by 10959

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Balázs Ádám

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Interests: occupational medicine; environmental health; genotoxicology; public health; disease burden
Prof. Dr. Lode Godderis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Centre for Environment and Health, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
2. IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
Interests: occupational and environmental medicine; toxicology; epigenetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Pierluigi Cocco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Division of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
Interests: occupational medicine; occupational and environmental epidemiology; toxicology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid industrialization over the past century has dramatically changed both the routes and the degree of human exposure to synthetic chemicals. Pesticides are a major group of synthetic chemicals that contribute substantially to increase yield quantity and quality through crop protection in agriculture, protect humans against the vectors of infectious diseases (e.g., malaria and dengue fever), and control various pests and pathogens in domestic settings. Pesticide products are considered easy-to-use, cost-effective and reliable tools. However, it has become evident that when applied in an excessive and uncontrolled manner, in addition to their biocidal activity on target organisms, they can also have undesirable effects on non-target species, including humans.

This Special Issue aims to collect novel scientific evidence from recent studies investigating the unwanted effects of environmental pesticide exposure on human health.

We look forward to manuscripts that explore pesticide toxicity utilizing a wide range of methodologies, including in vitro and in vivo studies, human biomonitoring, environmental and occupational epidemiology, as well as narrative and systematic reviews. The studies can investigate various aspects of pesticide effects on human health that reflect the consequences of real exposure situations in general, and in domestic or workplace environments. As such, manuscripts that discuss the health effects of specific pesticide product formulations (e.g., encapsulated pesticides) or the late toxic effects of chronic low-level exposures (e.g., genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity) are especially invited.

The articles in this Special Issue are expected to expand our knowledge on the human health consequences of new trends in pesticide development and use driven by current environmental and societal challenges, consequently contributing to better protection of the population.

Dr. Balázs Ádám
Prof. Dr. Lode Godderis
Prof. Dr. Pierluigi Cocco
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pesticides
  • product formulation
  • chronic low-level exposure
  • comparative toxicological assessment
  • human health effect
  • genotoxicity
  • carcinogenicity
  • teratogenicity

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

4 pages, 200 KiB  
Editorial
Hazardous Effects of Pesticides on Human Health
by Balázs Ádám, Pierluigi Cocco and Lode Godderis
Toxics 2024, 12(3), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12030186 - 28 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1085
Abstract
Pesticides, a major group of biocides, are designed to control harmful and/or unwanted organisms [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hazardous Effects of Pesticides on Human Health)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

12 pages, 1765 KiB  
Article
Oxidative Stress and Cytotoxicity Induced by Co-Formulants of Glyphosate-Based Herbicides in Human Mononuclear White Blood Cells
by Khadija Ramadhan Makame, Sylvia Nyambeki Masese, Balázs Ádám and Károly Nagy
Toxics 2023, 11(12), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11120976 - 01 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 978
Abstract
The use of genetically modified, glyphosate-resistant crops has led to the widespread application of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), making them one of the most widely used herbicide formulations on the market. To enhance the efficacy of the active ingredient, GBHs used in practice often [...] Read more.
The use of genetically modified, glyphosate-resistant crops has led to the widespread application of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), making them one of the most widely used herbicide formulations on the market. To enhance the efficacy of the active ingredient, GBHs used in practice often contain other ingredients marked as inert “adjuvants” or “co-formulants”, the toxic properties of which are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to compare the cytotoxic effects of pure glyphosate, three GBHs (Roundup Mega, Fozat 480 and Glyfos) and two co-formulants commonly used in GBHs as assessed via CCK-8 assay, and the extent of their potential oxidative damage as assessed via superoxide dismutase (SOD) assay, in order to reveal the role of adjuvants in the toxicity of the formulations. Our results showed that glyphosate alone did not significantly affect cell viability. In contrast, GBHs and adjuvants induced a pronounced cytotoxic effect from a concentration of 100 μM. SOD activity of cells treated with GBHs or adjuvants was significantly lower compared to cells treated with glyphosate alone. This suggests that the adjuvants in GBHs are responsible for the cytotoxic effects of the formulations through the induction of oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hazardous Effects of Pesticides on Human Health)
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10 pages, 2153 KiB  
Article
Application of an Antioxidant Response Element–Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2 Luciferase Assay for Assessing the Skin Sensitization Potential of Agrochemicals
by Ji-Yeon Yang, Soo-Jin Park, Ji-Young Shin, Jeong-Hyun Lim, Si Young Yang, Geun-Hwan Gil and So-Hye Hong
Toxics 2023, 11(12), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11120973 - 30 Nov 2023
Viewed by 742
Abstract
The skin sensitization potential of agrochemicals can be assessed using laboratory methods such as the keratinocyte activation assay so that their use in regulatory toxicology might replace experimental animal testing. Here, we evaluated the skin sensitization potential of 11 agrochemicals by using an [...] Read more.
The skin sensitization potential of agrochemicals can be assessed using laboratory methods such as the keratinocyte activation assay so that their use in regulatory toxicology might replace experimental animal testing. Here, we evaluated the skin sensitization potential of 11 agrochemicals by using an antioxidant response element–nuclear factor erythroid 2 luciferase assay in KeratinoSens and LuSens cells and applying a skin sensitization adverse outcome pathway (AOP). The KeratinoSens and LuSens assays consistently evaluated the skin sensitization potential of 10/11 agrochemicals with reference to animal testing databases. Benomyl, pretilachlor, fluazinam, terbufos, butachlor, and carbosulfan were correctly detected as sensitizers, and glufosinate ammonium, oxiadiazon, tebuconazole, and etofenprox were correctly detected as non-sensitizers. For diazinon, the skin sensitizing potential was positive in the KeratinoSens assay but not in the LuSens assay. These results suggest that the evaluation of in vitro skin sensitization using the AOP mechanism can be applied to assess active agrochemicals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hazardous Effects of Pesticides on Human Health)
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13 pages, 1595 KiB  
Article
Ipconazole Induces Oxidative Stress, Cell Death, and Proinflammation in SH-SY5Y Cells
by Carlos Villaorduña, Mariano Mendoza-Carlos, Manuel Chuyma, Jhon Avilés, Ayda Avalos-Diaz, Ronald Lozano-Reategui, Juan Garcia-Ruiz, Nadia Panduro-Tenazoa, Jessy Vargas, Ysabel Moran-Quintanilla and José-Luis Rodríguez
Toxics 2023, 11(7), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11070566 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1488
Abstract
Ipconazole is an antifungal agrochemical widely used in agriculture against seed diseases of rice, vegetables, and other crops; due to its easy accumulation in the environment, it poses a hazard to human, animal, and environmental health. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of [...] Read more.
Ipconazole is an antifungal agrochemical widely used in agriculture against seed diseases of rice, vegetables, and other crops; due to its easy accumulation in the environment, it poses a hazard to human, animal, and environmental health. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of ipconazole on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells using cell viability tests (MTT), ROS production, caspase3/7 activity, and molecular assays of the biomarkers of cell death (Bax, Casp3, APAF1, BNIP3, and Bcl2); inflammasome (NLRP3, Casp1, and IL1β); inflammation (NFκB, TNFα, and IL6); and antioxidants (NRF2, SOD, and GPx). SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to ipconazole (1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 µM) for 24 h. The ipconazole, in a dose-dependent manner, reduced cell viability and produced an IC50 of 32.3 µM; it also produced an increase in ROS production and caspase3/7 enzyme activity in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, ipconazole at 50 µM induced an overexpression of Bax, Casp3, APAF1, and BNIP3 (cell death genes); NLRP3, Casp1, and IL1B (inflammasome complex genes); and NFκB, TNFα, and IL6 (inflammation genes); it also reduced the expression of NRF2, SOD, and GPx (antioxidant genes). Our results show that ipconazole produces cytotoxic effects by reducing cell viability, generating oxidative stress, and inducing cell death in SH-SY5Y cells, so ipconazole exposure should be considered as a factor in the presentation of neurotoxicity or neurodegeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hazardous Effects of Pesticides on Human Health)
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15 pages, 3955 KiB  
Article
Effects of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Petal Tea Extract on Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Induced by Mancozeb in Rat Model
by Pimchanok Nuchniyom, Ketsarin Intui, Jiraporn Laoung-on, Churdsak Jaikang, Ranida Quiggins, Kornravee Photichai and Paiwan Sudwan
Toxics 2023, 11(6), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11060480 - 25 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1555
Abstract
Mancozeb (Mz) is one of the most widely used pesticides that has been reported to cause adverse human health risks. White Nelumbo nucifera (N. nucifera) petals have therapeutic properties to prevent toxicity. Hence, this study attempted to determine the effects of [...] Read more.
Mancozeb (Mz) is one of the most widely used pesticides that has been reported to cause adverse human health risks. White Nelumbo nucifera (N. nucifera) petals have therapeutic properties to prevent toxicity. Hence, this study attempted to determine the effects of N. nucifera extract on hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in mancozeb-treated rats. Seventy-two male rats were divided into nine groups and designed with a control; N. nucifera extract was administered at the doses of 0.55, 1.1, and 2.2 mg/kg bw/day, Mz was administered at 500 mg/kg bw/day, and the co-treatment groups (N. nucifera and Mz) were administered 0.55, 1.1, and 2.2 mg/kg bw/day of N. nucifera followed by administering Mz 500 mg/kg bw/day daily for 30 days. The results showed that all doses of N. nucifera extract did not induce hepatic toxicity and could suppress the toxicity of mancozeb by increasing body weight gain and decreasing relative liver weight, lobular inflammation, and total injury score. The combination treatment also decreased the molecular markers of oxidative stress (2-hydroxybutyric acid, 4-hydroxynonenal, l-tyrosine, pentosidine, and N6-carboxymethyllysine). Furthermore, the reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione contents were adjusted close to the normal level. Therefore, N. nucifera extract is a natural antioxidant supplement that could decrease the toxicity of mancozeb and can be safely consumed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hazardous Effects of Pesticides on Human Health)
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10 pages, 263 KiB  
Article
Human Poisoning with Methomyl and Cypermethrin Pesticide Mixture
by Chi-Ang Liang, Shu-Sen Chang, Hsien-Yi Chen, Kai-Fan Tsai, Wen-Chin Lee, I-Kuan Wang, Chao-Yu Chen, Shou-Hsuan Liu, Cheng-Hao Weng, Wen-Hung Huang, Ching-Wei Hsu and Tzung-Hai Yen
Toxics 2023, 11(4), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040372 - 14 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2295
Abstract
There is limited literature analyzing the outcome of human poisoning with methomyl and cypermethrin pesticide mixture. Between 2002 and 2018, a total of 63 patients intoxicated with methomyl, cypermethrin, or their pesticide mixture were treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The patients were [...] Read more.
There is limited literature analyzing the outcome of human poisoning with methomyl and cypermethrin pesticide mixture. Between 2002 and 2018, a total of 63 patients intoxicated with methomyl, cypermethrin, or their pesticide mixture were treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The patients were categorized into three groups based on the type of pesticide, as methomyl (n = 10), cypermethrin (n = 31), or methomyl and cypermethrin (n = 22). Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and mortality data were obtained for analysis. The patients were aged 54.9 ± 18.9 years. Following ingestion, the patients experienced a wide range of clinical symptoms, including aspiration pneumonia (50.8%), acute respiratory failure (41.3%), acute kidney injury (33.3%), multiple organ failure (19.0%), emesis (19.0%), acute hepatitis (12.7%), diarrhea (7.9%), seizures (4.8%), lacrimation (4.8%), etc. After analysis, it was found that patients with methomyl and cypermethrin poisoning suffered higher incidences of acute respiratory failure (p < 0.001), aspiration pneumonia (p = 0.004), acute kidney injury (p = 0.011), and multiple organ failure (p < 0.001) than the other groups. Laboratory analyses revealed that patients with methomyl and cypermethrin poisoning had a higher creatinine level (p = 0.011), white blood cell count (p < 0.001), and neutrophil count (p = 0.019) than the other groups. A total of seven (11.1%) patients died. The average duration of hospitalization was 9.8 ± 10.0 days. In a multivariate logistic regression model, it was revealed that methomyl pesticide (p = 0.045) or methomyl and cypermethrin pesticide mixture (p = 0.013) were significant risk factors for acute respiratory failure. Nevertheless, no mortality risk factor could be identified. Therefore, the analytical results suggest that methomyl pesticide is the major contributor to the toxicity of methomyl and cypermethrin pesticide mixture poisoning. More research is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hazardous Effects of Pesticides on Human Health)
19 pages, 3995 KiB  
Article
Detection of Changes in Monoamine Neurotransmitters by the Neonicotinoid Pesticide Imidacloprid Using Mass Spectrometry
by Anri Hirai, Ryo Yamazaki, Atsushi Kobayashi, Takashi Kimura, Kei Nomiyama, Shuichi Shimma, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Mayumi Ishizuka and Yoshinori Ikenaka
Toxics 2022, 10(11), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10110696 - 17 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1971
Abstract
Monoamine neurotransmitters (MAs), including dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT), regulate brain functions such as behavior, memory, and learning. Neonicotinoids are pesticides that are being used more frequently. Neonicotinoid exposure has been observed to produce neurological symptoms, such as altered spontaneous movements and anxiety-like [...] Read more.
Monoamine neurotransmitters (MAs), including dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT), regulate brain functions such as behavior, memory, and learning. Neonicotinoids are pesticides that are being used more frequently. Neonicotinoid exposure has been observed to produce neurological symptoms, such as altered spontaneous movements and anxiety-like behaviors, which are suspected to be caused by altered MA levels. However, current neurotoxicity tests are not sufficiently sensitive enough to make these determinations. In this study, we performed some behavior tests, and derivatization reagents to improve the ionization efficiency, which was applied to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to reveal the effect of neonicotinoid administration on MAs in the brain. We orally administered the neonicotinoid imidacloprid (0, 10, and 50 mg/kg body weight) to C57BL/6NCrSlc mice. In the behavior tests, a decrease in activity was observed. The LC-MS/MS quantification of MAs in various brain regions showed a decrease in some MA levels in the olfactory bulb and the striatum. These results showed, for the first time, that even a low dose of imidacloprid could alter MA levels in various parts of the brain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hazardous Effects of Pesticides on Human Health)
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