Evaluation of Toxic Effects Induced by Sub-Acute Exposure to Low Doses of α-Cypermethrin in Adult Male Rats

Nephrotoxic effect of cypermethrin ameliorated by nanocurcumin through antioxidative mechanism

Cypermethrin is a pyrethroid showing nephrotoxicity by generating ROS-impaired oxidative stress and changes in inflammatory and apoptotic markers. The harmful consequences are intended to be mitigated by the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant possessions of nanocurcumin (NC) with improved bioavailability ameliorate Cyp toxicity in rat kidneys. In our study, Group I was the control while Group II was treated alone with NC (5 mg). Group III was given 50 mg/kg of Cyp for two weeks. Groups IV, V, and VI received Cyp as in group III and co-treatment with varying NC doses after 5 days of Cyp dosing, respectively. All treatments were given orally for two weeks. After the termination of the study, LPO, 4-HNE, GSH, antioxidant catalase, and SOD were evaluated as markers of inflammation and apoptosis along with ELISA, qRT-PCR, and histopathology were used to assess morphological changes. Our work has shown that Cyp causes nephrotoxicity by altering all parameters. The Cyp-treated group was shown to have higher expression of the oxidative stress marker LPO and inflammatory interleukins as well as Bax, NF-kB, caspase-3, and caspase-9. Although LPO, inflammation, and apoptosis are reduced, antioxidant status is improved by NC.

Anise and Fennel Essential Oils and Their Combination as Natural and Safe Housefly Repellents

Essential oils (EOs) are effective repellents and eco-friendly alternatives. We tested single and combination EOs of fennel and anise for repellency and stability against houseflies. All treatments were stored at 27 °C for up to 360 days. Efficacies were compared against α-cypermethrin as a reference. Safety bioassay used on two representative non-target species (guppies and earthworms) confirmed safety. The strongest repellency and stability, 100% repellency and RC50 of 0.4 mL/m3 on day 1, was achieved by a fennel + anise EO combination (1:1). After 360 days, these combinations remained effective (95% repellency), and RC50 = 0.8 mL/m3. The EO combinations were more effective than all single EOs and α-cypermethrin at all times, showing strong synergy with a synergistic repellent index of 2.4 to 3.3. This fennel + anise EO combination was more than 24 times more effective as a repellent than α-cypermethrin. Morphological damage included damaged antennae with twisted flagella and abnormal aristae. All single and combination EOs were not toxic to the non-targets and could be considered safe, whereas α-cypermethrin was highly toxic to them. Thus, the fennel + anise EO combination has great potential to be developed as a safe, natural repellent for managing housefly populations.

The sublethal impacts of five insecticidal formulations on Oryzaephilus surinamensis behavioral traits

BACKGROUND

Mortality caused by various pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids has been studied for stored-product insects in the past, yet limited information exists on the sublethal effects they can induce to Oryzaephilus surinamensis. In the current study, the sublethal effects of deltamethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, α-cypermethrin, etofenprox, and the mixture of acetamiprid with d-tetramethrin and piperonyl butoxide on the mobility of O. surinamensis in the presence or the absence of a food source was investigated.

RESULTS

Lethal concentrations (LCs) were lower for deltamethrin, α-cypermethrin, and λ-cyhalothrin (LC10 = 0.000233, 0.000211, and 0.000271 mg active ingredient (a.i.) cm-2, LC30 = 0.000413, 0.000398, and 0.000447 mg a.i. cm-2, respectively), followed by etofenprox, and the mixture of acetamiprid with d-tetramethrin and piperonyl butoxide (LC10 = 0.00228 and 0.003267 mg a.i. cm-2, LC30 = 0.00437 and 0.01188 mg a.i. cm-2, respectively). Deltamethrin and λ-cyhalothrin negatively impacted adult walking behavior, increasing stop durations compared to controls. Adults exposed to LC10 and LC30 of λ-cyhalothrin, and LC30 of deltamethrin exhibited prolonged periods on their backs compared to the remaining treatments and the controls. The α-cypermethrin LC30-exposed adults exhibited significantly shorter walking and stopping durations than controls but demonstrated prolonged climbing on the arena walls compared to adults exposed to the remaining a.i. and the control. A similar trend was observed for etofenprox.

CONCLUSIONS

Under sublethal concentrations, λ-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin increased stop intervals and reduced the duration of climbing attempts of O. surinamensis versus α-cypermethrin. These findings advance comprehension of the underexplored sublethal impacts of the tested a.i. on O. surinamensis adults, holding potential for leveraging insecticide-induced behavioral effects to enhance warehouse pest management. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

A comprehensive analysis of royal jelly protection against cypermethrin-induced toxicity in the model organism Allium cepa L., employing spectral shift and molecular docking approaches

In this study, the toxicity of the pesticide cypermethrin and the protective properties of royal jelly against this toxicity were investigated using Allium cepa L., a model organism. Toxicity was evaluated using 6 mg/L cypermethrin, while royal jelly (250 mg/L and 500 mg/L) was used in combination with cypermethrin to test the protective effect. To comprehend toxicity and protective impact, growth, genotoxicity, biochemical, comet assay and anatomical parameters were employed. Royal jelly had no harmful effects when applied alone. On the other hand, following exposure to cypermethrin, there was a reduction in weight increase, root elongation, rooting percentage, mitotic index (MI), and chlorophyll a and b. Cypermethrin elevated the frequencies of micronucleus (MN) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs), levels of proline and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activity rates of the enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). A spectral change in the DNA spectrum indicated that the interaction of cypermethrin with DNA was one of the reasons for its genotoxicity, and molecular docking investigations suggested that tubulins, histones, and topoisomerases might also interact with this pesticide. Cypermethrin also triggered some critical meristematic cell damage in the root tissue. At the same time, DNA tail results obtained from the comet assay revealed that cypermethrin caused DNA fragmentation. When royal jelly was applied together with cypermethrin, all negatively affected parameters due to the toxicity of cypermethrin were substantially restored. However, even at the maximum studied dose of 500 mg/L of royal jelly, this restoration did not reach the levels of the control group. Thus, the toxicity of cypermethrin and the protective function of royal jelly against this toxicity in A. cepa, the model organism studied, were determined by using many different approaches. Royal jelly is a reliable, well-known and easily accessible protective functional food candidate against the harmful effects of hazardous substances such as pesticides.

Exploring Release, Isomerization, and Absorption of Cypermethrin in Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) with Different Processing Methods during In Vivo Digestion: Insights from a Gastrointestinal Tract Quantitative Tracing Method

Cypermethrin (CP) is a neurotoxic insecticide found accumulated in oysters, one of the most commonly consumed seafoods, posing potential health risks to the human body. We designed a gastrointestinal tracing method allowing for accurate quantification of the propulsion of chyme and further established the mouse in vivo digestion model to explore the behavior of CP in the digestion of raw, steamed, and roasted oysters. The results showed that bioaccumulation of CP in oysters may be accompanied by the biotransformation of CP. Thermal processing decreased both the CP content in oysters and its bioaccessibility. The small intestine is the main site for CP digestion and absorption. The cis-isomers of CP might finally accumulate in the body at a higher ratio and further become the predominant configuration for toxic effects. Taken together, the study contributes to the risk assessment of the dietary exposure of CP from aquatic products.

Hydrogen inhalation: in vivo rat genotoxicity tests

Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that molecular hydrogen (H2) has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Safety data are available in the literature and acute toxicity has been tested in isolated cells and laboratory animals. We have evaluates the genotoxicity of H2 in vivo in rats after 72 h exposure, following the International Council for Harmonization guidelines ICH S2 (R1). The study was conducted on three groups of male Wistar rats: a negative control group, a positive control group receiving methyl methanesulfonate, and a H2-treated group receiving a 3.1% H2 gas mixture for 72 h. Alkaline comet, formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (Fpg)-modified comet and bone marrow micronucleus assays were performed. H2 exposure increased neither comet-tail DNA intensity (DNA damage) nor frequency of "hedgehogs" in blood, liver, lungs, or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. No increase in Fpg-sensitive sites in lungs, no induction of micronucleus formation, and no imbalance of immature erythrocyte to total erythrocyte ratio (IME%) was observed in rats exposed to H2. The ICH S2 (R1) test-battery revealed no in vivo genotoxicity in Wistar rats after 72 h inhalation of a mixture containing 3.1% H2.

Effect of α-cypermethrin and pirimiphos-methyl on wing morphology of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and T. confusum Jacquelin du Val: a comparative study

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) are widespread and serious pests of stored products. Various insecticides are applied aiming to effectively manage both species. Here, two insecticides are tested, the pyrethroid α-cypermethrin and the organophosphate pirimiphos-methyl, hypothesizing that they can lead to morphological changes in the certain body parts of the adult offspring of treated T. castaneum and T. confusum parental female adults. For this purpose, the geometric morphometric method to the elytra and hindwings was applied. Both males and females were included in the analysis. The results showed that adult individuals of T. confusum showed higher tolerance to both insecticides compared to T. castaneum adults. This finding is reflected in analyses of both pairs of wings in T. confusum where changes in shape were negligible. The hindwings of T. castaneum experienced deformations to both insecticides. More significant changes in wing shape were observed in the α-cypermethrin treatment compared to pirimiphos-methyl. In the case of T. castaneum, even the shortest exposure to insecticides (5 min) is enough to provoke shape changes in the hindwings. Deformities in offspring, caused after treatment of their parents with insecticides, could moderate the frequency of insecticidal applications in storages.

Pyrethroids toxicity in vertebrates and invertebrates and amelioration by bioactive compounds: A review

Generations of different synthetic pesticides have been launched over time to maintain balance between production and consumption of the agricultural yield, control various disease programmes, store grains, etc. Pyrethroids, which are supposed to be non-toxic, have been excessively implemented and have contaminated soil and water bodies. Thus, pyrethroids cause severe and dreadful pernicious effects on various life forms residing in soil, air, and water. Various obnoxious effects of pyrethroids have been analyzed in the vertebrate and invertebrate systems of the animal kingdom. Pyrethroids, namely, Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin, Beta-cyfluthrin, Esfenvalerate, Fenvalerate, and Bifenthrin, have set out various types of degenerative and toxic impacts that include oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity involving thymic and splenic toxicity, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, foetal toxicity, alterations in serum calcium and phosphate levels, cerebral and bone marrow degeneration, degeneration of the reproductive system, histological alteration, and DNA damage. Bioactive compounds like Diosmin, Curcumin, Rutin, Spirulina platensis, sesame oil, Naringin, Allicin, Piperine, alpha-lipoic acid, alpha-tocopherol, Cyperus rotundus L. tuber extract, herbal syrup from chicory and artichoke leaves, green tea extract, Quercetin, Trans-ferulic acid, Ascorbic acid, Propolis, ethanolic extract of grape pomace, and Melatonin have been reported to sublime the toxic effects of these pesticides. The expanding harmfulness of pesticides is a real and demanding issue that needs to be overcome, and bioactive compounds have been shown to reduce the toxicity in vivo as well as in vitro.

Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Nanopiperine against Cypermethrin via Mitigation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammations and Gene Expression Using qRT-PCR

Cypermethrin (Cyp) is a pyrethroid that has been associated with the toxicity of various organs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of nano-piperine (NP) against Cyp toxicity. Cyp (50 mg/kg) was administered orally in all animals of groups III-VI for 15 days. Groups IV-VI each received three doses of NP (125, 250, and 500 µg/kg/day) for 10 days after receiving the Cyp dosage, which was given after 1 h. A rise in serum biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, and albumin), which are indicators of toxicity alongside anomalous oxidative stress indices (lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase), was detected. After Cyp treatment, we observed upregulated cytokines, caspase expression, and histological analysis that the showed distortion of cell shape. However, the administration of NP dramatically reversed all of the Cyp-induced alterations, inducing reductions in serum marker levels, stress level, the production of cytokines, and caspase expression. Additionally, all of the histopathological alterations were minimized to values that were comparable to normal levels. The present findings suggested that NP exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that can protect rats' livers against Cyp-induced liver damage through hepatoprotective activities.

Effects of concomitant use of THC and irinotecan on tumour growth and biochemical markers in a syngeneic mouse model of colon cancer

Clinical treatment with the antineoplastic drug irinotecan (IRI) is often hindered by side effects that significantly reduce the quality of life of treated patients. Due to the growing public support for products with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), even though relevant scientific literature does not provide clear evidence of their high antitumour potential, some cancer patients take unregistered preparations containing up to 80 % THC. This study was conducted on a syngeneic colorectal cancer mouse model to test the efficiency and safety of concomitant treatment with IRI and THC. Male BALB/c mice subcutaneously injected with CT26 cells were receiving 60 mg/kg of IRI intraperitoneally on day 1 and 5 of treatment and/or 7 mg/kg of THC by gavage a day for 7 days. Treatment responses were evaluated based on changes in body, brain, and liver weight, tumour growth, blood cholinesterase activity, and oxidative stress parameters. Irinotecan's systemic toxicity was evidenced by weight loss and high oxidative stress. The important finding of this study is that combining THC with IRI diminishes IRI efficiency in inhibiting tumour growth. However, further studies, focused on more subtle molecular methods in tumour tissue and analytical analysis of IRI and THC distribution in tumour-bearing mice, are needed to prove our observations.

Widespread use of toxic agrochemicals and pesticides for agricultural products storage in Africa and developing countries: Possible panacea for ecotoxicology and health implications

Chemicals used for storage majorly possess insecticidal activities - deterring destructive insect pests and microorganisms from stored agricultural produce. Despite the controversy about their safety, local farmers and agro-wholesalers still predominantly use these chemicals in developing countries, especially Africa, to ensure an all-year supply of agriproducts. These chemicals could have short- or long-term effects. Despite the state-of-the-art knowledge, factors such as poor education and awareness, limited agricultural subventions, quests for cheap chemicals, over-dosage, and many more are the possible reasons for these toxic chemicals' setback and persistent use in developing countries. This paper provides an up-to-date review of the environmental and ecological effects, as well as the health impacts arising from the indiscriminate use of toxic chemicals in agriproducts. Existing data link pesticides to endocrine disruption, genetic mutations, neurological dysfunction, and other metabolic disorders, apart from the myriad of acute effects. Finally, this study recommended several naturally sourced preservatives as viable alternatives to chemical counterparts and emphasized the invaluable role of education and awareness programs in mitigating the use in developing nations for a sustainable society.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Curcumin Nano-Lipid Carrier against Cypermethrin Toxicity by Countering the Oxidative, Inflammatory, and Apoptotic Changes in Wistar Rats

This study investigated the potential hepatoprotective activity of curcumin-incorporated nano-lipid carrier (Cur-NLC) against cypermethrin (Cyp) toxicity in adult Wistar male rats. All animals in groups III, IV, V, and VI were subjected to Cyp (50 mg/kg) toxicity for 15 days. Three different doses of Cur-NLC (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg/day) were administered orally for 10 days. The toxic effects were evaluated considering the increases in serum hepatic biomarkers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein and albumin, and lipid peroxidation (LPO), as well as a decrease in antioxidative activity (reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase) and the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Immunohistochemistry studies of proteins (NF-κB, Apaf-1, 4-HNE, and Bax) showed enhanced expression, and histopathological examination revealed architectural changes in liver cells, indicating liver toxicity in animals. Toxicity was determined by quantitative and qualitative determinations of DNA fragmentation, which show massive apoptosis with Cyp treatment. The administration of Cur-NLC significantly ameliorates all changes caused by Cyp, such as a decrease in the levels of serum liver markers, an increase in antioxidative parameters, a decrease in expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB), and apoptosis (caspases-3, 9, Apaf-1, 4-HNE, and Bax), according to calorimetric and immunohistochemistry studies. The smear-like pattern of DNA is ameliorated similarly to the control at a high dose of Cur-NLC. Furthermore, all histopathological changes were reduced to a level close to the control. In conclusion, Cur-NLC could be a potent nutraceutical that exhibits a hepatoprotective effect against Cyp-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.