Herbicide acetochlor interferes with proliferation activity of MCF-7 cells enhanced by estradiol

It is well documented that pesticides used in agricultural processes may have detrimental effects upon human health. Moreover, many of these compounds have been indicated as potential endocrine and reproductive disruptors. In the present study, the ability of herbicide acetochlor to affect a growth of estrogen-sensitive MCF-7 mammary epithelial carcinoma cells was studied using E-screen test. Acetochlor alone did not affect proliferation of MCF-7 cells. Significant inhibition of estradiol-induced (10-14-10-8 M) MCF-7 cell growth by the action of acetochlor (10-5 M) and interaction between these chemicals were observed. Estradiol-stimulated MCF-7 cell proliferation was decreased by 41% of positive control (17β-estradiol, 10-8 M, 100%) in the presence of acetochlor (10-5 M). Our results demonstrate that acetochlor might interfere with estradiol signaling conducted to altered proliferation activity of MCF-7 cells and might support endocrine disruptive effects of acetochlor.