Cis-bifenthrin causes immunotoxicity in murine macrophages

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) are widely used insecticides.
• Bifenthrin (BF), an SP, exhibits potential neurotoxic, reproductive, hepatotoxic, and nephrotoxic effects.
• Limited data exists on BF's immunotoxicity and mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunotoxicity of cis-bifenthrin (cis-BF) on RAW 264.7 macrophages.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of cis-BF-induced immunotoxicity.

Main Methods:

• Exposure of RAW 264.7 cells to varying concentrations of cis-BF.
• MTT assay to assess cell viability and apoptosis.
• Analysis of apoptosis-related gene expression (p53, caspase-3, Bcl-2).
• Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
• Assessment of cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-β) and oxidative stress gene expression.

Main Results:

• Cis-BF induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner.
• Apoptosis involved upregulation of p53 and caspase-3, and downregulation of Bcl-2.
• Cis-BF caused oxidative stress, increasing ROS levels and dysregulating oxidative stress genes.
• BF inhibited LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and virus-induced IFN-β mRNA expression.

Conclusions:

• Cis-BF exhibits immunotoxicity towards macrophages.
• Mechanisms include apoptosis induction, oxidative stress, and suppression of inflammatory and antiviral responses.
• Findings highlight the need to consider immune dysfunction in cis-BF risk assessments.