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07:41
A Neurite Outgrowth Assay and Neurotoxicity Assessment with Human Neural Progenitor Cell-Derived Neurons
Published on: August 6, 2020
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Agrochemicals and neurogenesis.
M Florencia Rossetti1, Cora Stoker1, Jorge G Ramos1
1Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, UNL, Argentina.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|April 22, 2020
Summary
Commonly used pesticides disrupt mammal brain development, impacting cognitive functions and potentially leading to diseases like Alzheimer's. Research highlights risks from herbicides and insecticides on hippocampal neurogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Agrochemicals, including herbicides and insecticides, are widely used globally for pest control.
- Many agrochemicals exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties, acting as environmental estrogens, anti-estrogens, or antiandrogenic agents.
- Emerging evidence links pesticide exposure to adverse effects on hippocampal neurogenesis, a process crucial for learning and memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the most prevalent agrochemicals used in Argentina.
- To analyze their impact on mammalian hippocampal neurogenesis.
- To explore potential endocrine disruption mechanisms underlying these neurotoxic effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on agrochemicals in Argentina.
- Analysis of studies investigating pesticide effects on hippocampal neurogenesis in mammals.
- Discussion of hormonal pathways implicated in agrochemical neurotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Common herbicides (glyphosate, paraquat) and insecticides (pyrethroids, organophosphates, neonicotinoids, rotenone) significantly affect hippocampal neurogenesis.
- Neurogenesis dysregulation is linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.
- Agrochemicals may disrupt hormone synthesis and action, contributing to altered brain function.
Conclusions:
- Agrochemicals pose a significant risk to mammalian hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive health.
- Endocrine disruption is a plausible mechanism mediating the neurotoxic effects of these compounds.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the endocrine pathways involved and their implications for human health and biodiversity.
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