Study of the probable genotoxic effects of Zolone (Phosalone) exposure in mice bone marrow derived cells

Approximately, 2 million tonnes of pesticides are utilized annually worldwide. Phosalone (Pln), an organophosphorus pesticide, acts as an insecticide and acaricide to control pests of crops such as nuts, citrus fruits, pomegranates, stone fruits, grapes, potatoes, and artichokes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible genotoxic effects following exposure to Pln in the cells derived from mouse red bone marrow.

Sixty mice were divided into 6 groups including cyclophosphamide (40 mg/kg, IP) and Pln (6, 12, 20, and 40 mg/kg) exposure by gavage. After 1 and 5 days of exposure, animals were euthanized and the genotoxicity assays were done on bone marrow extracted cells.

Comet assay shows a time and dose-dependent toxicity which further DNA degradation is observed after 5-day exposure (p < 0.05). Also, Pln significantly increased the MnPCE/PCE ratio after 12 and 20 mg/kg administration while no significant difference was reported between the doses of 6 and 40 mg/kg BW with the negative control group.

Our results suggested a serious concern about its potential effects on biological life and related disease inductions. However further studies need to confirm the exact mechanism of Pln genotoxicity and the cause of diverse response of its activity at 40 mg/kg. This study also showed that increasing the dose of Pln reduces the MnNCE/Total cells ratio, which may indicate the possibility of bone marrow suppression. All of the above results emphasize the need to seriously limit the use of this compound as an agricultural pesticide.