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Early-Life Exposure to Commercial Formulation Containing Deltamethrin and Cypermethrin Insecticides Impacts Redox
Fatiha Mekircha1,2, Donatella Fedeli2, Cinzia Nasuti3
1Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment and Health, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University Mohammed Seddik Ben Yahia, Jijel 18000, Algeria.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2023
Summary
Early-life exposure to pesticides like deltamethrin and cypermethrin unexpectedly boosted brain antioxidant defenses (CAT, SOD, GSH) in rats. However, striatal α-synuclein expression was significantly reduced, suggesting an adaptive response to pesticide exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pesticide use, particularly pyrethroids, is linked to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.
- Oxidative damage from pesticides is a significant concern in rural environments.
- Pyrethroids can induce mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal cell loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of early-life exposure to a deltamethrin and cypermethrin mixture on brain antioxidant activity and α-synuclein levels in rats.
- To assess the impact of a specific pesticide formulation (1/100 LD50) on different brain regions.
Main Methods:
- Postnatal exposure of 30-day-old rats to a commercial deltamethrin (DM) and cypermethrin (CYP) formulation from day 6 to 21.
- Analysis of antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, superoxide dismutase) and glutathione levels in four brain regions (striatum, cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus).
- Measurement of α-synuclein expression, protein carbonyls, and lipid peroxidation.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) were observed in the brain regions of exposed rats.
- No significant changes in protein carbonyl levels or lipid peroxidation were detected.
- Striatal α-synuclein expression was significantly reduced, while other brain areas showed a non-significant increase.
Conclusions:
- Early-life exposure to the DM + CYP formulation induced an adaptive response in the brain's redox state.
- The observed reduction in striatal α-synuclein suggests complex neurochemical alterations rather than direct neurodegeneration.
- Findings highlight the need for further research into the long-term neurological consequences of developmental pesticide exposure.
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