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Published on: October 9, 2017
Effect of Fipronil Exposure on Hematological Aspects of Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta): Risk and Toxicity Assessment
Nazeer Hussain Khan1,2, Enshe Jiang2, Irfan Zia Qureshi1
1Human and Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
Background:
Fipronil (FPN) is a broad-spectrum phenylpyrazole insecticide, widely used in agriculture and veterinary medicine. Published research on FPN toxicity has established the fact that its inhalation or dermal exposure may lead to very serious clinical outcomes in non-target animals. In line to its exposure and toxicity related damage, FPN has been investigated in many invertebrates, however, its exposure-related noxiousness is less reported in higher animals.
Objective:
To assess the FPN-induced effects to agro-workers in the field, in the present study, we used physiological human surrogates, adult rhesus monkeys as models.
Method:
We exposed well habituated, chair restraint adult rhesus monkeys with a field spray concentration of FPN (0.3 mg/1 mL distilled water) through an inhalation route in the closed system. Animals were divided into control and treatment groups, each containing three animals. Inflammatory and hematological effects were determined by evaluating the kidney and liver biomarker enzymes; serum creatinine and alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) levels respectively.
Results:
Our findings reveal that FPN treated monkeys show significantly increased levels of ALT (p = 0.000461), AST (p = 0.0681) and creatinine (p = 0.00656) as compared to the control group. Furthermore, significant differences of red blood cells (RBCs) (p = 0.0139) and white blood cells (WBCs) (p = 0.00642) were also observed in the treated and control group monkeys which reflect strong toxic effects on the blood cells.
Conclusion:
Our findings demonstrate that FPN exposure is very toxic to higher animals and causes severe damage to the liver and kidneys along with other clinical problems. The study highlights the effect and impact of passive inhalation of insecticides in intentionally carefree agro-workers and raises the concern of public awareness toward pesticides use.
Insights
Fipronil (FPN) insecticide inhalation is toxic to higher animals, causing liver and kidney damage. This study in rhesus monkeys highlights risks to agricultural workers and urges public awareness regarding pesticide exposure.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Fipronil (FPN) is a widely used insecticide with known toxicity in non-target animals via inhalation or dermal exposure.
- While FPN's effects on invertebrates are documented, its toxicity in higher animals, particularly from inhalation, is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the toxic effects of Fipronil (FPN) inhalation in adult rhesus monkeys, serving as physiological surrogates for agro-workers.
- To investigate FPN-induced damage to vital organs and hematological parameters in a mammalian model.
Main Methods:
- Adult rhesus monkeys were exposed to a field spray concentration of FPN (0.3 mg/1 mL distilled water) via inhalation in a closed system.
- Animals were divided into control and treatment groups (n=3 each).
- Kidney and liver function were assessed by measuring serum creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels. Hematological parameters including red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) were also analyzed.
Main Results:
- FPN-exposed monkeys exhibited significantly elevated levels of ALT, AST, and creatinine, indicating liver and kidney damage.
- Significant alterations in RBC and WBC counts were observed in the FPN-treated group compared to controls, suggesting hematotoxicity.
- The results demonstrate a clear toxicological impact of FPN inhalation on key physiological markers.
Conclusions:
- Fipronil (FPN) inhalation poses significant toxicity risks to higher animals, causing severe liver and kidney damage.
- The study underscores the potential health hazards for agricultural workers due to passive insecticide inhalation.
- Increased public awareness regarding pesticide use and safety precautions is crucial.
