Alanycarb induces oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in mammary epithelial cells of cattle

Pesticides are essential for enhancing agricultural productivity and public health; however, their environmental residues can adversely affect non-target organisms, including humans. Alanycarb, a carbamate insecticide commonly used in households, has been detected in various food and environmental samples. However, its toxicological mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we explore the toxicity of alanycarb in bovine mammary gland epithelial (MAC-T) cells. Our results demonstrated that alanycarb treatment inhibited cell growth and proliferation, induced cell death, and altered the expression of apoptosis-involved genes. We also observed that alanycarb induced excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which triggered cell death and the activation of stress-responsive signaling pathways, suggesting that alanycarb exerts cytotoxicity via ROS production. Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction was evident, characterized by impaired mitochondrial respiration (including basal respiration, ATP production, and spare respiratory capacity) and calcium accumulation in the mitochondria. These disturbances led to a depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and the increase of CASP3. Mitochondrial impairment led to increased ROS generation and triggered the activation of stress-responsive signaling cascades, such as the MAPK, PI3K, and NF-κB pathways. Dysregulation of these pathways induces inflammation and apoptosis in MAC-T cells. Collectively, our study provides new insights into the cytotoxic mechanisms of alanycarb in mammalian cells and contributes to a better understanding of the toxicological effects of carbamate insecticides on human health.