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An Air-liquid Interface Bronchial Epithelial Model for Realistic, Repeated Inhalation Exposure to Airborne Particles for Toxicity Testing
Published on: May 13, 2020
Comparative study on the pulmonary toxicity induced by some marketed pesticides after repeated oral administration in
Eman I Hassanen1, Marwa A Ibrahim2, Shaimaa Kamel3
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Abstract:
Mancozeb (MC), carbendazim (CBZ), and hymexazol (HML) are widely used fungicides in agricultural and veterinary fields worldwide. Our goal is to compare the pulmonary toxicity induced by oral gavage of these pesticides in rats. Thirty-five rats were used and divided into 7 groups as follows: (1) control negative, (2, 3) 125 and 250 mg/kg. bwt MC, respectively, (4, 5) 125, 250 mg/kg. bwt CBZ, respectively, (6, 7) 75, 150 mg/kg. bwt HML, respectively. All treatments were given to rats daily via oral routes for 14 days. All of these fungicides dose-dependently increased MDA levels and decreased GSH content in lung tissue homogenates. The oral intake of these fungicides could upregulate the mRNA levels of IL1β, TNFα, and NF-κB genes and exhibit strong iNOS and Cox-2 protein expressions along with severe histopathological alterations within the pulmonary tissues. The highest pulmonary toxicity was recorded in the HML groups, followed by the MC and CBZ groups. The oral intake of these fungicides dose-dependently induced pulmonary toxicity via oxidative stress, which is associated with triggering the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Insights
This study compared pulmonary toxicity from Mancozeb, carbendazim, and hymexazol fungicides in rats. Hymexazol showed the highest toxicity, with all fungicides inducing lung damage via oxidative stress and NF-κB pathway activation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Occupational health
- Pesticide safety
Background:
- Mancozeb (MC), carbendazim (CBZ), and hymexazol (HML) are extensively used fungicides in agriculture and veterinary medicine.
- Understanding their comparative pulmonary toxicity is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pulmonary toxicity induced by oral gavage of MC, CBZ, and HML in a rat model.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of fungicide-induced lung injury.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five rats were divided into 7 groups, receiving daily oral doses of MC, CBZ, or HML for 14 days.
- Pulmonary toxicity was assessed by measuring MDA and GSH levels in lung homogenates.
- Gene expression (IL1β, TNFα, NF-κB) and protein expression (iNOS, Cox-2) were analyzed.
- Histopathological examination of lung tissues was performed.
Main Results:
- All fungicides dose-dependently increased MDA and decreased GSH levels in lung tissues, indicating oxidative stress.
- Fungicides upregulated IL1β, TNFα, and NF-κB mRNA levels and increased iNOS and Cox-2 protein expression.
- Severe histopathological alterations were observed in the lungs.
- Hymexazol exhibited the highest pulmonary toxicity, followed by Mancozeb and Carbendazim.
Conclusions:
- Oral intake of MC, CBZ, and HML induces pulmonary toxicity in rats through oxidative stress.
- The NF-κB signaling pathway is implicated in the inflammatory response to these fungicides.
- Hymexazol poses a higher risk of pulmonary toxicity compared to Mancozeb and Carbendazim.
