Copper and Copper-Containing Pesticides: Metabolism, Toxicity and Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief review of the current knowledge regarding metabolism and toxicity of copper and copper-based pesticides in living organisms. Copper is an essential trace element in all living organisms (bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals), because it participates in different metabolic processes and maintain functions of organisms. The transport and metabolism of copper in living organisms is currently the subject of many studies. Copper is absorbed, transported, distributed, stored, and excreted in the body via the complex of homeostatic processes, which provide organisms with a needed constant level of this micronutrient and avoid excessive amounts. Many aspects of copper homeostasis were studied at the molecular level. Copper based-pesticides, in particularly fungicides, bacteriocides and herbicides, are widely used in agricultural practice throughout the world. Copper is an integral part of antioxidant enzymes, particularly copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD), and plays prominent roles in iron homeostasis. On the other hand, excess of copper in organism has deleterious effect, because it stimulates free radical production in the cell, induces lipid peroxidation, and disturbs the total antioxidant capacity of the body. The mechanisms of copper toxicity are discussed in this review also.

Pesticide toxicity: a mechanistic approach

“…For example, pesticide poisoning accompanied by acute liver intoxication has been associated with chronic pesticide exposure (Hodgson and Goldstein, 2001[ 74 ]). Kidney is a secondary organ involved in detoxification related to big extent by its high blood flow and its ability to concentrate and convert pesticides due to which it is a target for xenobiotic toxicity (Husak et al, 2014[ 79 ], 2017[ 80 ]; Husak, 2015[ 78 ]). Very little is known about xenobiotic detoxification in the central nervous system although several studies have demonstrated efficient relationships between development of neurotoxicity and exposure to organophosphorus compounds (Galloway and Handy, 2003[ 57 ]; Vani et al, 2011[ 181 ]).…”

“…Jegerschöld et al (1995[ 85 ]) demonstrated that copper ions blocked the electron donation from Tyrz to P680 (Figure 4 (Fig. 4) ; Reference in Figure 4: Husak, 2015[ 78 ]). Moreoever, the central magnesium atom of chlorophyll was found to be substituted by ions of mercury, copper, or cadmium, inhibiting in this manner operation of photosystem (Küpper et al, 1996[ 96 ]).…”

“…Several hematological parameters, such as hematocrit or hemoglobin, protein or glucose concentration, although mainly nonspecific, may also be sufficiently sensitive indicators of certain types of pollutants to be considered as potential biomarkers for pesticide toxicity (Husak et al, 2014[ 79 ]; Husak, 2015[ 78 ]; Maksymiv et al, 2015[ 114 ]; Nieves-Puigdoller et al, 2007[ 130 ]).…”

Soil fertility assessment and mapping spatial distribution of Agricultural Research Station, Bijayanagar, Jumla, Nepal

“…are the toxic effects of copper (Adrees et al, 2015). Being very high status of available copper in the soil, care should have to take during fungicide, pesticides, herbicides application in the field because these chemical already contains copper element (Husak, 2015). Available copper showed moderate variability (48.64%) among the soil samples.…”

The ameliorative impacts of curcumin on copper oxychloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

“…Copper is a micronutrient essential for life; copper follows a specific homeostatic regulation mechanism, which allows excess copper to be excreted mainly through the bile. Copper is absorbed, transported, distributed, stored, and excreted in the body according to complex homeostatic processes which ensure a constant and sufficient supply of the micronutrient while simultaneously avoiding excess levels (Husak 2015). Target organs of excess copper after oral administration are the liver and the kidneys.…”