In vivo Genotoxicity of the Pyrethroid Pesticide β-Cyfluthrin Using the Comet Assay in the Fish Bryconamericus iheringii

Abstract

Environmental pollution by pesticide residues is a major environmental concern due to the extensive use of these substances in agriculture. The insecticide β-cyfl uthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid widely used in agricultural and other domestic activities. The aim of the present study was to assess the genotoxic effects of a sublethal exposure of the fi sh Bryconamericus iheringii (Characidae) to a commercial formulation of β-cyfl uthrin using the comet assay. Fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations (4.2 and 5.6 µg/L) of β-cyfl uthrin under static conditions during 24-and 48-h exposure periods. Fish in tap water were used as negative controls. Results obtained by the comet assay revealed genotoxic effects of the pyrethroid in the higher concentration and at the longer exposure period. The mean DNA damage index of fi sh exposed to 5.6 µg/L β-cyfl uthrin for 48 h was signifi cantly higher (145.9  51.8) than in the control group (69.3  39.5). These fi ndings indicate that native fi sh species might be at risk for genotoxic damage in waters contaminated with β-cyfl uthrin.

Pyrethroid Pesticides as Endocrine Disruptors: Molecular Mechanisms in Vertebrates with a Focus on Fishes

“…Furthermore, exposure to multiple stressors decreases the ability to physiologically cope with these highly toxic, endocrine active compounds . While some of the studies discussed above use concentrations higher than those commonly measured in the environment, many are consistent with pyrethroid concentrations detected in aquatic habitats, known to range from ng/g in sediments to ng−μg/L in the water column. ,,,, Notably, concentrations in suspended sediments have been measured in the mg/L range following storms . It is also important to consider that these concentrations may not be representative of those that are actually bioavailable, since pyrethroids have been demonstrated to bioconcentrate in animal tissues possessing ng−μg/g levels. , Furthermore, much work remains to better determine safe levels in the context of multiple stressors, pyrethroid mixtures, metabolites, and the potential for bioconcentration/bioaccumulation, and to develop analytical approaches sufficient to consistently detect pyrethroid presence in water, sediment, and tissues at ng/L and ng/g levels and below, particularly given that pyrethroid usage is on the rise globally .…”

“…However, cyfluthrin does retard amphibian larval growth, resulting in smaller larvae undergoing metamorphosis . Additionally, Marinowic et al reported that beta-cyfluthrin causes DNA damage (strand breakage measured via Comet assay) in fish found in stagnant waters ( Bryconamericus iheringii ) at exposure levels of 5.6 μg/L, which are reportedly environmentally relevant in Brazil.…”

Environmental exposure to non-persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals and semen quality: An overview of the current epidemiological evidence

“…and in vivo studies have shown that pyrethroids may induce genotoxicity and oxidative stress by promoting the formation of reactive oxygen species [59][60][61]. Animal studies have reported that prenatal exposure to pyrethroids may impair development of the testes and epididymides, decrease the number of epididymal spermatozoa in adult male offspring, disrupt spermatogenesis, and decrease testosterone synthesis by downregulating the expression of testicular StAR [62,63].…”

Evaluation of the use of Ancistrus brevipinnis (Loricariidae) as a bioindicator of water quality in the Ilha river, RS, Brazil

“…Considering that B. iheringii is omnivorous, the literature shows that this species has a great potential for metal bioaccumulation, often in greater amounts compared to carnivorous fishes, for example (Yousafzai, Chivers, Khan, Ahmad, & Siraj, 2010). Additionally, several biomarkers have been evaluated in this species, such as histological (Dalzochio et al, 2019) and genotoxic (Marinowic, Mergener, Pollo, Maluf, & Silva, 2014;Caetano, Oliveira, & Zawadadzki, 2016;Dalzochio et al, 2019).…”