Multiple neonicotinoids in children’s cerebro-spinal fluid, plasma, and urine

Abstract

Background Neonicotinoids (NN) are selective neurotoxic pesticides that bind to insect but also mammal nicotinic acetycholine receptors (nAChRs). As the most widely used class of insecticides worldwide, they are ubiquitously found in the environment, wildlife, and foods, and thus of special concern for their impacts on the environment and human health. nAChRs are vital to proper brain organization during the prenatal period and play important roles in various motor, emotional, and cognitive functions. Little is known on children’s contamination by NN. In a pilot study we tested the hypothesis that children’s cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) can be contaminated by NN. Methods NN were analysed in leftover CSF, blood, and urine samples from children treated for leukaemias and lymphomas and undergoing therapeutic lumbar punctions. We monitored all neonicotinoids approved on the global market and some of their most common metabolites by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results From August to December 2020, 14 children were consecutively included in the study. Median age was 8 years (range 3–18). All CSF and plasma samples were positive for at least one NN. Nine (64%) CSF samples and 13 (93%) plasma samples contained more than one NN. Thirteen (93%) CSF samples had N-desmethyl-acetamiprid (median concentration 0.0123, range 0.0024–0.1068 ng/mL), the major metabolite of acetamiprid. All but one urine samples were positive for ≥ one NN. A statistically significant linear relationship was found between plasma/urine and CSF N-desmethyl-acetamiprid concentrations. Conclusions We have developed a reliable analytical method that revealed multiple NN and/or their metabolites in children’s CSF, plasma, and urine. Our data suggest that contamination by multiple NN is not only an environmental hazard for non-target insects such as bees but also potentially for children.

Detection of Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Their Metabolites in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid

“…Studies done using in vitro models have reported that some metabolites are more potent than the corresponding parent NEO because of their higher affinity to nicotinic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. 8 A recent study reported that N-dm-ACE concentrations in 93% of CSF samples (13/14) collected from children treated for leukemia and lymphomas were within an order of magnitude ( ) 9 of the concentrations detected in our study. The potential neurotoxic effects of N-dm-ACE to the human CNS should be considered comprehensively.…”

On-Site Detection of Neonicotinoid Pesticides Using Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles and Halogen Bonding

“…In the U.S., it is estimated that more than 3.5 million kg of NNs are applied to crops annually. Perceived as a safer alternative to organophosphate and carbamate-based pesticides while also offering broad spectrum toxicity, easy application, and high environmental persistence (fewer required treatments), NNs increasingly became the most commonly used commercial insecticide since the pyrethrum-based pesticides (1980s). ,,,, Research suggests that NN usage has negative implications for both pollinating insects and human health, as the compounds are found in increasing concentrations in drinking water as well as children’s spinal fluid, blood, and urine . Additionally, it is now believed that targeted pests are developing resistance to certain NN pesticides, which causes an increase in the number and concentration of applications.…”

“… 4 , 5 , 8 , 10 , 13 Research suggests that NN usage has negative implications for both pollinating insects and human health, as the compounds are found in increasing concentrations in drinking water as well as children’s spinal fluid, blood, and urine. 14 Additionally, it is now believed that targeted pests are developing resistance to certain NN pesticides, which causes an increase in the number and concentration of applications. This increase, in turn, exacerbates the risk to both pollinators and humans.…”

Neurocytotoxicity of imidacloprid- and acetamiprid-based comercial insecticides over the differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

“…Compelling evidence points to a meaningful association between exposure to NNIs and mental diseases in rural populations [ 14 , 15 ]. Given their penetrability across the placenta [ 16 ] and blood-brain barrier [ 17 ], NNIs are likely to alter neurodevelopment in humans [ 18 , 19 ]. NNI-induced toxicity has already been probed in rodent neurons.…”