Interaction of thiamethoxam with DNA: Hazardous effect on biochemical and biological parameters of the exposed organism

Abstract

In the present scenario, insecticides/pesticides are used intensively to control the various insect pests. Indiscriminate use of these insecticides/pesticides affects the structure and function of the ecosystem. In this context, a thorough toxicological study of each insecticide/pesticide is a must to understand the hazardous effect of these chemicals on the target and non-target organisms. The present study was aimed to understand the hazardous effect of thiamethoxam against the Spodoptera litura. Different concentrations (20–80 μg/mL) of thiamethoxam were prepared, and fourth instar larvae of S. litura were allowed to feed for 12–72 h. We first examined the interaction of thiamethoxam with DNA. Next, treated and non-treated larvae were assessed for different biological parameters such as mortality, emergence, fecundity, fertility, longevities, and biochemical parameters. Our result showed that thiamethoxam directly interacts with the DNA and significantly influenced the different biological and biochemical parameters of exposed the organisms. We observed a significant change in stress enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GST. A similar observation was also made with the oxidative marker for lipid damage, MDA and DNA damage, 8-OHdG, respectively. In conclusion, our results suggest that improper use of synthetic chemical insecticides influenced both biological and biochemical parameters through oxidative stress and probably damage the genetic material.