ROS dependent neurotoxicity, genotoxicity & histopathological alterations triggered by β-cyfluthrin, a synthetic pyrethroid

Abstract

Abstract Given the widespread use of pyrethroids in home and agriculture, it becomes important to evaluate their potential effects on humans. This study was taken up to gain an insight into the genotoxicity and behavioural toxicity of β-cyfluthrin when administered orally to male Swiss albino mice. Further, the activity of acetyl cholinesterase and antioxidant enzymes was estimated and histopathological examination of brain was performed. It was found that 28 days oral exposure to β-cyfluthrin caused genotoxicity by damaging the DNA as seen by a decline in mitotic index, increase in aberrant cells, tail length and tail intensity. Neuromuscular coordination and learning ability of mice was adversely affected. Concomitantly, a reduction in acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzymes occur indicating oxidative stress caused by the pesticide. Histopathological examination of brain revealed structural alterations in the hippocampus region. Thus, it may be concluded that β-cyfluthrin exposure caused neurobehavioural alterations, genotoxicity, oxidative stress and histopathological changes in mice.