Chronic Effects of Dietary Pesticides on the Gut Microbiome and Neurodevelopment

Abstract

Many agricultural pesticides include substances that are known to be harmful to human health and while some have been banned from developed countries, they are still being used in developing countries such as Brazil. Recent studies have shown that low-level chronic dietary exposure to pesticides can affect the human gut microbiota. This possible hazardous effect of pesticides on human health has not been specifically recognized by government regulatory agencies. In Brazil, for instance, of the 10 best-selling active ingredients in pesticides in 2019, two are considered extremely toxic, Paraquat and Chlorpyrifos. Even though Paraquat has been banned in Brazil since 2020, the values of maximum residue limits (MRLs) of toxic pesticides allowed in the country are still higher than in other countries. Unfortunately, many developing countries still lack the resources and expertise needed to monitor adequately and systematically the presence of pesticide residues on food. In this work, we raise awareness to the danger the chronic exposure to high dietary levels of pesticides can pose to the public, especially considering their prolonged effects on the gut microbiome.

Tiger nut/coconut dietary intervention as antidotal nutritional remediation strategy against neurobehavioural deficits following organophosphate-induced gut-brain axis dysregulation in mice

“…Previous studies have shown that organophosphate pesticides including DDVP can suppress appetite and reduce weight gain in animal models [55] . Recent studies have demonstrated disruption of the gut microbiome, capable of producing changes in gut barrier function and intestinal motility following pesticides exposure [1] , [110] , [116] , [41] , [80] . These changes can drive reduced food and water intake, as well as changes in body weight.…”

The Impact of the Gut Microbiome, Environment, and Diet in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Development

“…Even at maximum residue levels tolerated by the European Commission and United States Department of Agriculture, pesticides have been demonstrated to alter the composition of the gut microbiome in both humans and animals [80]. Similar to dietary impacts on the gut microbiome, chronic exposure to pesticides, such as those containing arsenic, appears to drastically change the composition and metabolism of the gut microbial populations [81].…”

Multifaceted Effects of Subchronic Exposure to Chlorfenapyr in Mice: Implications from Serum Metabolomics, Hepatic Oxidative Stress, and Intestinal Homeostasis

“…However, in recent years, there has been growing attention to the potential long-term health effects of prolonged exposure to pesticides. 4,7 Although pesticides typically undergo testing and evaluation for acute human health effects before being brought to market, research indicates that long-term exposure to certain pesticides may lead to a variety of health issues, including endocrine disruption, 8,9 liver damage, 10,11 intestinal inflammation, 12,13 and translocation of the gut bacterial, which is considered a novel target for human health. 14,15 As a result, modern pesticide risk assessments have begun to consider not only the acute toxicity but also the longterm health implications of pesticide exposure.…”

“…Pesticides play a crucial role in agricultural production, serving primarily to prevent and control various diseases, pests, and weeds. , However, due to their widespread use, pesticide residues can potentially enter mammals, including humans, through the food chain and accumulate within their bodies, posing health risks. , Therefore, assessing the impact of pesticide exposure on mammalian, and particularly, human health remains a subject of ongoing concern. , Traditionally, pesticide risk assessments have focused primarily on acute toxicity. However, in recent years, there has been growing attention to the potential long-term health effects of prolonged exposure to pesticides. , Although pesticides typically undergo testing and evaluation for acute human health effects before being brought to market, research indicates that long-term exposure to certain pesticides may lead to a variety of health issues, including endocrine disruption, , liver damage, , intestinal inflammation, , and translocation of the gut bacterial, which is considered a novel target for human health. , As a result, modern pesticide risk assessments have begun to consider not only the acute toxicity but also the long-term health implications of pesticide exposure.…”