Effect of Pesticide Residue in Muscle and Fat Tissue of Pigs Treated with Propiconazole

Abstract

This study estimated the effect of exposure to propiconazole through implementation and residues in finishing pigs. We analyzed the expression of fibrosis-related genes and performed histological analysis of the blood, liver, kidney, muscle, ileum, and fat tissues. The animals were exposed for 28 d to different concentrations of propiconazole (0.09, 0.44, 0.88, 4.41, and 8.82 mg/kg bw/d). Quantitative, gene expression, and histological analyses in tissues were performed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, real-time PCR, and Masson's trichrome staining, respectively. Final body weight did not differ among groups. However, genes involved in fibrosis were significantly differentially regulated in response to propiconazole concentrations. Glucose, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels were significantly increased compared with those in the control group, while alkaline phosphatase level was decreased (p < 0.05) after exposure to propiconazole. The residue limits of propiconazole were increased in the finishing phase at 4.41 and 8.82 mg/kg bw/d. The liver, kidney, and ileum showed blue staining after propiconazole treatment, confirmed by Masson's trichrome staining. In conclusion, these findings suggest that propiconazole exposure disturbs the expression of fibrosis-related genes.This study on dietary propiconazole in pigs can provide a basis for determining maximum residue limits and a better understanding of metabolism in pigs and meat products.

Residual Level, Histology, and Blood Biochemistry of Tebuconazole: A Repeated Dose 28-Day Oral Toxicity Study in Pigs

“…Thus, tebuconazole treatment at different concentrations for 28 d did not affect the growth performance of pigs. These results are similar to those of other previous studies ( Jeong et al, 2021 ; Jeong et al, 2022 ; Lopez-Antia et al, 2021 ). Propiconazole and flutriafol were not significantly different between control and the treatment groups in pigs and chicks.…”

“…ALT regulates transamination and is a marker for functional damage in the liver and kidney ( Firat et al, 2011 ; Ochiai et al, 2020 ; Sookoian and Pirola, 2012 ). Previous studies have also shown that triazole fungicides (i.e., propiconazole and flutriafol) increased the ALT levels in pigs ( Jeong et al, 2021 ; Jeong et al, 2022 ). ALT levels increase ROS levels and oxidative damage ( Patil et al, 2009 ; Singh et al, 2011 ).…”

“…In pigs, tebuconazole dose selection was based on intake ratio, feed intake amount, dry matter weight, maximum residual amount, and maximum exposure ( FAO and WHO, 2010 ; Li et al, 2017 ; Schmidt et al, 2016 ). Housing conditions were maintained as described previously ( Jeong et al, 2021 ). Briefly, the light cycle, relative humidity, and temperature during the experimental period were 12 h, 55±5%, and 22±2°C, respectively.…”

“…The limit of quantification was below 0.02 mg/kg. The conditions used were as described previously ( Jeong et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Pesticide residues are harmful to the growth and health of animals and plants ( Chandra et al, 2021 ; Damalas and Eleftherohorinos, 2011 ). Chronic pesticide exposure can cause fibrosis in human and animal tissues ( Jeong et al, 2021 ; Jeong et al, 2022 ; Park et al, 2021 ), thereby impairing the functioning of their organs. We assumed that tebuconazole fungicides can cause fibrosis in pigs.…”