Neurotoxic Effects Associated with Current Uses of Organophosphorus Compounds

Abstract

Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) are a large and diverse class of chemicals that have been synthesized, since the XIX century for several purposes like chemical weapons, flame-retardants, ectoparasiticides and investigational new drugs, but mainly as agrochemicals in agriculture and indoor. Although the amount of OP pesticides being used is declining, especially in developed countries, OPs continue being one of the most important classes of insecticides and chemical warfare agents today due to its toxic effects on the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Existing research on the toxicological effects of OPs is extensive, however, there is a lack of knowledge on the long-term effects of low levels of OPs and their exactly pathways of toxicity. Recent data prove that other molecular targets than AChE could be targeted by OPs, triggering these effects. Here these data are reviewed and it is highlighted that the current uses of OPs are producing several neurotoxic effects. It is also shown that, to protect people from possible uses and misuses of OPs, more regulations on OPs are needed. Moreover, more mechanistic studies are needed to completely understand their toxicological interactions and mechanisms of action and to identify the whole group of enzymes that interact with them.

Hepatic and Renal Toxicity of Methamidophos in Male Domestic Rabbits: Physiological Aspect

“…Animals were divided into 10 groups (eight rabbits per group). The first nine groups (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9) were administered different single doses of methamidophos ranging from 10 to 30 mg kg2 1 body weight as shown in Table 1. The 10th group was served as a control group.…”

“…On severe poisoning, there will be muscle spasms, unconsciousness, and convulsion. Breathing may stop, followed by death [6,7].…”

Reactivation of VX-Inhibited Human Acetylcholinesterase by Deprotonated Pralidoxime. A Complementary Quantum Mechanical Study

“…Studies on the high toxicity of insecticides and pesticides to mammals led to the development of organophosphorous (OP) nerve agents. These compounds have been synthesized and stockpiled as the most dangerous chemical warfare agents in the world since the 1930s [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. The high toxicity of such agents comes from the irreversible inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a serine hydrolase that accomplishes cholinergic synapses throughout the nervous system through the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) [8][9][10][11].…”

Assessment of Dimethoate in Olive Oil Samples Using a Dual Responsive Molecularly Imprinting-Based Approach

“…Due to the lipophilic character of these contaminants, it could determine their presence in olives and olive oils, if the withdrawal period was not respected [24]. Aware of the adverse health effects that this organophosphorus pesticide could cause to the consumers, which are mainly related with the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, causing acute toxicity; high persistency and bio accumulation with adverse effect on humans causing cancer, protein and endocrine disruption [25], European Union and the Codex Alimentarius Committee on Pesticide Residues and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have established maximum pesticide residue limits (MRLs) for olive oil [26,27]. Thus, the implementation of more advanced, straightforward, reliable and sensitive analytical methodologies that enables the quantification of trace levels of pesticide residues in complex matrices, like olive oil, is highly warranted.…”