Pregledni rad

Organochlorinated insecticides – mechanisms of toxic action

Murati Teuta ; Prehrambeno - biotehnološki fakultet
Branimir Šimić ; Prehrambeno - biotehnološki fakultet
Jasna Kniewald ; Prehrambeno - biotehnološki fakultet
Jelka Pleadin orcid.org/0000-0002-0768-0462 ; Hrvatski veterinarski institut
Ivana Kmetič orcid.org/0000-0001-5412-7128 ; Prehrambeno - biotehnološki fakultet

Sažetak

Organochlorine insecticides are a group of highly persistent pesticides, derivatives of aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons, very resistant to biodegradation. The basic mechanisms of the majority insecticides of this group are expressed as stimulation of central nervous system that occurs due to non-GABAergic effect, and additionally many of them inhibit specific ATPases in neurons. Due to the chemical structure they include chlorinated cyclodienes, DDT-type insecticides, hexachlorocyclohexanes and toxaphene. Physical and chemical properties like chemical stability and outstanding lipophilic character contribute to their progressive cumulation, especially in fatty tissues of certain animals or in plants in the food chain, and thus represent a major threat to humans. These days the use of many compounds belonging to this group is completely or partially forbidden, but their residues are found in food, water and humans which are almost daily exposed to their low sublethal doses. Special risk represents the fact that they can be transferred to breastfeeding infants, but also they are able to reduce fertility and determine a demographic
decline of some populations. Molecular mechanisms of toxicity of organochlorine insecticides include alteration of signaling pathways in the cell as a result of endocrine modulation and/or oxidative stress. Numerous adverse effects on human health caused by the exposure to organochlorine insecticides are scientifically proven, such as neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, disruption of endocrine homeostasis, reproductive system toxicity and carcinogenic potential. Increased consumption of pesticides, including organochlorine insecticides, which in addition to certain beneficial effects, causes reduction of environmental quality, requires constant monitoring of use, accurate judgment on the toxicity of each compound and implementation of the toxicological studies in legislation on allowable concentrations in food, which is achieved by the control and restrictions in application. This article provides analysis of the insecticidal activity mechanisms and a review of the harmful effects on human health.

Ključne riječi

hexachlorocyclohexanes; DDT-type insecticides; chlorinated cyclodienes; toxaphene; toxicity

Hrčak ID:

136294

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/136294

Datum izdavanja:

29.12.2014.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 5.035 *