In Vitro Investigation on the Toxic Potentials of Commonly Used Synthetic Pyrethroids, Especially Esbiothrin

Abstract Pyrethroids, including allethrin, bioallethrin, deltamethrin, and esbiothrin, are widely used to control a broad range of pests in agriculture, public health, and households as alternative to organophosphorus and organochlorine insecticides. Even if the pyrethroids are known to lead to asthma; allergic dermatitis; respiratory diseases; and immunosuppressive, reproductive, and carcionogenic effects with long-term exposure, data on their cancer risk are still conflicting. Moreover, exposure to pesticides including synthetic pyrethroids is highly possible both indirectly and directly through environmental contamination. Therefore, in the present study, it was aimed to assess in vitro toxic potentials of four synthetic pyrethroids. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) values of allethrin, bioallethrin, deltamethrin, and esbiothrin were 24.61, 18.26, 555.78, and 54.32 μM on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). By the Ames assay, they possessed weakly mutagenic potential with base-pair substitution. Also, they slightly induced DNA damage when assessed by the comet assay. This study was first to evaluate the genotoxic effects of esbiothrin on human liver cell. The results could be useful in determining their toxicological effects and taking precautions regarding their consumption. However, further studies should be needed to assess the possible risks to human health caused by pyrethroids.