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MECHANISMS OF TOXIC ACTION OF TYPE II PYRETHROIDS ON CELL SIGNALING AND THEIR BIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES (USING THE EXAMPLE OF CYFLUTHRIN AND BETA-CYFLUTHTIN)

MECHANISMS OF TOXIC ACTION OF TYPE II PYRETHROIDS ON CELL SIGNALING AND THEIR BIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES (USING THE EXAMPLE OF CYFLUTHRIN AND BETA-CYFLUTHTIN)

ISSN 2223-6775 Ukrainian journal of occupational health Vol.21, No 4, 2025

https://doi.org/10.33573/ujoh2025.04.325

MECHANISMS OF TOXIC ACTION OF TYPE II PYRETHROIDS ON CELL SIGNALING AND THEIR BIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES (USING THE EXAMPLE OF CYFLUTHRIN AND BETA-CYFLUTHTIN)

Zmazhenko1, M. Makarchuk2

1L.I. Medved's Research Center of Preventive Toxicology, Food and Safety, Ministry of Health, Ukraine (State Enterprise), Kyiv, Ukraine

2Educational and Scientific Center "Institute of Biology and Medicine" of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

Full article (PDF), UKR

ABSTRACT. Cyfluthrin and beta-cyfluthrin, which are type II pyrethroids, are widely used in agriculture and household applications. They are effective against insects, but also have toxic effects on non-target organisms. Their mechanism of action is based on their effect on cellular signaling pathways, which can lead to disturbances in the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals, cause oxidative stress, and pose a threat to human health and the environment.

Aim. To analyze and summarize available information on the effect of type II pyrethroids (cyfluthrin and beta-cyfluthrin) on signal transduction in cells and to assess potential adverse effects on the viability of organisms.

Materials and Methods. The latest sources of information revealing the molecular basis of signal transmission and the role of type II pyrethroids in the development of pathological processes in the cells of organisms were analyzed, namely: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, and the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine (VNLU). Data from toxicological and experimental studies were considered, highlighting the impact on the reproductive and nervous systems, and also on oxidative stress.

Results. Type II pyrethroids block voltage-gated ion channels and inhibit chloride channels, leading to excessive and prolonged depolarization. MAPK, NF-κB, CREB, and PI3K/AKT cascades are activated, nitrosative and oxidative stress develops, and cell proliferation and gene expression disorders are observed. This has a negative impact on the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals, which can be passed on to subsequent generations. At the systemic level, the widespread use of pyrethroids leads to the accumulation of their residues in the environment, which can cause toxic damage to non-target organisms. Globally, and specifically in Ukraine, there has been an increase in the use of pesticides and a decrease in their proper disposal, which in turn increases the risks to human health.

Conclusions. Type II pyrethroids (in particularly cyfluthrin and beta-cyfluthrin) are highly effective substances against insects, but they also negatively affect cellular signaling pathways in non-target organisms. Further thorough research into their mechanisms of action and the development of alternative environmentally safe pesticides are needed to reduce the toxic burden on human health and the environment.

Keywords: literature review, type II pyrethroids, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, cellular signaling, reproductive toxicity.

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