Abstract
The toxicology field is concerned with the impact of organophosphorus (OP) compounds on human health. These compounds have been linked to an increased risk of neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. This article aims to review studies on the role of OP compounds in developing these neurological disorders and explore how genetic variations can affect susceptibility to the neurotoxicity of these pesticides. Studies have shown that exposure to OP compounds can lead to the development of various neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, intellectual disability, and other developmental neurotoxicities. Apart from inhibiting the cholinesterase enzyme, OP compounds are believed to cause other pathological mechanisms at both the extracellular level (cholinergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic synapses) and the intracellular level (oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis) that contribute to these disorders. Specific genetic polymorphisms, including PON1, ABCB1, NOS, DRD4, GST, CYP, and APOE, have increased the risk of developing OP-related neurological disorders.
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Data availability statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the first author SM, upon reasonable request.
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This invited article is the outcome of a financially non-supported study. I, MA, as the corresponding author, would like to express my deep gratitude to SM for her hard work and dedication in bringing this project to life as the first author. Despite the unfortunate passing of her spouse, SM persevered and put in tireless efforts toward this work. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the colleagues who supported her during this difficult time and continue to inspire her pursuit of scientific knowledge.
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Mostafalou, S., Abdollahi, M. The susceptibility of humans to neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental toxicities caused by organophosphorus pesticides. Arch Toxicol 97, 3037–3060 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-023-03604-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-023-03604-2