Adverse effects of organophosphorus pesticides on the liver: a brief summary of four decades of research

  • Somayyeh Karami-Mohajeri Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences
  • Ahmad Ahmadipour Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman
  • Hamid-Reza Rahimi Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman; Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman
  • Mohammad Abdollahi Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
Keywords: apoptosis, hepatotoxicity, mitochondrial metabolism, molecular toxicity, organophosphorus, oxidative stress

Abstract

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are widely used volatile pesticides that have harmful effects on the liver in acute and chronic exposures. This review article summarises and discusses a wide collection of studies published over the last 40 years reporting on the effects of OPs on the liver, in an attempt to propose general mechanisms of OP hepatotoxicity and possible treatment. Several key biological processes have been reported as involved in OP-induced hepatotoxicity such as disturbances in the antioxidant defence system, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial and microsomal metabolism. Most studies show that antioxidants can attenuate oxidative stress and the consequent changes in liver function. However, few studies have examined the relationship between OP structures and the severity and mechanism of their action. We hope that future in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials will answer the remaining questions about the mechanisms of OP hepatotoxicity and its management.

Published
2017-12-12
How to Cite
1.
Karami-Mohajeri S, Ahmadipour A, Rahimi H-R, Abdollahi M. Adverse effects of organophosphorus pesticides on the liver: a brief summary of four decades of research. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol [Internet]. 2017Dec.12 [cited 2024Mar.19];68(4). Available from: https://arhiv.imi.hr/index.php/arhiv/article/view/782
Section
Review