Evaluation of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of some insecticides used in Iran on murine fibroblast cells (L-929)

Objective Insecticides play an essential role in preventing crop losses. However, there is growing concern over adverse effects associated with their widespread and long-term use. Cypermethrin (CYP) and lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) are type II pyrethroid insecticides that inhibit voltage-sensitive sodium channel function. Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is an avermectin class insecticide that stimulates γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor and glutamate-gated chloride channel. Methods The L-929 cells were exposed to CYP, LCT, and EMB for 48 h to measure the cytotoxic effect by MTT assay. Then, Annexin V/PI was used to evaluate apoptosis. Finally, Comet assay was used to determine the genotoxicity and DNA damage. Results We present the investigation results of potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of LCT, CYP, and EMB insecticides on normal murine fibroblast cells (L-929). Our results indicated that cell viability decreased with increasing concentrations of insecticides during 48 h. Moreover, the apoptosis induction by EMB was more potent than LCT and CYP. The comet assay findings indicated that CYP causes more DNA damage than the other two insecticides. As a result, CYP may be considered a genotoxic insecticide. Conclusion Our results may be included in future research to provide a more thorough assessment of the toxicity of these insecticides.