The Probable Genotoxic Effects of Phosalone Exposure in Mice Bone Marrow Cells

Phosalone is used as a pesticide to control pests. Oxidative stress is one of the most important mechanisms by which Phosalone causes toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible genotoxic effects following exposure to Phosalone in red bone marrow cells of mice.

In this study, 60 Syrian male mice [with 6 to 8 weeks of age and body weight (BW) of 20-25 g] were divided to 8 equal groups. Group 1 received Phosalone career by gavage for 5 days (negative control), group 2 received cyclophosphamide with the dose of 40 mg/kg by gavage for 5 days (positive control), and groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 received Phosalone at doses of 6, 12, 20, and 40 mg/kg BW for 5 consecutive days by gavage. After isolating bone marrow and lymphocytes from mice, comet test was performed to evaluate genotoxic effects 1 and 5 days following exposure to Phosalone.

Tail length in the groups receiving Phosalone for 1 day and 5 days at doses of 12, 20, and 40 mg/kg BW was significantly different from the negative control group (P < 0.050). The time factor was also effective in increasing this degradation; as in 5-day assessment more DNA degradation was observed than 1-day assessment.

In this study, dose- and time-dependent genotoxic effects with Phosalone were observed. It also highlights the need for serious attention to limiting the use of this compound as a pesticide in agriculture.