DNA damage and cell apoptosis induced by fungicide difenoconazole in mouse mononuclear macrophage RAW264 .7

Difenoconazole (DFC) is a typical triazole fungicide. Because of its effective bactericidal activity, it has been widely used in agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables. This study revealed the cytotoxic effect of fungicide DFC on mouse monocyte macrophage RAW264.7. The results showed that the IC50 value of DFC on RAW264.7 cells was 37.08 μM (24 h). DFC can significantly inhibit the viability of RAW264.7 cells, induce DNA damage and enhance apoptosis. The established cytotoxicity test showed that DFC‐induced DNA double strand breaks in RAW264.7 cells. DFC‐treated cells showed typical morphological changes of apoptosis, including chromatin condensation and nuclear lysis. In addition, DFC can induce the release of Cyt c, promote the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and increase the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio in RAW264.7 cells. Through this research, people further understand the toxicity of DFC and provide a more scientific basis for its safety application and risk management.