Cytotoxic and Oxidative Effects of Common Pesticides on Hepatic and Renal Cell Lines (HepG2 and Hek‐293): Implications for Human Health and Environmental Safety

Modern agricultural practices expose humans and the environment to numerous chemical pesticides. Increasing evidence suggests that commercial pesticide formulations may exhibit toxicological properties that differ from those of their active ingredients alone due to the presence of co-formulants and additives. This study evaluated the cytotoxic and oxidative effects of commonly used commercial pesticide formulations in Tunisia on human hepatic (HepG2) and renal (HEK-293) cell lines. The tested formulations contained deltamethrin, permethrin, abamectin, imidacloprid, mancozeb, sulfur, alpha-chloralose, 2,4-D-2-ethylhexyl ester, florasulam, cloquintocet-mexyl, clodinafop-propargyl, and pinoxaden. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), and membrane damage was evaluated using the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values were determined for each formulation. Moncozeb exhibited the highest cytotoxicity in both cell lines, whereas sulfur and alpha-chloralose showed the lowest toxicity. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurements revealed significant oxidative stress following exposure to several formulations, which was associated with reduced cell viability and increased LDH release. Microscopic examination further demonstrated nuclear alterations consistent with apoptosis and necrosis in exposed cells. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating complete commercial pesticide formulations, rather than active ingredients alone, when assessing potential cytotoxic and oxidative effects. The results support the inclusion of formulation-based testing in toxicological risk assessment to better characterize potential human health hazards associated with pesticide exposure.