Note from the Associated and General Editors

Nota de los Editores Asociados y General

Nos complace presentar este número especial dedicado al análisis de los efectos genotóxicos, ecotoxicológicos y sanitarios derivados de la exposición a plaguicidas, productos veterinarios y otros contaminantes ambientales de relevancia para América Latina. En un contexto regional caracterizado por una intensa actividad agrícola y pecuaria, la evaluación de los riesgos asociados a estos compuestos constituye una prioridad científica y sanitaria, tanto para la protección de la salud humana como para la preservación de los ecosistemas.

Los trabajos reunidos en este volumen reflejan el notable desarrollo alcanzado por el sistema científico latinoamericano en los campos de la mutagénesis ambiental, la genotoxicología y la toxicología ambiental. A través de enfoques complementarios que abarcan revisiones de alcance, síntesis integradoras de evidencia, estudios epidemiológicos y ensayos experimentales en distintos modelos biológicos, los autores aportan información actualizada sobre los efectos biológicos de contaminantes ampliamente utilizados en actividades agrícolas y veterinarias.

Las contribuciones incluidas examinan los efectos de la exposición a plaguicidas en poblaciones humanas de Bolivia y Brasil, evalúan respuestas genotóxicas y bioquímicas en especies nativas de la región pampeana, analizan el impacto de compuestos de uso veterinario sobre la integridad genética y la viabilidad celular, y exploran los mecanismos mediante los que diversos contaminantes ambientales pueden contribuir al desarrollo de enfermedades complejas, incluido el cáncer de mama. Asimismo, se aborda una temática de creciente interés regulatorio y científico: la exposición agregada y acumulativa a múltiples principios activos y sus potenciales consecuencias genotóxicas.

En conjunto, los artículos de este número especial ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de fortalecer la investigación interdisciplinaria orientada a comprender los mecanismos de daño genético inducidos por agentes ambientales y a generar evidencia científica sólida para la evaluación y gestión de riesgos. Asimismo, destacan la importancia de incorporar biomarcadores de exposición y efecto, enfoques ecotoxicológicos integrados y estrategias de vigilancia ambiental que permitan anticipar y mitigar impactos sobre la salud y la biodiversidad.

Confiamos en que este volumen constituirá una referencia de interés para investigadores, profesionales y organismos de regulación vinculados a la salud ambiental, y que contribuirá a consolidar las redes de colaboración científica en América Latina, promoviendo el avance del conocimiento en mutagénesis ambiental y su aplicación a la protección de las poblaciones humanas y los ecosistemas de la región.

Dr. Alejandro D. Bolzán
Editor Asociado

Dr. Guillermo Giovambattista
Editor General

ARTICLE 1 – research

IMPACTO DEL AMITRAZ SOBRE LA INTEGRIDAD GENÉTICA Y LA VIABILIDAD CELULAR EN LINFOCITOS BOVINOS

IMPACT OF AMITRAZ ON GENETIC INTEGRITY AND CELL VIABILITY IN BOVINE LYMPHOCYTES

Pardiñas C., Manso Gonzalez S.T., Heredia M.F., Padula G., Seoane A.

Amitraz is one of the insecticides of choice for the treatment of ectoparasites in various domestic species, both in agriculture and veterinary medicine. Due to its high lipophilicity, this compound can be rapidly absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, representing a potentially relevant exposure route for both animals and humans. Considering that the toxic effects of amitraz and its metabolites, as well as their mechanisms of action, have not yet been fully elucidated, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of this insecticide on biomarkers of viability, genotoxicity, and oxidative damage in in vitro cultured bovine peripheral blood lymphocytes. Whole-blood cultures were established and treated with amitraz at concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 3.75 µg/mL for 24 h. Genotoxicity (comet assay and micronucleus test), cell viability (MTT assay), and lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay) were evaluated. Overall, the analyzed biomarkers revealed the potential of amitraz to induce genetic damage and cytotoxicity in bovine lymphocytes, whereas no evidence of oxidative damage was observed. Further studies are required to determine whether these effects are mediated by its ability to induce oxidative stress, as previously suggested.

Key words: Amitraz, Genotoxicity, Bovine, In vitro
Language: Spanish

ARTICLE 2 – research

RIESGO ECOTOXICOLÓGICO DE PLAGUICIDAS: RESPUESTAS GENOTÓXICAS Y BIOQUÍMICAS EN ESPECIES NATIVAS DE LA REGIÓN PAMPEANA

ECOTOXICOLOGICAL RISK OF PESTICIDES: GENOTOXIC AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES IN NATIVE SPECIES OF THE PAMPEAN REGION

Ruiz de Arcaute C., Laborde M. R. R., Cardascia F., Raffin Casanave M., Pérez Ponce M., Cabaleiro M.,
Soloneski S.

Pesticides are ubiquitous compounds that act as potent environmental chemical pollutants. Their intensive use leads to several problems associated with changes in biodiversity, environmental pollution, public health impacts, and general environmental degradation, a situation exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Here, we present an integrated data analysis derived from several studies conducted by our research group, describing some of the ecotoxicological effects observed in native fish and amphibian species, representative of aquatic ecosystems, following exposure to commercial pesticide formulations based on 2,4-D, lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT), and imidacloprid (IMI), all of which are widely used in Argentina. We evaluated both genotoxicity and alterations in oxidative balance induced by 2,4-D in adult specimens of the fish Cnesterodon decemmaculatus (Pisces, Poeciliidae) using the commercial formulation DMA® (58.4% 2,4-D), and by the insecticide IMI contained in the commercial formulation Punto 35® (30% IMI). In Rhinella arenarum larvae, the microformulation Karate® (25% LCT) was evaluated over exposure periods of 48 and 96 h. The employed methodologies included the micronucleus (MN) test and the comet assay (EC), as well as the measurement of catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, together with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The results demonstrate that the commercial formulations exert significant toxic effects on the evaluated species, even at environmentally relevant concentrations. The induction of genetic damage, alterations in oxidative balance, and, in some cases, neurotoxic effects were observed. These findings confirm and expand upon existing evidence regarding the adverse effects of pesticides widely employed in modern agriculture, highlighting that non-target organisms can be significantly affected even when such products are considered safe under recommended conditions of use.

Key words: Oxidative balance alterations, Genotoxicity, Commercial formulations, Aquatic organisms, Pesticides
Language: Spanish

ARTICLE 3 – research

EFECTO GENOTÓXICO DE ANTIPARASITARIOS SELECCIONADOS EN Caiman latirostris

GENOTOXIC EFFECTS OF SELECTED ANTIPARASITIC DRUGS IN Caiman latirostris

Odetti L.M., López González E.C., Lorenzi A.C., Simoniello M.F., Poletta G.L.

The broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) is a reptile native to north-central Argentina and other countries in South America. Many populations are affected by habitat loss and modification associated with agricultural expansion. Livestock intensification has led to increased use of veterinary products, particularly antiparasitic drugs (APDs). These compounds may contaminate nearby soil and water bodies, posing a potential risk to caimans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential genotoxic effects of commercial formulations of albendazole, fenbendazole, and ivermectin in juvenile C. latirostris. A subchronic exposure was conducted over two months using 48 individuals, which were distributed into four treatments (12 individuals per group): a Negative Control (NC) treated with drinking water; a group exposed to albendazole (Zoovet 3.8%–20 ng/mL), another exposed to fenbendazole (Zoovet 5% – 20 ng/mL) and a group exposed to ivermectin (Zoovet 1% –10 ng/mL). At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from all individuals to assess genotoxicity through the micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities tests, as well as the comet assay (CA). The CA revealed significantly higher DNA damage in caimans exposed to ivermectin compared to NC. No significant differences were found for the other genotoxicity biomarkers in any of the exposed groups. This is the first study to assess the potential genotoxic effects of APDs in this reptile species. These findings highlight the potential environmental impact of ivermectin on ecosystems.

Key words: crocodiles, environmental contamination, veterinary pharmaceuticals, benzimidazoles, avermectins
Language: English

ARTICLE 4 – research

GENOTOXIC EFFECTS OF PESTICIDE EXPOSURE IN BRAZIL: A MULTI-TIER EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

EFECTOS GENOTÓXICOS DE LA EXPOSICIÓN A PESTICIDAS EN BRASIL: UNA SÍNTESIS DE EVIDENCIA EN MÚLTIPLES NIVELES.

Pimentel-Peralta G., Garcia A. L., Martins B., Siqueira Borges M., Dal Sasso Freitas R., Rabaioli da Silva F., da Silva J.

Brazil ranks among the world’s largest consumers of pesticides, with 907,564 tons of active ingredients sold in 2024. However, the implications of this widespread exposure for genomic instability remain insufficiently addressed in public health surveillance systems. This narrative review integrates evidence from our multi-institutional research program and the broader literature, combining in vitro, in vivo, and human biomonitoring data to characterize the genomic instability risk associated with agrochemical exposure in Brazil. In vitro studies show that commercial pesticide formulations are more genotoxic than isolated active ingredients, while herbicide mixtures, particularly glyphosate with 2,4-D or atrazine, induce supra-additive DNA damage. In vivo studies further demonstrate increased micronucleus frequency and DNA damage across multiple tissues at sub-toxic exposures, largely mediated by oxidative stress and impaired DNA repair. Human biomonitoring studies consistently report elevated biomarkers of genomic instability in exposed populations, including DNA strand breaks, micronuclei, telomere shortening, and epigenetic alterations. These effects are influenced by exposure duration, inadequate use of personal protective equipment, and genetic susceptibility. Environmental exposure through water, food, and pesticide drift extends these risks beyond occupational settings. Meta-analytical evidence confirms significantly increased DNA damage in exposed workers (SMD = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.69–2.35). Collectively, these findings indicate that agrochemical exposure acts as a driver of genomic instability and highlight the limitations of compound-based regulatory frameworks. The evidence supports the integration of genetic biomonitoring into public health systems and the adoption of risk assessment approaches that consider real-world mixture exposures.

Key words: agrochemicals, genotoxicity, dna damage, biomonitoring, pesticides
Language: English

ARTICLE 5 – research

GENOTOXICITY AND AGGREGATE/CUMULATIVE EXPOSURE TO MULTIPURPOSE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN ARGENTINA

GENOTOXICIDAD Y EXPOSICIÓN AGREGADA/ACUMULATIVA A PRINCIPIOS ACTIVOS MULTIPROPÓSITO EN ARGENTINA

Gorla N.B.M., Ferré D.M., Mendez S.E.

Argentina ranks third globally in the volume of agricultural pesticide use. A proportion of these compounds is simultaneously used as veterinary products, in plant protection, and in domestic environments. The objective of this review is to identify, through the analysis of official registration records, the active ingredients approved for these three uses in our country, and to analyze the potential aggregate/cumulative exposure of the population. By cross-referencing SENASA’s plant and animal registries, fifteen pesticides were identified as having dual registration as both phytosanitary and veterinary products. Upon consulting ANMAT, seven of these were found to be triple-registered: fipronil (FPL), imidacloprid (IMI), lufenuron, triflumuron alongside a strong representation of pyrethroids, namely cypermethrin (CIP), permethrin (PMT), and deltamethrin. CIP and IMI hold the highest number of registrations: IMI and PMT for crop use, CIP and IMI for veterinary use, and CIP and PMT for domestic-use products. The lists compiled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) regarding the carcinogenicity of these compounds were analyzed. CIP and FPL are classified as possible human carcinogens. Scientific literature utilizing assays for the detection of mutagens and genotoxics was reviewed. The results were analyzed in terms of aggregate exposure, as well as cumulative exposure using the Cumulative Assessment Groups (CAGs) risk assessment method. Active ingredients were identified that belong to two of the most extensively studied CAGs: those involving toxic effects on the nervous and endocrine systems. It is concluded that updated IARC monographs for these chemical families are urgently needed. At the national level, regulations must ensure the protection of public health—in terms of food, environmental, and occupational safety, among others—in order to align with “One Health” objectives.

Key words: Pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, mutations, cancer, risks
Language: Spanish

ARTICLE 6 – research

EFECTOS EN LA SALUD Y GENOTOXICIDAD POR EXPOSICIÓN A PLAGUICIDAS EN POBLACIONES BOLIVIANAS: UNA REVISIÓN DE ALCANCE

HEALTH EFFECTS AND GENOTOXICITY OF PESTICIDE EXPOSURE IN BOLIVIAN POPULATIONS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Tirado Bustillos N.S., Barrón Cuenca J.

In Bolivia, the increasing use of pesticides in both commercial and family farming systems has raised concerns about their potential effects on the health of exposed populations. Although several human biomonitoring studies have been conducted in the country, the available evidence remains scattered and has not been systematically integrated. This scoping review aimed to synthesize and critically analyze the available scientific evidence on pesticide exposure, associated health effects, genotoxic damage, and genetic susceptibility factors in Bolivian populations. A scoping review of the scientific literature published between January 2000 and December 2025 was conducted. Biomedical, epidemiological, and cytogenetic studies involving Bolivian populations with occupational, environmental, or domestic pesticide exposure were included. The evidence was organized according to biomarkers of exposure, biomarkers of effect—including genotoxic and cytogenetic biomarkers—and biomarkers of genetic susceptibility. A total of 23 studies were included, conducted mainly in populations from La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, and Chuquisaca. Exposure biomarkers documented the presence of persistent pesticides and metabolites of non-persistent pesticides in biological matrices. The studies identified associations between pesticide exposure and biochemical, metabolic, neurocognitive, renal, respiratory, and reproductive alterations. Genotoxic and cytogenetic biomarkers, particularly the comet assay, micronucleus assay, and chromosomal aberrations, showed higher levels of damage in several exposed groups compared with comparison groups. Genetic susceptibility studies mainly evaluated variants in GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP1A1, CYP2E1, and PON1; however, the available evidence was more limited and the findings were not consistent across studies. The available evidence indicates associations between pesticide exposure and different biological and health alterations in Bolivian populations. However, the predominance of cross-sectional studies, methodological heterogeneity, and limited geographical coverage restrict causal inference and the generalizability of the findings. Longitudinal and multicenter studies integrating biomarkers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility are needed to strengthen human biomonitoring and occupational and environmental health surveillance in Bolivia.

Key words: Pesticides, Genotoxicity, Biomarkers, Human Biomonitoring, Occupational Health, Bolivia
Language: Spanish

ARTICLE 7 – research

CALIDAD DEL AIRE INTRADOMICILIARIO Y SU IMPACTO GENOTÓXICO E INFLAMATORIO EN POBLACIONES EXPUESTAS A PLANTAS DE ACOPIO DE CEREALES

INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND ITS GENOTOXIC AND INFLAMMATORY IMPACT IN POPULATIONS EXPOSED TO GRAIN STORAGE FACILITIES

Milanesio M.V.†, Salinero M.C., Bonatto M.F., Mañas F., Aiassa D.E.

Urban expansion has integrated grain storage and conditioning facilities into residential areas, generating negative externalities through the release of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) during grain receiving, handling, and storage operations. This particulate matter constitutes a complex mixture of biological and chemical contaminants that may potentially act as a carrier of agrochemical compounds associated with crop production and grain storage. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the association between indoor PM_2.5 levels and biomarkers of genotoxicity and inflammation in residents of Las Higueras, Córdoba, Argentina. Gravimetric monitoring of PM_2.5 was conducted in five homes located near agro-industrial facilities during the summer and winter seasons using Harvard impactors. In parallel, 22 exposed residents and 20 control subjects were evaluated by analyzing micronuclei (MN) in buccal mucosa cells, platelet and lymphocyte counts, and total IgE levels. The results revealed a mean PM_2.5 concentration of 31.86 μg/m³, exceeding the World Health Organization guideline value. Significant differences were observed in platelet counts, along with a positive correlation between MN frequency and IgE levels (r = 0.707, p < 0.001). Although hematological parameters remained within clinical reference ranges, the observed alterations suggest an early biological response associated with chronic exposure. It is concluded that residential environments located near grain storage facilities represent a risk factor for genomic instability and respiratory health, highlighting the need for preventive environmental health policies and urban setback regulations.

Key words: Fine particulate matter, immunoglobulin E, genotoxicity, micronuclei, environmental exposure
Language: Spanish

ARTICLE 8 – research

PLAGUICIDAS Y CÁNCER DE MAMA: RELEVANCIA EPIDEMIOLÓGICA, MECANISMOS MOLECULARES Y DESAFÍOS DESDE UNA PERSPECTIVA LATINOAMERICANA

PESTICIDES AND BREAST CANCER: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RELEVANCE, MOLECULAR MECHANISMS, AND CHALLENGES FROM A LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE

Mardirosian M., Enriquez L., Lasagna M., Miret N., Randi A., Núñez M., Cocca C.

In this review, we analyze the association between pesticides and breast cancer, focusing on epidemiological evidence and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide, with 2.4 million new cases reported in 2024. Although genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to disease risk, the sustained increase in incidence suggests the involvement of additional environmental determinants. In Latin America, where both breast cancer incidence and mortality are projected to rise, countries such as Argentina and Uruguay exhibit some of the highest mortality rates in the region. Moreover, the intensive use of agrochemicals in Argentina and Brazil highlights the importance of investigating the impact of pesticides. Exposure to pesticides may induce persistent epigenetic alterations, including changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications, which can affect tumor suppressor genes. Overall, the available evidence indicates that chronic exposure to these compounds contributes to breast carcinogenesis and underscores the need to incorporate these findings into cancer prevention strategies and environmental regulations, especially in geographical areas of intensive pesticide application.

Key words: pesticides, breast cancer, epigenetic, Latin America
Language: Spanish