Toxicity of the acetamiprid insecticide for mammals: a review

Pesticides are a major class of pollutants of concern for the health of life and ecosystems. For instance, acetamiprid is a new-generation chloronicotinyl insecticide widely used as an alternative to organophosphates and carbamates to control insect pests. Acetamiprid is designed to target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insects, but its extensive use has led to adverse effects in non-targeted organisms including mammals. Traces of acetamiprid have been detected in various food products, water and soil. Moreover, the metabolism of acetamiprid generates toxic metabolites detected in the brain, liver, plasma and urine of rodents. Prolonged environmental or accidental exposure to acetamiprid alters hematological, biochemical and structural profiles, leading to neurological, hepatorenal, immunological, genotoxic and reproductive effects. Here we review acetamiprid metabolism and toxicity studies in mammals. Therapeutic use of plant extracts and antioxidants against acetamiprid-generated oxidative stress are also summarized. Genetic damage, chromosomal aberrations and depletion of antioxidants suggest that oxidative stress is the main mechanism for acetamiprid-induced toxicity.