The effects of organophosphate pesticides on mitochondria

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-88462-4.00024-9

Organophosphates (OPs) are an important class of toxic agents that are applied for controlling pests. Toxic effects of OPs have been found at concentrations below inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). OPs are able to cause damage in various tissues, leading to acute and chronic diseases. A limited number of OPs are able to directly bind to cholinesterases in the parent form. Mitochondria is the main target for adverse effects of OPs. Mitochondria has a main role in the toxicity of OPs by inducing reactive oxygen species production that plays as signaling molecules that is considered as a non-cholinergic mechanism of OPs toxicity. Redox signaling regulates proliferation, differentiation, and function in the cells. Several experimental studies have indicated that exposure to OPs causes oxidative stress due to mitochondrial dysfunction.