2,4-D Herbicide-Induced Hepatotoxicity: Unveiling Disrupted Liver Functions and Associated Biomarkers
Rafael Xavier Martins,
Matheus Carvalho,
Maria Eduarda Maia,
Bruno Flor,
Terezinha Souza,
Thiago Lopes Rocha,
Luís M. Félix,
Davi Farias
Affiliations
Rafael Xavier Martins
Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Building 907, Campus Pici, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60455-970, Brazil
Matheus Carvalho
Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Novel Technologies, Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58050-085, Brazil
Maria Eduarda Maia
Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Building 907, Campus Pici, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60455-970, Brazil
Bruno Flor
Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Novel Technologies, Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58050-085, Brazil
Terezinha Souza
Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Novel Technologies, Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58050-085, Brazil
Thiago Lopes Rocha
Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74055-110, Brazil
Luís M. Félix
Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Davi Farias
Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Building 907, Campus Pici, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60455-970, Brazil
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a widely used herbicide worldwide and is frequently found in water samples. This knowledge has prompted studies on its effects on non-target organisms, revealing significant alterations to liver structure and function. In this review, we evaluated the literature on the hepatotoxicity of 2,4-D, focusing on morphological damages, toxicity biomarkers and affected liver functions. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus and 83 articles were selected after curation. Among these studies, 72% used in vivo models and 30% used in vitro models. Additionally, 48% used the active ingredient, and 35% used commercial formulations in exposure experiments. The most affected biomarkers were related to a decrease in antioxidant capacity through alterations in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde. Changes in energy metabolism, lipids, liver function, and xenobiotic metabolism were also identified. Furthermore, studies about the effects of 2,4-D in mixtures with other pesticides were found, as well as hepatoprotection trials. The reviewed data indicate the essential role of reduction in antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in 2,4-D-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the mechanism of action of the herbicide is still not fully understood and further research in this area is necessary.
