The insecticide chlorpyrifos leads to genotoxic effects by triggering oxidative stress and apoptosis in Sertoli cells.

This article investigates the cytotoxic, oxidative stress–related, apoptotic, and genotoxic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate insecticide, on TM4 Sertoli cells, which are essential for spermatogenesis in the male reproductive system. The study found that CPF exposure at concentrations of 100 and 500 µM decreased cell viability and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), increased lipid peroxidation, induced apoptosis, and caused DNA damage as evidenced by comet and micronucleus assays. These results suggest that CPF exerts cytotoxic effects in Sertoli cells primarily through oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis, highlighting its potential genotoxicity in male reproductive cells. The study notes that the higher CPF concentration used may exceed typical human exposure levels, indicating the need for cautious interpretation regarding in vivo relevance.