Assessment of Cypermethrin-Induced Genotoxicity Using Cytogenetic Biomarkers in Mice

Abstract

Concerns about potential harmful effects on non-target organisms are raised by the widespread use of Cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. This work used cytogenetic indicators, namely the mitotic index (MI) and micronucleus (MN) assays, to assess the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of cypermethrin in mice. For 28 days, adult male albino mice were given cypermethrin orally at low (62.5 mg/kg b.w.), medium (125 mg/kg b.w.), and high (250 mg/kg b.w.) doses every day; a control group was given the vehicle alone. Bone marrow and blood samples were collected for MI and MN analyses, and body weights were recorded weekly. The high-dose group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in body weight growth when compared to controls, according to the results, which indicated a dose-dependent reduction. Bone marrow cell proliferation was significantly suppressed in the high-dose group, and the mitotic index declined in a dose-dependent manner. At the high dose, micronucleus frequency dramatically increased, suggesting genotoxicity and chromosomal damage. These results show that cypermethrin causes both cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in mice, with the effects becoming more severe at greater dosages. The work offers mechanistic insights into cypermethrin's possible health hazards and emphasizes the significance of carefully evaluating occupational and environmental exposure.