Ameliorative potential of antioxidants against pesticide-induced toxicity: new insights and translational perspectives for human health

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture, with approximately 3.70 million tons of active ingredients applied annually to manage pests. However, excessive pesticide use has had detrimental effects on both target and non-target organisms, disrupting ecological balance, harming beneficial species, and contributing to biodiversity loss. Moreover, pesticide toxicity poses significant threats to environmental, animal, and human health. Pesticide toxicity refers to the harmful biological effects caused by chemical pesticides on living organisms. Toxic effects may be systemic or organ-specific, often dose-dependent, and can intensify through bioaccumulation. Murine models are frequently employed to investigate pesticide-induced toxicity due to their physiological similarities to humans. This narrative review explores the mechanisms underlying pesticide toxicity and its impact on major human body systems, including the digestive, respiratory, neurological, excretory, and reproductive systems. It further emphasizes the role of animal models in toxicological studies. It discusses the preclinical protective potential of natural antioxidants, such as vitamins, oils, and dietary flavonoids, in mitigating oxidative stress and organ damage induced by pesticide exposure. Previous similar reviews predominantly focused on antioxidants in ameliorating pesticide-induced oxidative stress, but this review integrates compound exposure toxicity, organ-specific toxicity, and innovative strategies in metabolomic mechanisms. In conclusion, integrating toxicology, pharmacology, nutrition science, and molecular biology provide a comprehensive framework for understanding pesticide toxicity and supports the development of effective strategies to safeguard environmental sustainability and public health.