In vitro evaluation of the enantioselective inhibitory potential of the pesticide acephate on the main cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in drug metabolism

• Grant number: 24/02447-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Anderson Rodrigo Moraes de Oliveira
• Grantee: Tatiana Zhou Lin
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Acephate (ACE) is an organophosphate insecticide used mainly on vegetable and fruit crops, such as potatoes, citrus, melon and tomatoes. Studies indicate that this pesticide is one of the most consumed and the presence of its residues in the environment and in food is undeniable, as is the risk associated with it in terms of public health. Additionally, given the significant use of medications, especially by the growing elderly population, there is the possibility of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes that can cause toxic effects. Considering these aspects and the limited information about the effects of the pesticide's interaction with the human body, this project seeks to evaluate the potential for in vitro inhibition of ACE on the main cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes involved in drug metabolism, and then , predict possible drug-pesticide interactions. As ACE has a center of chirality, meaning there are two enantiomers, an enantioselective analysis will also be carried out to determine whether they interact selectively with CYP450 enzymes.