MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) and sulfosulfuron - pesticides with potential endocrine disrupting compounds properties

Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture and therefore their residues are constantly detected in soil and water. Contrary to the insecticides, which are widely investigated in terms of carcinogenic action, selected herbicides, such as MCPA and sulfosulfuron, are poorly studied in this respect, especially there are few reports regarding their action on the cellular level. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of MCPA and sulfosulfuron on estrogen-dependent MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, therefore, cells viability, proliferation and apoptosis were determined. In addition, pesticides impact on selected oxidative stress parameters and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in MCF-7 cells were investigated. Both test compounds exhibit stimulatory effects on proliferation and viability of breast cancer cells. The results showed that the tested pesticides do not significantly stimulate apoptosis in the cells under study and these parameters correlate positively with the induction of oxidative stress in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Investigated pesticides stimulate oxidative stress in cells by the generation of high levels of ROS in tumor cells, which can lead to their adaptation and resistance to the standard treatment regimen. MCPA and sulfosulfuron exhibit potential carcinogenic activity acting as a possible risk factor for human health.