In vitro genotoxicity evaluation of acetamiprid in CaCo-2 cells using the micronucleus, comet and γH2AX foci assays

Acetamiprid is a member of the neonicotinoid group of insecticides commonly used against wide range of insect pests. In the present study, in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of technical grade acetamiprid was evaluated on the human intestinal CaCo-2 cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the clonogenic survival and the results indicated that acetamiprid was cytotoxic on CaCo-2 cells. The cells were than treated with acetamiprid concentrations exhibit greater than 75% clonogenic survival for 24 h, to assess genotoxicity using the micronucleus, comet and γH2AX foci formation assays. Our results indicate that, under the experimental conditions used, acetamiprid has cytotoxic and genotoxic potential on human intestinal cells.

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► In vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of acetamiprid was evaluated.
► CaCo-2 cells were selected as model for human intestinal epithelium.
► Clonogenic assay demonstrated that acetamiprid was cytotoxic on CaCo-2 cells.
► Micronucleus, comet and γH2AX foci assays were used to assess genotoxicity.
► Our results revealed acetamiprid was genotoxic even at non-cytotoxic concentrations.