Type I pyrethroids, which include allethrin, permethrin, resmethrin, bifenthrin, d-phenothrin, and tetramethrin, do not contain the α-cyano group in their chemical structure. As a result, they exhibit comparatively lower toxicity. In contrast, Type II pyrethroids, such as cypermethrin, deltamethrin, cyhalothrin (lambda), cyfluthrin, and fenvalerate (esfenvalerate), incorporate the α-cyano group, making them notably more toxic
[27][58]. Type II pyrethroids have been associated with salivation, the choreoathetosis-salivation syndrome (CS), and motor dysfunction in mammals
[37][38][39][40][41][71,72,73,74,75].
Human biomonitoring (HBM) studies typically monitor pyrethroid exposure through the detection of five specific metabolites in urine: 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), cis- and trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (cis-DCCA and trans-DCCA), 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid (F-PBA), and 3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (DBCA). Among these, DBCA is specific to deltamethrin, and F-PBA is linked to cyfluthrin but can originate from both isomers. The metabolites are cis- and trans-DCCA are produced from the cis and trans isomers of permethrin, cypermethrin, and cyfluthrin, while 3-PBA is a common metabolite observed with various pyrethroids, including permethrin, cypermethrin, and deltamethrin
[42][77].
3.3. Synthesis Strategies of Pyrethroids: Approaches and Mechanistic Considerations
The synthesis of pesticides encompasses various strategies, each tailored to facilitate the creation of novel compounds with specific biological activities. Among the prominent methods, biomimetic synthesis simulates natural reactions within living organisms
[43][80], while substructure splicing amalgamates active pesticide fragments to generate compounds with enhanced biological efficacy
[44][81]. For the efficient synthesis of pyrethroids, the primary approach involves esterification, necessitating the initial production of chrysanthemic acid derivatives and alcohols (or aldehydes)
[45][46][47][48][82,83,84,85].
Pyrethroids, renowned for their potent insecticidal properties and low mammalian toxicity, have evolved significantly, leveraging structural modifications to enhance stability and effectiveness
[49][86]. The integration of aromatic groups into the alcoholic moiety has notably contributed to the improved stability of pyrethroids, allowing for their widespread application in crop protection
[45][46][47][48][82,83,84,85]. This stability feature has propelled the exploration of various modifications, particularly in the alcohol and acid segments, underscoring the versatility of the synthesis approach
[45][46][47][48][82,83,84,85].
3.4. Toxicological Insights into Pyrethroids: Human and Environmental Implications
Pyrethroids, a class of pesticides, have gained recognition for their relatively low toxicity in humans compared to other pesticide groups, including organochlorines, organophosphates, and carbamates
[5]. However, type II pyrethroids have demonstrated greater acute oral toxicity than their counterparts, warranting a detailed assessment of their effects
[5]. The toxicity profile of pyrethroids is diverse, with type I pyrethroids causing reversible skin and eye irritation upon exposure, while type II pyrethroids pose more severe risks due to their neurotoxic nature, often leading to fatal outcomes
[5].
The human metabolism of pyrethroids involves various enzymes, including cytochrome P450s and carboxylesterases, contributing to the degradation of these compounds
[50][87]. Despite their lower impact on humans relative to insects, pyrethroids can still induce alterations in various physiological functions, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of their toxicological effects
[51][61].
3.4.1. Toxicity in Humans
3.4.1. Toxicity in Humans
Pyrethroid poisoning primarily results from the disruption of sodium and chloride
channels. Type I pyrethroids cause distinct symptoms known as type I syndrome, while
type II pyrethroids, characterized by an additional cyan group in their chemical structure,
elicit type II syndrome
[52][88]. Instances of pyrethroid-induced cardiotoxicity have been
reported, particularly associated with prallethrin, a common household pesticide used
against mosquitoes, cockroaches, and houseflies
[53][89].
Exposure to prallethrin has been linked to alterations in plasma biochemical profiles,
with significant changes observed in glucose, phospholipids, nitrite, nitrate, and lipid
peroxidase levels
[54][90]. Additionally, allethrin and prallethrin exposure have been associated
with increased MUC5AC expression in human airway cells and heightened reactive oxygen
species production, underlining their potential impact on respiratory health
[55][91].
Moreover, prallethrin poisoning has been implicated in gastrointestinal, respiratory,
and nervous system disturbances, leading to metabolic acidosis and cardiac conduction
disturbances
[56][92]. Accidental and suicidal ingestions are the primary causes of pyrethroid
poisoning in humans
[57][93], with dermal exposure also being a common entry route
[58][59][60][94–96].
3.4.2. Biological Mechanisms and Environmental Impact
3.4.2. Biological Mechanisms and Environmental Impact
In both humans and animals, the nervous system serves as the primary target of
pyrethroids, leading to acute neurobehavioral effects. The classification of pyrethroids into
type I and type II groups is based on their specific neurotoxic manifestations in rodents and
other species
[61][62][63][109–111]. Environmental exposure to pyrethroids can be particularly harmful
to aquatic life, emphasizing the need for stringent precautionary measures
[64][65][66][112–114].
Similarly, pyrethrin and pyrethroid products can pose risks to avian species, particularly in
the presence of certain carriers or propellants in spray formulations
[67][115].
4.
4. Conclusions
Conclusions
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are a dominating group of insecticidal compounds that
have been used for a long time and are still being used today, due to their potency and their
variability. From natural pyrethrins, which can be utilized especially for their biodegradable
properties, to the synthetic derivatives, pyrethroids, which may be used for their potency,
this class of organic insecticides displays a lot of variability. It must be acknowledged that
without plants, and plant metabolites, a great area of the insecticide compound class would
be missing.
From the natural compound’s standpoint, the fully biosynthetic pathway of pyrethrins has yet to be elucidated, nonetheless clarifying the full path may be a key insight into genetically ingenerating subspecies of plants that may yield more pyrethrins, helping the pyrethrum industry flourish.
However, from the pyrethroid’s point of view, the constant demand for a new molecule
that is less toxic, and more biodegradable, yet its potency does not lessen, may be an important
catalyst to chemical engineering a compound that may satisfy all the necessities. The
impetus of constantly developing and innovating the field of pyrethrins and pyrethroids
also urges the research of the environmental impact of these compounds and the toxic
effects on humans and animals, which in some cases may be fatal or threatening.
To conclude, this promising potential of pyrethrins and pyrethroids seems likely to
persist in the future and needs constant innovation since all areas in which these insecticides
are used, from agriculture, household insecticides, veterinary industry to the pharmaceutical
and medical industry, require the development of new molecules or methods to analyze
these compounds for different purposes.
From the natural compound’s standpoint, the fully biosynthetic pathway of pyrethrins
has yet to be elucidated, nonetheless clarifying the full path may be a key insight into
genetically ingenerating subspecies of plants that may yield more pyrethrins, helping the
pyrethrum industry flourish.