DNA methylation modifications: mediation to stipulate pesticide toxicity

Pesticides are environmental contaminants which are widely used all over the world in agriculture, the industry as well as household to put a check on pests, weeds and other unwanted living species. These chemicals are known to cause acute and chronic toxic effects on the health of exposed subjects. The molecular procedures that underlie these effects are still being investigated. DNA methylation is a kind of epigenetic modification which is known to be triggered by environmental factors including pesticides. A number of studies done in animal models, human samples and in vitro suggest that various classes of pesticides, such as endocrine disruptors, herbicides as well as insecticides, have been identified which tend to cause global or gene-specific DNA methylation modifications. Despite the fact that there are certain limitations to these studies, the evidence available definitely strengthens the concept of DNA methylation holding considerable potential for assisting the understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in pesticides-induced health issues. Additionally, this evidence has the ability to anticipate pesticide-related health as well as environmental-related risks and individual susceptibility. In context to this, various evidences have been discussed in the present review which stipulate that toxic effects of pesticides on human health may be mediated by DNA methylation modifications.