Open Access

REVIEW

The Role of Pesticides in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes: A Review of Possible Mechanisms

CARLOS ALFONSO FLORES-GUTIéRREZ¹, ERANDIS DHENI TORRES-SáNCHEZ¹, EMMANUEL REYES-URIBE¹, JUAN HERIBERTO TORRES-JASSO², JOEL SALAZAR-FLORES^1,*

1 Department of Medical and Life Sciences, University Center of La Cienega, University of Guadalajara (CUCI-UdeG), Ocotlan, CP 47810, Mexico
2 Department of Biological Sciences, University Center of the Coast, University of Guadalajara (CUCosta-UdeG), Puerto Vallarta, CP 48280, Mexico

* Corresponding Author: JOEL SALAZAR-FLORES. Email:

BIOCELL 2025, 49(5), 767-787. https://doi.org/10.32604/biocell.2025.062225

Received 13 December 2024; Accepted 10 March 2025; Issue published 27 May 2025

Abstract

Pesticides are chemical substances used to eliminate various pests. Currently, more than two million tons of pesticides are used annually in developing and developed countries. One of the chronic diseases associated with pesticide poisoning is diabetes. This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of action involved in the development of diabetes after pesticide poisoning. Relevant information was collected between January and May 2024, using databases such as PubMed, Google Academic, and Elsevier. Pesticides reduce the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the intestine, thereby decreasing the release of insulin. Moreover, pesticides are metabolized to acetic acid by intestinal microbiota. This contributes to gluconeogenesis in the liver. In addition, the accumulation of pesticides in adipose tissue affects pancreatic beta-cells (β-cells) through increases in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and the release of leptin, resulting in insulin resistance and impairments of appetite control and energy balance. These alterations caused by pesticides can contribute to the development of diabetes by affecting many organic systems.

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