Background: Cognitive impairment in animal models has been linked to exposure to chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide that is widely used worldwide.
Aim: This study's objective was to perform an analysis of the findings from animal models to provide external validation of chlorpyrifos neurotoxic effect. In addition, to consider any potential non-cholinergic mechanisms.
Methods The relationship between chlorpyrifos exposure and cognitive function in animal models was examined in original articles that were found through an online literature search of databases like PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar. Including and excluding criteria were used to choose the articles.
Results: Eighteen articles were found in the database, but only 11 met the requirements for inclusion, so these studies were included in the analysis. Most studies on repeated low-dose Chlorpyrifos exposure showed cognitive impairment; however, this effect is unrelated to cholinesterase inhibition.
Discussion and conclusion: Collectively, the included studies emphasized that CPF-induced cognitive impairments by chronic low environmental exposures and highlighted various noncholinergic mechanisms, including mitochondrial dysfunction, disturbed brain lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Hence, the need to keep investigating into non-cholinergic mechanisms of CPF (low dose) is still required in an attempt to help a vulnerable group who are most liable to exposure through new strategies.