Triazole fungicides induce genotoxicity via oxidative stress in mammals in vivo: a comprehensive review

This systematic review aimed to assess the genotoxic effects of triazole compounds authorized for use in Brazil in in vivo studies involving mammalian tissues and organs. A comprehensive search was conducted in specialized literature databases, including Embase, Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus using the following keywords: "triazoles," "mutagenicity," "genotoxicity," "mammals," "mammalian cells," "eukaryotic cells," "rodents," "rats," "mice," and "in vivo" for all data published until February 2025. A total of 15 studies were included. The findings demonstrated that exposure to triazole fungicides (BRO, DFC, EPX, PPZ and TEB) induce genotoxicity in different mammalian tissues or organs in vivo. This genotoxic effect was manifested through various biological alterations, including increased DNA damage, the formation of micronuclei and adducts, as well as elevated rates of genetic mutations. Furthermore, these chemicals demonstrated the ability to induce oxidative stress, suggesting that this mechanism plays a central role in the genotoxicity associated with these chemicals. This review demonstrated that triazole fungicides induce genotoxicity in mammalian tissues and organs in vivo, with oxidative stress acting as a possible key mechanism in this process. Additionally, these findings underscore the importance of maintaining national pesticide residue monitoring programs (PARA), promoting good agricultural practices, and enforcing maximum residue limit (MRLs) programs, as well as conducting further research on the chronic effects of triazole fungicides, particularly among vulnerable populations in Brazil and worldwide. Such measures are crucial for safeguarding human health and protecting the environment.