Assessment of the Health Effects of Phytopharmaceuticals Used in Potato Cultivation [Jejunum]

Ingestion of phytopharmaceutical products contained in food showed significant effects on gene expression and on the intestinal microbiota. The observed gene deregulations suggest disturbances in cellular proliferation, nervous system development and activity, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, reproductive health, and immune responses. Microbiota imbalances were observed, notably a shift in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio.

The main residues suspected of producing these effects include propamocarb, carfentrazone, 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene, copper derivatives, and peppermint essential oil. Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of large-scale omics approaches in uncovering potential biological disruptions, underscore the health risks associated with chronic dietary exposure to pesticide residues—particularly in mixtures—and emphasize the need to reassess regulatory standards and promote agricultural practices that minimize pesticide residues to better protect public health.