Chlorpyrifos Autism Link May Involve Immune, Inflammatory Gene Changes: Study

Lawsuits allege manufacturers of chlorpyrifos-based pesticides have failed to warn repeated exposure may cause neurological damage and even increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

A new study has identified potential genetic links between chlorpyrifos exposure and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting immune and inflammatory changes may play a role in the association.

The findings were published in the journal Brain Informatics on August 28, identifying 206 genes associated with both chlorpyrifos exposure and autism, many of which are involved in energy metabolism, immune function and inflammatory regulation.

Chlorpyrifos is an insecticide that has been sold since the 1960s under a number of brand names, including Dursban, Lorsban, Cobalt, NuFos and Bolton. The pesticide has been used extensively in agricultural, residential and commercial applications, as well as to control insects around military facilities and camps during the Gulf War.

Agricultural workers, farmers and pesticide applicators may encounter chlorpyrifos while preparing, loading and spraying the pesticide on crops. Exposure can also occur among people living near treated fields through pesticide drift or contact with residues remaining after applications.

Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Disease Risks

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned chlorpyrifos from use on food crops in 2021, citing concerns about its toxicity and potential effects on the nervous system. However, a federal appeals court subsequently overturned the prohibition, clearing the way for some agricultural applications to resume.

Researchers have continued examining the potential long-term health consequences of chlorpyrifos exposure. Previous findings have associated the pesticide with oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial function and damage involving dopamine-producing brain cells, while more recent research indicated prolonged residential exposure was associated with a 2.5 times increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

A number of chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuits have also been filed throughout the United States, alleging manufacturers failed to adequately warn farmers, agricultural workers, pesticide applicators and others that repeated exposure to the insecticide may cause neurological damage and increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Chlorpyrifos Autism Link

The new study found that chlorpyrifos exposure may affect biological pathways associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including genes that regulate immune responses, inflammation and cellular energy production.

Led by Boli Cheng, the researchers compared an ASD dataset with genes associated with autism and genes targeted by chlorpyrifos, identifying 206 genes that overlapped between the pesticide and the developmental disorder. Further analysis identified six key genes that may play particularly important roles in the potential relationship.

Findings indicated the overlapping genes were primarily involved in energy metabolism and the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Research also found significant differences involving 10 types of immune cells, which were correlated with several of the key genes.

The analysis ultimately identified an exploratory four-gene signature involving CXCL8, IFNG, MYC and SP1 that was associated with both chlorpyrifos exposure and ASD and was able to distinguish between groups within the dataset.

“Our findings revealed an exploratory four-gene signature linked to chlorpyrifos exposure and ASD, and suggested that MYC and SP1 may represent candidate molecules for future validation in therapeutic studies.”

— Boli Cheng, Effects of chlorpyrifos exposure on autism-associated genes: an integrative analysis using network toxicology, transcriptomics, and molecular dynamics simulations

Researchers said the findings provide new clues about how environmental exposures and genetic factors may interact in the development of autism. However, the gene signature remains exploratory and the findings require additional experimental validation before they could potentially be used for diagnosis or therapeutic development.

Chlorpyrifos Lawsuits

Although the latest research examined potential links between chlorpyrifos exposure and autism, it adds to concerns about the pesticide’s potential effects on the nervous system.

Chlorpyrifos attorneys are currently investigating potential product liability claims for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following years of exposure to the insecticide. Potential exposure may have occurred through:

• Mixing, loading or applying chlorpyrifos
• Working on farms where chlorpyrifos was sprayed
• Living on or near agricultural property where the pesticide was routinely used
• Applying chlorpyrifos for residential pest control
• Working near pesticide applications or areas affected by spray drift
• Occupational exposure involving pest control, construction, golf course maintenance or military service during the Gulf Wars

Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease may qualify for a free consultation and claim evaluation. Attorneys can review their medical history, the pesticide products involved and the location, duration and circumstances surrounding their exposure to determine whether they may be eligible to pursue compensation.

All chlorpyrifos lawsuits are being handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees or expenses, and attorneys receive payment only if compensation is successfully recovered.

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