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. 2021 May 4;5(2):2473974X211009232.
doi: 10.1177/2473974X211009232. eCollection 2021 Apr-Jun.

Cytotoxic Effects of N,N-Diethyl- Meta-Toluamide (DEET) on Sinonasal Epithelia

Jivianne T Lee  1   2 , Saroj Basak  2
Affiliations

Cytotoxic Effects of N,N-Diethyl- Meta-Toluamide (DEET) on Sinonasal Epithelia

Jivianne T Lee et al. OTO Open. .

Abstract

Although the etiology of chronic rhinosinusitis remains unknown, environmental factors including airborne pollutants and toxicants are postulated to contribute to its pathogenesis. However, the precise pathomechanisms with which environmental toxicants may contribute to chronic rhinosinusitis are not fully understood. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the cytotoxic effects of N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), a commonly used pesticide, on sinonasal epithelial cells (SNECs). Sinus mucosa was obtained from 3 subjects without a history of chronic rhinosinusitis. Cultured SNECs were exposed to various concentrations of DEET (0-5 mM) for 6 days. Cell viability, proliferation, and morphologic changes were assessed using the MTT colorimetric dye assay and the Incucyte Live Cell Monitoring System. Statistically significant dose-dependent reduction in cell viability and proliferation was observed between exposure and control groups (P < .05) at all concentrations tested. Dose-dependent cellular morphological changes were also seen. These findings indicate that DEET exposure induces dose-dependent cytotoxicity in sinonasal epithelia.

Keywords: chemicals; chronic rhinosinusitis; epithelia; pesticide; toxicants.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Viability of in vitro treated sinonasal epithelial cells (SNECs) exposed to N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). SNECs were treated with different concentrations of DEET. Respective P values are represented with respect to control untreated cells.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Time courses (x-axis, hours) for real-time cell confluency (y-axis, fold changes in cell density) of sinonasal epithelial cells (SNECs) treated with 0.625 to 5 mM N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Dose-dependent morphological changes and cell death of sinonasal epithelial cells (SNECs) after 6 days in control (A) versus N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) at (B) 0.625 mM, (C) 1.25 mM, and (D) 5 mM.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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