BACKGROUND: Pesticide exposure is a recognized risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, bifenthrin, a pyrethroid pesticide, was shown to inhibit the formation of neurites and cause neurite retraction, raising concern that these newer and less toxic pesticides may also contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. PolicosanolPlus and Neuroprevin are nutraceutical supplements which promote the survival of neurites in neuronal cell cultures. Here we determine if PolicosanolPlus and Neuroprevin can ameliorate the neurodegenerative effects of bifenthrin. MATERIAL/METHODS: PC12 cells were treated with NGF, bifenthrin, PolicosanolPlus and Neuroprevin in various combinations and the formation of neurites was assessed microscopically at times ranging from 12 to 72 hours post treatment. Bifenthrin was also withheld at the time of NGF, PolicosanolPlus and Neuroprevin treatment and added after neurite formed to assess neurite retraction. RESULTS: Bifenthrin (1 x 10(-6) M) inhibits neurite outgrowth, in the absence of cell death, by more than 50% at 12 hours and by more than 80% at 72 hours. With addition of PolicosanolPlus and/or Neuroprevin at the time of cell seeding, bifenthrin does not inhibit neurite outgrowth. Addition of bifenthrin to differentiated cells results in a retraction of 90% of neurites, while those with PolicosanolPlus and Neuroprevin show no significant retraction of neurites. CONCLUSIONS: The pesticide, bifenthrin, inhibits neurite formation and causes neurite retraction. PolicosanolPlus and Neuroprevin are nutraceutical supplements which ameliorate the effects of bifenthrin on neurite outgrowth and retraction. Dietary supplementation with PolicosanolPlus and Neuroprevin may protect against developmental and long-term neurodegenerative events that result from exposure to pesticides.

Keywords: Fatty Alcohols - pharmacology, Dietary Supplements, Lindane - toxicity, Nerve Degeneration - prevention & control, Nerve Growth Factor - pharmacology, Neurites - pathology, Neuroprotective Agents - pharmacology, Pesticides - toxicity, Pyrethrins - toxicity