Diquat is a bipyridylium herbicide that, as a stable radical, acts as an electron acceptor in the electron transport chain and is reoxidized by molecular oxygen, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS).¹Diquat administration has been used to induce oxidative stressin vitroand in animal models.^2,3,4It increases the production of ROS and decreases the mitochondrial membrane potential in mitochondria isolated from porcine intestine leading to mitophagy when administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg.²Formulations containing diquat have been used in agriculture for crop desiccation and defoliation.

1.Moreland, D.E.Mechanisms of action of herbicidesAnn. Rev. Plant Physiol.31597-638(1980) 2.Cao, S., Wu, H., Wang, C., et al.Diquat-induced oxidative stress increases intestinal permeability, impairs mitochondrial function, and triggers mitophagy in pigletsJ. Anim. Sci.96(5)1795-1805(2018) 3.Singh, P., Hanson, P.S., and Morris, C.M.Sirtuin-2 protects neural cells from oxidative stress and is elevated in neurodegenerationParkinsons Dis.2017:2643587(2017) 4.TomÁšek, O., GabrielovÁ, B., Ka?er, P., et al.Opposing effects of oxidative challenge and carotenoids on antioxidant status and condition-dependent sexual signallingSci. Rep.6:23546(2016)