Immunological parameters in humans exposed to pesticides in the agricultural environment

Immune parameters were examined in 224 sera of non-exposed controls and in 304 sera of pesticide applicators in the agricultural environment. In compa rison to the control group pesticide applicators showed significant increas ed odds ratios for neopterin and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sT NF RII) and a decreased odds ratio for immunoglobulin M. Obtained results i ndicate an enhanced macrophage activation and an impaired humoral defense. These alterations have been found to correlate with exposure duration in th e group of pesticide applicators in agriculture. For subjects who worked in indoor pest control an inverse correlation for sTNF RII with exposure dura tion was obtained indicating impairment of cell mediated immune function. I t can be concluded that exposure to pesticides in the agricultural environm ent may contribute to modulation of the immune system. Since immune modulat ing agents can potentially lead to adverse health consequences the involvem ent of immune biomarkers in pesticide-related health studies seems to be of considerable value for risk assessment studies. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.