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Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 3/2024

25-01-2024 | Cytokines | Original Article

Pesticide use patterns and their association with cytokine levels in Mexican flower workers

Authors: Brenda Mélany Godínez-Pérez, Astrid Schilmann, Alfredo Lagunas-Martínez, Consuelo Escamilla-Núñez, Ana Isabel Burguete-García, Clemente Aguilar-Garduño, Julia Blanco-Muñoz, Marina Lacasaña

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 3/2024

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Abstract

Objective

Occupational exposure to pesticides is a known risk for disrupting cellular immune response in flower workers due to their use of multiple chemical products, poor work conditions, and inadequate protection. Recently, the analysis of pesticide use patterns has emerged as an alternative to studying exposure to mixtures of these products. This study aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to different patterns of pesticide use and the cytokine profile of flower workers in the State of Mexico and Morelos, Mexico.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out on a population of 108 flower workers. Serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 cytokines were analyzed by means of multiplex analysis, and TNF-α and IFN-γ using an ELISA test. Pesticide use patterns were generated by principal components analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed that certain patterns of pesticide use, combining insecticides and fungicides, were associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6 and IFN-γ.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that pesticides may possess immunotoxic properties, contributing to increased inflammatory response. However, further comprehensive epidemiological studies are needed to establish a causal relationship.
Appendix
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Literature
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go back to reference Pollard KM, Cauvi DM, Toomey CB, Morris KV, Kono DH (2013) Interferon-γ and systemic autoimmunity. Discov Med 87:123–131 Pollard KM, Cauvi DM, Toomey CB, Morris KV, Kono DH (2013) Interferon-γ and systemic autoimmunity. Discov Med 87:123–131
go back to reference Quevedo-Aguado L, Bernaola-Alonso M (2014) La floricultura y sus riesgos. Seguridad y Salud En El Trabajo 80:37–55 Quevedo-Aguado L, Bernaola-Alonso M (2014) La floricultura y sus riesgos. Seguridad y Salud En El Trabajo 80:37–55
Metadata
Title
Pesticide use patterns and their association with cytokine levels in Mexican flower workers
Authors
Brenda Mélany Godínez-Pérez
Astrid Schilmann
Alfredo Lagunas-Martínez
Consuelo Escamilla-Núñez
Ana Isabel Burguete-García
Clemente Aguilar-Garduño
Julia Blanco-Muñoz
Marina Lacasaña
Publication date
25-01-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword
Cytokines
Published in
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 3/2024
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-023-02043-x

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