Lindane-induced immunological alterations in human poisoning cases
Introduction
Lindane, the gamma isomer of 1,2,3,4,5,6 hexachlorocyclohexane, is an important organochlorine pesticide extensively used not only for agriculture and vector control programs, but also for human and veterinary medicine. The effect of lindane residues on human health is yet to be characterized with certainty. Several cases of suicidal and occupational poisoning have been reported with lindane [1].
Previous studies from our laboratory have revealed marked immunological effects of lindane exposure in different experimental animals [2], [3], [4]. Lindane exposure impaired the immunocompetence in experimental animals and caused an overall decrease in humoral, cell-mediated, and indirect immune responses. However, there is a paucity of information in the literature regarding the immunotoxicity of lindane in humans.
To our knowledge, virtually no reports have appeared so far in relation to cytokines and immunoglobulin levels in human poisoning cases with lindane. Cytokines are important components of cell-mediated immunity which play an important role in the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of lymphocytes. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine the effect of chronic lindane exposure on the immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE) and immunoregulatory cytokine (IL-2, IL-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) levels in human poisoning cases. The data presented in this study may help to evaluate specific health risks, particularly serum cytokine levels, caused by acute/chronic lindane exposure in the human population.
Section snippets
Materials and methods
The study group consisted of 20 patients of lindane poisoning cases irrespective of age and sex admitted in the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India, between October 1997 and September 2001. The subjects were diagnosed for lindane poisoning by their clinical characteristics, manifestations, history, and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in erythrocytes and were treated symptomatically with an acetylcholine inhibitor (atropine) if required. The control group consisted of age- and
Results
All seriously ill patients were hospitalized, treated symptomatically with acetyl choline inhibitor, and monitored continuously for 7–21 days. They were subjected to routine hematological and biochemical investigations, which did not show any significant alteration. The activity of AChE was decreased in lindane poisoning cases (7.17 ± 2.15 KAU/L) in comparison to control subjects (9.1 ± 2.60 KAU/L), but this was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). All blood samples from poisoning cases
Discussion
The data presented in this study may help to evaluate specific health risks, particularly in serum cytokine levels, caused by acute/chronic lindane exposure. Cytokines, synthesized by cells of the immune system, bind to specific receptors or target cells and modulate cell functions in immunological reactions. Cytokines are essential in minute amounts for optimal functioning of the body's defense and repair system. Many cytokines induce or inhibit the production or function of other cytokines.
Acknowledgment
This study was partially supported by a grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India.
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