Alterations in immunoglobulins and cytokine levels in blood of malathion poisoning cases

Abstract

The excessive exposure and use of malathion, an organophosphate pesticide, has lead to deleterious effects on human health. Chronic exposure to organophosphates has been shown to suppress immune system in experimental animals. Therefore, in this study, we have investigated the immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgE and IgA) and cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IFN-y and TNF-a) levels in blood of malathion poisoning cases, admitted in Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital (University of Delhi), Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India. All the seriously ill patients of malathion poisoning showed significant levels of residue (503-702 mg/L). While no significant changes were found in Igs levels in blood of malathion poisoning cases, there was a significant increase in IL-2, IL-4 and TNF-α levels in blood of malathion poisoning cases, and significant decrease in IFN-y level, as compared to normal subjects. This study demonstrated altered levels of cytokines and interleukins in serum in response to malathion exposure.