From immunotoxicity to carcinogenicity: the effects of carbamate pesticides on the immune system

Abstract

The immune system can be the target of many chemicals, with potentially severe adverse effects on the host's health. In the literature, carbamate (CM) pesticides have been implicated in the increasing prevalence of diseases associated with alterations of the immune response, such as hypersensitivity reactions, some autoimmune diseases and cancers. CMs may initiate, facilitate, or exacerbate pathological immune processes, resulting in immunotoxicity by induction of mutations in genes coding for immunoregulatory factors and modifying immune tolerance. In the present study, direct immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption and inhibition of esterases activities have been introduced as the main mechanisms of CMs-induced immune dysregulation. Moreover, the evidence on the relationship between CM pesticide exposure, dysregulation of the immune system and predisposition to different types of cancers, allergies, autoimmune and infectious diseases is criticized. In addition, in this review, we will discuss the relationship between immunotoxicity and cancer, and the advances made toward understanding the basis of cancer immune evasion.

Occupational exposure to pesticides as a possible risk factor for the development of chronic diseases in humans

“…An example of occupational environmental exposure is that of the agricultural setting where pesticides are commonly used (21–23). Many components included in pesticides are apparently not toxic to humans (24,25); however, studies have demonstrated that chronic exposure to pesticides may be a risk factor for microenvironment perturbation and for the development of chronic diseases (26,27). …”

Altered Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Schoolchildren Living in an Agricultural Community of Merida State, Venezuela

“…Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts can be altered by various physiological and pathological processes. In farm children, the observed alterations in both lymphocyte and neutrophils levels could be caused by chronic environmental exposure to pesticides, which have the tendency to destroy neutrophils and as a consequence, overwhelm the defense mechanism of the individuals [65]. This is supported by the fact that the mean TAC level of farm-resident children was significantly reduced as compared with that of urbanresident control children.…”

“…Several evidence affirm that pesticide exposure causes dysregulation of the immune system and predisposition to different types of cancers, allergies, autoimmune and infectious diseases [65,66]. Various studies on animal models exposed to specific pesticides have explored changes in hematological and biochemical parameters as possible biomarkers of pesticide exposure before adverse clinical health problems occur [24][25][26][27][28][29].…”

The Use of Computational Intelligence for Precision Spraying of Plant Protection Products

“…The drift of pesticides into the environment can cause serious harmful effects on flora and fauna, by contaminating preservation areas and destroying wildlife. Moreover, even though the pesticide is deposited within the crop field, wheather condictions can spread pesticides to other areas, expose agricultural workers and the population (end-consumers) to inappropriate and prolonged contact with the products, causing serious health damages (Dhouib et al, 2016). …”

“…One of the main reasons for this problem is the pesticides drift out of the targeted area. In addition to the environmental damage caused by pesticide drift to neighboring areas, prolonged contact with these products can cause various diseases to humans (Dhouib et al, 2016), such as cancer, complications in the respiratory system and neurological disorders.…”