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Plasma 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) levels and immune response
1Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA. vine0002@mc.duke.edu
American Journal of Epidemiology
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Elevated plasma DDE pesticide levels in North Carolina residents were linked to altered immune responses, including reduced lymphoproliferative activity and increased immunoglobulin A. These findings suggest potential immune system impacts from low-level environmental pesticide exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Immunotoxicology
- Biomonitoring
Background:
- Organochlorine pesticides, such as DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene), are persistent environmental contaminants.
- Exposure to pesticides has been investigated for potential adverse effects on the human immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if plasma DDE pesticide levels are associated with immune suppression or DNA damage in lymphocytes.
- To investigate the relationship between DDE exposure and specific immune markers in a North Carolina population.
Main Methods:
- Blood specimens were collected from 302 individuals in Moore County, NC (1994-1996).
- Plasma DDE levels were measured and categorized.
- Immune function was assessed through skin tests, blood cell counts, immunoglobulin levels, mitogen-induced lymphoproliferative activity, and lymphocyte micronuclei analysis.
Main Results:
- Higher plasma DDE levels correlated with decreased mitogen-induced lymphoproliferative activity (p = 0.03).
- Modestly increased total lymphocytes (p = 0.05) and immunoglobulin A levels (p = 0.04) were observed with higher DDE levels.
- No consistent association was found between plasma DDE levels and skin test responses or lymphocyte micronuclei frequency.
Conclusions:
- Statistically significant changes in immune markers were associated with relatively low plasma DDE levels.
- The clinical significance of these observed immune changes requires further investigation.
