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Host resistance assays as predictive models in styrene immunomodulation
R K Dogra1, K Chandra, S Chandra
1Immunotoxicology Laboratory, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, India.
Abstract:
Three infection models namely an oncogenic virus Encephalomyocarditis (EMCV), a rodent strain of malaria, Plasmodium berghei, and a rodent hookworm parasite, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, were used to confirm the in vivo immunotoxic potential of styrene reported in our previous communication. The altered host resistance to these challenge infections was evaluated in rodents pre-treated with 0, 0.02, 0.03 or 0.05 x LD50 dose of styrene (5 days/week) for 4 weeks. Significantly increased mortality in mice was observed at the various tested dose levels of styrene when challenged with EMCV. Similarly the results obtained in the malaria infection model indicated increased blood parasitaemia as well as significantly enhanced mortality in styrene-treated animals. Also the rejection of N. brasiliensis was also found to be significantly impaired in animals treated with a higher dose of styrene. These results indicate that the exposure of rodents to styrene can markedly impair host resistance which may have biological significance.
Insights
Styrene exposure in rodents weakened their immune systems, increasing mortality from viral, malaria, and parasitic infections. This study confirms styrene
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Previous research indicated potential immunotoxicity of styrene.
- Understanding styrene's impact on host resistance is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the in vivo immunotoxic potential of styrene.
- To evaluate the effect of styrene exposure on host resistance to multiple infections.
Main Methods:
- Rodents were pre-treated with varying doses of styrene (0-0.05 x LD50) for 4 weeks.
- Host resistance was assessed using three infection models: Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), Plasmodium berghei (malaria), and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (hookworm).
- Mortality, blood parasitemia, and parasite rejection were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Styrene exposure significantly increased mortality in mice infected with EMCV.
- Malaria infection in styrene-treated rodents showed increased blood parasitemia and mortality.
- Higher doses of styrene impaired the rejection of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.
Conclusions:
- Styrene exposure markedly impairs host resistance in rodents.
- These findings suggest potential biological significance for styrene's immunotoxic effects.
- Further research into styrene's immunomodulatory mechanisms is warranted.