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p,p'-DDE, a DDT metabolite, induces proinflammatory molecules in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells "in vitro"
Mariana Cárdenas-González1, Octavio Gaspar-Ramírez, Francisco J Pérez-Vázquez
1Departamento de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
Abstract:
In a recent study, our group demonstrated that when peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated "in vitro" with p,p'-DDE, a DDT metabolite, an antioxidant response and biomarkers of inflammation were induced at the mRNA level, indicating a proinflammatory state. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the induction of proinflammatory molecules at the protein level in PBMCs exposed to p,p'-DDE "in vitro". The main finding was that "in vitro" exposure to p,p'-DDE enhanced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) at the protein level in PBMCs. We also observed COX-2 induction at the protein level. Considering that p,p'-DDE has been identified as a persistent metabolite and is frequently found in the population, it is important to evaluate early inflammation biomarkers in populations exposed to DDT and to estimate the true risk of inflammatory disease development.
Insights
p,p'-DDE, a DDT metabolite, triggers inflammation at the protein level in human immune cells. This study confirms its role in inducing key inflammatory molecules, highlighting risks for inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- p,p'-DDE is a persistent DDT metabolite found in human populations.
- Previous research indicated p,p'-DDE induces inflammation at the mRNA level in PBMCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protein-level induction of proinflammatory molecules in PBMCs exposed to p,p'-DDE in vitro.
- To assess the expression of key inflammatory cytokines and COX-2 following p,p'-DDE exposure.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with p,p'-DDE in vitro.
- Protein expression levels of specific proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and COX-2 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- In vitro exposure to p,p'-DDE significantly enhanced the protein expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in PBMCs.
- p,p'-DDE exposure also led to the induction of COX-2 protein expression.
Conclusions:
- p,p'-DDE exposure induces key proinflammatory molecules at the protein level in human PBMCs.
- These findings underscore the importance of monitoring inflammation biomarkers in populations exposed to DDT.
- Further research is needed to estimate the risk of inflammatory disease development associated with p,p'-DDE exposure.
