Hematological indices as indicators of inflammation induced by exposure to pesticides

Pesticide toxicity, both acute and chronic, is a global public health concern. Pesticides are involved in abnormal inflammatory responses by interfering with the normal physiology and metabolic status of cells. In this regard, inflammatory indices aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte platelet ratio (NLPR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune inflammation index, and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) have been used as predictive markers of inflammatory status in several diseases and also in acute poisoning events. This study aimed to determine systemic inflammation indices and their relationship with pesticide exposure from urban sprayers in 302 individuals categorized into three groups (reference group and moderate and high exposure groups). The data suggest that the AISI, MLR, NLPR, and SIRI indices were significantly higher in the exposed groups compared with the reference group. In conclusion, this study proposes that inflammation indices warrant further attention in order to assess their value as early biomarkers of acute and chronic pesticide intoxication.