title: IL-17 and IL-22 serum levels in greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Altered immune function may be an indicator of increased potential for the development of immunologically based diseases such as cancer, hypersensitivity and autoimmunity.
  
  
  METHODS
  To investigate whether Th17 and Th22 cells are targeted by pesticide exposure, we analyzed IL-17 and IL-22 serum levels in a population of 64 greenhouse workers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A significant increase in IL-22 concentration was observed in serum of the exposed subjects compared to controls. These findings support the hypothesis that exposure to pesticides may reduce host defenses against infections and cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environment, Security, Territory, Food and Health Sciences-Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, A.O.U. "Policlinico G. Martino"-pad. H, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Concettina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fenga
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gangemi
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Catania
authors.forename: Annamaria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Luca
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Costa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000383:Agriculture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000097:blood*; D007378:Interleukins / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010575:Pesticides; D011722:Pyrethrins; D000097043:Interleukin-22
chemical_list: D020381:Interleukin-17; D007378:Interleukins; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010575:Pesticides; D011722:Pyrethrins; D000097043:Interleukin-22; C508717:IL17A protein, human