Effect of organochlorine pesticides on the phagocytic activity of bovine milk cells

Alterations in macrophage phagocytosis and inflammatory tone following exposure to the organochlorine compounds oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor

The role of macrophages in the innate immune response cannot be underscored however recent studies have demonstrated that both resident and recruited macrophages have critical roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction. Given the recent data implicating exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, the current study was designed to examine the effects of the highly implicated organochlorine (OC) compounds oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor on overall macrophage function. Murine J774A.1 macrophages were exposed to trans-nonachlor or oxychlordane (0 - 20 µM) for 24 hours then phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase activities, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and macrophage plasticity were assessed. Overall, exposure to oxychlordane significantly decreased macrophage phagocytosis while both OC compounds significantly increased ROS generation. Exposure to trans-nonachlor significantly increased secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 whereas oxychlordane had a biphasic effect on TNFα secretion. However, both oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor decreased basal expression of the M1 pro-inflammatory marker cyclooxygenase 2. Taken together, these data indicate that exposure to these two OC compounds have both compound and concentration dependent effects on macrophage function which may alter both the innate immune response and impact metabolic function of key organs involved in metabolic diseases.

Haemato-biochemical and immuno-pathophysiological effects of chronic toxicity with synthetic pyrethroid, organophosphate and chlorinated pesticides in broiler chicks

Haemato- biochemical and immuno-pathophysiological changes following feeding of broiler chicks with 20 ppm fenvalerate (synthetic pyrethroid, SP), 2 ppm monocrotophos (organophosphate, OP) and 2 ppm endosulfan (chlorinated hydrocarbon, CH) were studied. Four groups of broiler birds (30 each) were fed poultry mash without (control) or mixed with pesticides for 8 weeks. Blood glucose, serum globulin and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity level were decreased (P<0.01) in all treated groups compared to control, but not the serum albumin and BUN. The total ATPase activity was enhanced (P<0.01) in fenvalerate and monocrotophos than birds in control group. Body weight, total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, eosinophil and monocyte count did not show any changes. Total leucocytes and T-lymphocyte count was lower (P<0.01) in all treated groups as compared to control group. B-cell count (P<0.01), mean 2-4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) dermal sensitivity score and splenic indices from graft vs. host reaction (P<0.05) were decreased in fenvalarate and endosulfan but the values for monocrotophos were intermediate between control and other treated groups. Pesticide intoxication reduced nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) positive cells (active splenic macrophages) (P<0.05) and spleen weight (P<0.01). Whereas bursal weight was reduced only with endosulfan, thymic weight was reduced on endosulfan and fenvalerate-treated feed. Microscopic examination of these organs further revealed atrophy/hypoplasia, decrease in the size of follicles with depletion of lymphocytes and haemorrhages in thymus. The study concludes that the chronic exposure of chicks to small amount of SP, OP and CH pesticide leads to deleterious effects on metabolism and immune system of birds.