From immunotoxicity to carcinogenicity: the effects of carbamate pesticides on the immune system

International audienceThe immune system can be the target of many chemicals, with potentially severe adverse effects on the host's health. In the literature, carbamate (CM) pesticides have been implicated in the increasing prevalence of diseases associated with alterations of the immune response, such as hypersensitivity reactions, some autoimmune diseases and cancers. CMs may initiate, facilitate, or exacerbate pathological immune processes, resulting in immunotoxicity by induction of mutations in genes coding for immunoregulatory factors and modifying immune tolerance. In the present study, direct immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption and inhibition of esterases activities have been introduced as the main mechanisms of CMs-induced immune dysregulation. Moreover, the evidence on the relationship between CM pesticide exposure, dysregulation of the immune system and predisposition to different types of cancers, allergies, autoimmune and infectious diseases is criticized. In addition, in this review, we will discuss the relationship between immunotoxicity and cancer, and the advances made toward understanding the basis of cancer immune evasion

Protective Effect of N-Acetylcysteine Against Toxicity on the Rat Blood After Chronic Exposure to Carbosulfan

The present study investigated the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), is widely known as an antidote to acetaminophen overdose, on carbosulfan (CB)-induced hematotoxicity and oxidative stress in male rats. CB was administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg or simultaneously administered with NAC (2 g/l) for 30 days. Results of hematological examination showed that red blood cells, hematocrite, hemoglobin, and reticulocytes levels were significantly lower in CB-exposed rats compared with those in the control. Administration of CB caused a significant increase in the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. However, the glutathione (GSH) and thiols group (TSH) levels were significantly increased as well as GSH S-transferase activity and levels of glutathione peroxidase on erythrocytes of males rats compared with those in the control. Also, CB-treated rats showed significant elevation in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) on erythrocytes in comparison with the control. Co-administration with NAC exhibited chemoprotective effects against CB-mediated hematotoxicity, augmented erythrocyte antioxidant status, and prevented the induction of anemia