IL-17 and IL-22 serum levels in greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides.

Introduction Altered immune function may be an indicator of increased potential for the development of immunologically based diseases such as cancer, hypersensitivity and autoimmunity. Materials and 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. Results and conclusion 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.