Open AccessExposure to arsenic and level of Vitamin D influence the number of Th17 cells and production of IL-17A in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in adults
Author(s) -
Faruque Parvez,
Fredine T. Lauer,
Pam FactorLitvak,
Tariqul Islam,
Mahbubul Eunus,
Md. Abu Horayara,
Mizanour Rahman,
Golam Sarwar,
Habibul Ahsan,
Joseph H. Graziano,
Scott W. Burchiel
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0266168
Subject(s) - peripheral blood mononuclear cell , interleukin 17 , vitamin d and neurology , arsenic , interleukin 10 , population , immune system , cytokine , vitamin , immunology , physiology , chemistry , medicine , endocrinology , biology , environmental health , biochemistry , in vitro , organic chemistry
There is limited evidence on the effects of environmental exposure to arsenic (As) on the immune system in adults. In a population-based study, we have found that urinary As (UAs), and its metabolites [inorganic As (InAs), monomethylated arsenicals (MMA +3/+5 ), and dimethylated arsenicals (DMA +3/+5 )] modulate or influence the number of T-helper 17 (Th17) cells and IL-17A cytokine production. In non-smoking women, we observed that UAs and DMA +3/+5 were associated with changes in Th17 cell numbers in a nonlinear fashion. In smoking males, we found that UAs was associated with a significant decrease of Th17 cell numbers. Similar association was observed among non-smoking males. Likewise, UAs, DMA +3/+5 and MMA +3/+5 were associated with diminished production of IL-17A among non-smoking males. When stratified by Vitamin D levels defined as sufficient (≥20 ng/ml) and insufficient (<20 ng/ml), we found a substancial decrease in Th17 cell numbers among those with insufficient levels. Individuals with sufficient VitD levels demonstrated significant inhibition of IL-17A production in non-smoking males. Collectively, we find that exposure to As via drinking water is associated with alterations in Th17 numbers and IL-17A production, and that these associations may be modified by Vitamin D status. Our findings have significance for health outcomes associated with As exposure.