(Beyond pesticidesOctober 26, 2022) Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be exacerbated by exposure to the herbicide propyzamide, which is used in both agriculture and ornamental lawns and landscapes, according to a study published in the same journal. sexual Nature this month. As the prevalence of autoimmune diseases continues to rapidly increase in the United States and around the world, it is important for scientists to better understand the pathogenesis behind these diseases and the environmental factors that contribute to their development. Recent data shows that the number of people living with the common IBDs Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is is increasing year by year Just between 2001 and 2018, they increased by 3.4% and 2.8% respectively. “Learning more about environmental factors that may contribute to disease can inform state- and national-level strategies to limit exposure,” said study co-author Francisco. Dr. Quintana. “While some chemicals appear to be nontoxic when tested under basic conditions, the effects of chronic low-level exposure over decades or early in development are still unknown.”
Researchers didn’t start studying propyzamide. The original aim was to gain a deeper understanding of the environmental factors that may contribute to IBD. Scientists used different models to cross-reference data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ToxCast database This is to screen for hundreds of different chemicals that affect inflammation in the intestines. Ultimately, he found 20 chemical candidates, and the scientists decided to focus on propyzamide because of its wide pattern of use in food and residential areas.
Using a mouse model, scientists found that propyzamide worsened an inflammatory process already triggered by another exposure, but did not start inflammation. Subsequent RNA sequencing confirmed the upregulation of inflammatory pathways in the presence of propyzamide. Further modeling has shown that propyzamide promotes inflammation by interfering with signaling by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a protein that codes for immune response and detoxification, thereby acting to reduce inflammation in the body. It became clear that it would.
“Our methodology allowed us to identify chemicals that disrupt one of the body’s natural ‘brakes’ against inflammation,” said Dr. Quintana. “This method allows us to identify new chemical candidates for epidemiological studies as well as new mechanisms regulating autoimmune responses. Additionally, this platform can also be used to screen and design therapeutic anti-inflammatory drugs.” .”
The authors note that in the United States, the levels of propyzamide estimated by the EPA to be present in surface waters and groundwater are of concern, and compared to other common environmental contaminants such as benzene, toluene, and certain phthalates. They point out that the rate of adverse effects is similar. “Levels of exposure to propyzamide are expected to be much higher in communities where propyzamide use can result in high levels of groundwater contamination, and in people working in the agricultural sector where there is regular direct exposure. ”Study notes.
Researchers suggest that real-world data from disproportionately affected communities could help further explain the pathogenesis of IBD. “Future studies will determine the actual exposure levels of communities and agricultural workers with the potential for high exposure to propyzamide, and examine the effects of other environmental, microbiome, and genetic factors on propyzamide exposure at the onset of IBD.” “It remains to be determined whether these effects synergize with each other,” the authors wrote.
Although IBD has long been considered the most prevalent disease in the Western world, recent evidence suggests that Prevalence is rising rapidly in newly industrialized countries in South America, Asia, and Africa.of Autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders continue to increase among residents of developed countries This should be a warning signal to other countries looking to U.S. chemical-based agricultural production as a model for development.
The European Union is seeking to address rampant use of pesticides linked to declines in public health and biodiversity, but U.S. authorities are opposing the effort at the urging of pesticide industry interests. Rather than turning a blind eye to chemicals like propyzamide, which have been linked to autoimmune diseases, The United States is working to involve more countries in unsustainable and ultimately self-defeating food production methods..
Stop the use of propyzamide and other toxic pesticides in your area by promoting alternative organic approaches and eating organic foods whenever possible. Act now and tell your local leaders to transition public parks to organic management. Also, for more information about the link between pesticides and autoimmune diseases, see the Immune System Diseases page of Beyond Pesticides’ Pesticide-Induced Disease Database.
All unattributed positions and opinions in this article are those of Beyond Pesticides.
