Exposure 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

PLoS One. 2022 Apr 11;17(4):e0266168. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266168. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arsenic* / analysis
  • Arsenicals*
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Male
  • Th17 Cells / metabolism
  • Vitamin D / pharmacology
  • Vitamins

Substances

  • Arsenicals
  • Interleukin-17
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D
  • Arsenic

Associated data

  • figshare/10.6084/m9.figshare.17316374