Toll-like receptors in the mechanism of tributyltin-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-6.

Tributyltin (TBT) is an environmental contaminant due to its use in a variety of applications as a biocide, including in marine anti-fouling paints. It has been detected in a number of human tissues including blood. Previous studies have shown that exposure to TBT increases the cellular production (secretion plus intracellular levels) of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs) and this increase requires MAPK activation.