Levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide and antinuclear antibodies in Brazilian agricultural workers exposed to pesticides and fertilizers.

Despite evidence from human and animal studies of pesticide immunotoxicity, little is known about the relationship between agricultural pesticide use and autoimmunity. The objective of the present study was to assess the association between pesticide use and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) levels. A cross-sectional study including healthy 52 agricultural and 68 non-agricultural workers aged 17-69 years was conducted in the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Exposure to pesticides and oxidative stress in Brazilian agricultural communities.

Background: Oxidative stress may be an important mechanism linking pesticide exposure to several diseases. We evaluated the association between pesticide exposures and oxidative stress biomarkers in Brazilian agricultural workers.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in healthy agricultural (N = 52) and non-agricultural workers (N = 68) in a rural community in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.