Alterations in the Th2 Profile in a Pediatric Population Exposed to PM Emitted by Agricultural and Industrial Activities: A Cross-Sectional Study

Air pollution with fine particulates is a recent global concern as it has been identified as a risk factor for several health problems. The molecular mechanism linking PM exposure to adverse health effects has not yet been fully elucidated but was found to be linked with inflammatory responses across many investigated exposure settings. In particular, children and juveniles turned out to be highly vulnerable in this regard, with exposure potentially leading to long-term effects on development. We therefore investigated how air pollution in an area where local exposure is traditionally linked with sugar cane production, a potential source of high PM-levels, is affecting the immunologic profile of a pediatric population. Samples were collected from pediatric populations residing in various study sites, including sites with identified sources of high PM emission like sugar cane harvest and thermoelectrical activities and sites with no identified emission sources as control non-exposed population. Significantly elevated TSLP concentrations were observed in serum samples of the pediatric population exposed to particulate matter, along with a distinctive cytokine profile characterized by increased rations of IL-2, IL-4, INF-γ, and IL-6, suggesting alterations in Th2 response. In the present study, no chemical characterization of PM was carried out; however, it was observed by air quality monitoring PM2.5 concentrations exceeded permissible limits, suggesting potential exposure of the pediatric population to PM from agricultural activities. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between environmental factors and immune response in vulnerable pediatric populations and explore TSLP response to PM exposition.