New WRC reports January 2013

Abstract

New reports Report No. 1756/1/11 Investigation into the effects of water quality (organic vs. inorganic) on the immune system (E Pool; P Bouic; H du Preez; C Malan & R Hendricks) Factors that modulate the immune system can have serious consequences for animals and humans because the normal defences against microbes, pathogens and cancers do not function properly. This can result in increased incidences of infections, cancers and allergies. Several chemicals found in the environment, such a oestrogens, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the pesticide lindane have immunotoxic properties which affect specific immune defences. The objectives of this study were to validate and implement an assay to monitor the effects of hydrophobic extracts of water on the immune cell populations; validate and implement an assay to monitor the effects of environmental water extracts on inflammatory, Th1 (cell-mediated immunity) and Th2 (humoral immunity) cytokine synthesis and on antibody production.

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