How Do Toxic Substances Affect Cytokine Production?
Exposure to toxic substances can alter cytokine production in several ways. Some chemicals may directly stimulate cytokine synthesis, while others may affect signaling pathways, leading to increased or decreased cytokine release. For example, heavy metals like lead and mercury have been shown to modulate cytokine production, often skewing the immune response towards a pro-inflammatory state. This alteration can exacerbate the toxicity of the substances and contribute to disease progression.
