Influence of dietary cyanide on immunoglobulin and thiocyanate levels in the serum of Liberian adults
Jackson, L.C.; Bloch, E.F.; Jackson, R.T.; Chandler, J.P.; Kim, Y.L.; Malveaux, F.J.
Journal of the National Medical Association 77(10): 777-782
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-9684 PMID: 4057268 Document Number: 250600
Serum thiocyanate, antibody titers to thiocyanates, and serum immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, IgA) were measured in 73 Liberian adults normally consuming diets of low, moderate, high, or no (control) cassava-derived cyanide (CN(-)). When control and low groups (n = 40; daily intake less than 0.60 mg CN(-) per kg body weight) were contrasted with moderate and high groups (n = 33; daily intake greater than or equal to 0.60 mg CN(-) per kg body weight), the authors observed that (1) one-time serum thiocyanate measurements were not sensitive to long-term cyanide intake; however, (2) antibody titers to thiocyanates were positively correlated with cassava-based cyanide intakes (r = .22, P = 0.05); and (3) serum IgM, IgG, and IgA levels were elevated in individuals regularly consuming moderate and high levels of dietary cyanide. Possible responsible mechanisms and health implications are discussed.