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Abstract
As genetically modified (GM) foods are starting to intrude in our diet concerns have been expressed regarding GM food safety. These concerns as well as the limitations of the procedures followed in the evaluation of their safety are presented. Animal toxicity studies with certain GM foods have shown that they may toxically affect several organs and systems. The review of these studies should not be conducted separately for each GM food, but according to the effects exerted on certain organs it may help us create a better picture of the possible health effects on human beings. The results of most studies with GM foods indicate that they may cause some common toxic effects such as hepatic, pancreatic, renal, or reproductive effects and may alter the hematological, biochemical, and immunologic parameters. However, many years of research with animals and clinical trials are required for this assessment. The use of recombinant GH or its expression in animals should be re-examined since it has been shown that it increases IGF-1 which may promote cancer.
... On the other hand, studies reported adverse effects of GM crops such as occurrence of insecticide and herbicide tolerance varieties, transgene stacking, and disturbed biodiversity. Moreover, animal toxicity studies have revealed that GM food may have damaging effect on organs and systems (Dona and Arvanitoyannis, 2009). Environmental implications have become most essential discussion among the researchers and policy makers. ...
... First, GM crops could possess inadvertent influences on ecosystem and environments (Mertens, 2008). Second, GM plants might be dangerous to human health (Dona and Arvanitoyannis, 2009). Therefore, policy makers and researchers are taking interest to explore undesired or unintended effects such as toxicity, gene flow of engineered crop. ...
... GM potatoes expressing Bt gene reported to induce disruption, multinucleation, enlargement, and damage in intestine in rats (Fares and El-Sayed, 1998). Dona and Arvanitoyannis (2009) demonstrated that liver is found to be another organ adversely affected from GM products. Studies reported liver toxicity by altering structure and function in mice, alteration in protein profile in rainbow trout, and induced histopathological changes. ...
Agri-biotechnological approaches have introduced an expansion of genetically modified crops (GM) which has immense potential for betterment of agricultural practices. There are several possible benefits of GM crops includes high yield thereby solving food and nutritional security, producing herbicide tolerance, insecticide resistance varieties, reducing dependency on agrochemical thus reducing formers exposure to chemicals. However, potential risk and biosafety concerns are associated directly and indirectly with it. Flow of genetic information, generation of super-weed, adverse effects on beneficial species, development of resistance verities, and adverse effects on existing biodiversity reveal its unintentional adverse impacts on environment. Several health implications such as allergenicity, genetic hazards, and toxicity to different organs are associated with it. Moreover, studies revealed its negative impacts not only in existing biodiversity but in evolutionary patterns also. However, controversial data and ill-conducted investigations are few solid limitations. A matter of high significance is to deliver existing information available along with various concerns, that is, socioeconomic, political, and ethical concerns in GM crop adaptation.
... Microalgae, such as Chlamydomonas, Dunaliella, Phaeodactylum, and Chlorella, which have "generally recognized as safe" certification [29], are used as eukaryotic expression vectors [30]. However, the plasmids used for microalgae transformation contain the desired genes as well as undesired antibiotic-resistant genes, whose risk of horizontal transfer to bacteria has raised concerns about the development of antimicrobial resistance [31]. The detection of several antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and antibiotic-resistance genes in aquaculture settings has significantly reduced treatment options, resulting in significant losses [32]. ...
The white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the causative agent of white spot disease, which kills shrimp within a few days of infection. Although WSSV has a mortality rate of almost 100% and poses a serious threat to the shrimp farming industry, strategies for its prevention and treatment are extremely limited. In this study, we examined the efficacy of VP28, a recombinant WSSV protein expressed in Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris), as an oral shrimp vaccine. When compared with the control group, in which WSSV had a cumulative mortality of 100%, shrimp treated with 5% VP28-expressing C. vulgaris in their feed only had a 20% cumulative mortality rate 12 days after the WSSV challenge. When compared with the nonvaccinated group, the transcription of anti-lipopolysaccharide factor, C-type lectin, and prophenoloxidase genes, which are involved in shrimp defense against WSSV infection, was upregulated 29.6 fold, 15.4 fold, and 11.5 fold, respectively. These findings highlight C. vulgaris as a potential host for industrial shrimp vaccine production.
... The latter statement is a matter of opinion or experience, on which we do not presume to comment. But the former statement, while contentious, is backed by a substantial body of evidence drawn from animal feeding trials, using animal models widely accepted to be relevant to human health, that have found toxic or allergenic effects or signs of toxicity in animals fed a GMO diet [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42]. ...
Misinformation has always existed, but it became a major preoccupation during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its ability to affect public health choices, decisions, and policy. In their article, “Misinformation in the media: Global coverage of GMOs 2019–2021” (GM Crops & Food, 17 Nov 2022), Mark Lynas et al. characterise critics of agricultural genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their associated pesticides as purveyors of “misinformation”. They draw an equivalence between critics of agricultural GMOs and people who make false claims about climate change, COVID-19, and vaccines. We examined their main claims on these GMOs—for example, that there is a scientific consensus that they are safe for health and the environment—in the light of the scientific evidence and public discussion on this topic. We found that their claims are biased and misleading and ignore or omit crucial evidence. We conclude that based on the evidence provided, Lynas et al. article can itself be classed as misinformation and could therefore mislead the general public as well as the scientific community.
... To address these concerns and avoid readers losing the train of thought, it is essential to acknowledge some of the studies that have contributed to this apprehension. Several studies have examined the potential allergenicity and unintended effects of genetic modifications on crop plants (Huang and Huang 2017), while long-term studies assessing the impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on human health are also vital (Dona and Arvanitoyannis 2009). ...
Enhancing the resilience of plants to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, heat, and cold, is crucial for ensuring global food security challenge in the context of climate change. The adverse effects of climate change, characterized by rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, pose significant threats to agricultural systems worldwide. Genetic modification strategies offer promising approaches to develop crops with improved abiotic stress tolerance. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of various genetic modification techniques employed to enhance plant resilience. These strategies include the introduction of stress-responsive genes, transcription factors, and regulatory elements to enhance stress signaling pathways. Additionally, the manipulation of hormone signaling pathways, osmoprotectant accumulation, and antioxidant defense mechanisms is discussed. The use of genome editing tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, for precise modification of target genes related to stress tolerance is also explored. Furthermore, the challenges and future prospects of genetic modification for abiotic stress tolerance are highlighted. Understanding and harnessing the potential of genetic modification strategies can contribute to the development of resilient crop varieties capable of withstanding adverse environmental conditions caused by climate change, thereby ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity and food security.
... Furthermore, the monoculture or large-scale commercialization of GE crops as well as the intellectual property rights or utility patents could erode food/ seed sovereignty, especially in low-and middle-income countries, such as Argentina (Lapegna & Perelmuter, 2020). At the same time, discussions on the sustainability of GE agrifoods production, distribution, and consumption also need to consider impacts on vulnerable individuals or populations (Dona & Arvanitoyannis, 2009). ...
Societal Impact Statement
A diverse portfolio of genetically engineered food crops, as well as animal livestock and fish, are currently being developed and commercialized. To ensure their contributions to long‐term sustainability, a broad range of environmental, health, ethical, and societal parameters should be used in their evaluations. This paper proposes a set of parameters to evaluate the sustainability of genetically engineered food and agriculture products and discusses mechanisms to improve their governance and oversight. With such holistic evaluations, genetic engineering applications that are deemed beneficial to sustainable agriculture could be identified in an effort to foster sustainability.
Summary
To achieve international sustainable development goals, food and agricultural production need to rely on sustainable and resilient practices. Traditional breeding as well as the use of new agricultural technologies, including genetic engineering and gene editing, have the potential to help achieve sustainable agrifood production. Although numerous oversight mechanisms exist to guarantee the secure and sustainable advancement and utilization of genetically engineered agrifoods, the majority of these mechanisms heavily depend on a narrow set of parameters to assess risks and safety concerning human health and nontarget organisms. However, a more comprehensive range of parameters should be considered to promote environmental and social sustainability in a more holistic manner. This Opinion article argues that to achieve a more sustainable agrifood production that relies on genetic engineering, governance systems related to new agrifood biotechnologies should incorporate a broader array of environmental, health, ethical, and societal factors to ensure their sustainability in the long‐term. To facilitate this process, we propose a set of parameters to help evaluate the sustainability of agrifoods that rely on genetic engineering. We then discuss major challenges and opportunities for formalizing sustainability parameters in US governance policy and decision‐making systems. Overall, this work contributes to further developing a more comprehensive assessment framework that aims to minimize potential risks and maximize potential benefits of agrifood biotechnology while also fostering sustainability.
... For example, drought tolerance crops have been successful in many parts of the world under extremely dry conditions (Gosal et al., 2009;Lightfoot et al., 2007). However, again there are discussions about the health impacts of genetically modified agro-products (Dona et al., 2009). Therefore, current practices for making agro-ecosystems resilient are more focused on organic farming practices and incorporating the natural environment process into agriculture. ...
Spatial and Temporal Variations of Air Temperature on Drought Hazard in Sri
Lanka: with Special Reference to Hambantota District
... An unintended negative impact is horizontal transfers of genes from GM/GE protein foods, the presence of which has been reported in the digestive tract of humans; this does not exclude the possibility for a transfer to humans through livestock meat products. However, the quantities recorded have been relatively small (i.e., maximum ~4% of transgenic DNA) and studies suggest that the low pH in animals' stomach can degrade most of it before large quantities reach humans [Netherwood et al., 2004;Dona & Arvanitoyannis, 2009;Korwin-Kossakowska et al., 2020]. Another potential threat to human health may arise indirectly through the overuse of glyphosate (herbicide) that many farmers do to combat weediness of herbicide resistant GM crops; accumulated glyphosate in plant tissues and root system promotes the growth and mycotoxin production of the fungi Fusarium which can reach humans through the pathways described above [Diaz-Llano & Smith, 2006]. ...
The feed-food competition for environmental and economic resources raises increasing concerns about the production and supply of protein for the global livestock sector. Risks to food-security and approaching deadlines for global sustainable development, means exploring the potential for alternative protein feeds is imperative. However, as the use of alternative feeds for livestock production is still at its infancy, it is critical that potential direct or indirect food safety risks are evaluated before implementation at commercial scales. This Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) offers a lens that focuses on the potential opportunities and threats of such alternatives for the sustainability and food safety of the global livestock sector.
Four potential alternative protein sources for livestock feeds are identified and evaluated through this REA:
-Genetically modified / engineered protein crops and alternative cultivation methods
-Cellular agriculture
-Former foods, food waste and industry by-products and waste streams
-Animal by-products and insects
Through this analysis, a strategic policy roadmap and research agenda are synthesised to facilitate higher-level policy making, supporting local solutions for global sustainable development and a more food-secure future. The four broad directions for policy making and research the REA proposes are:
-Decoupling protein production from fossil fuel
-Developing sustainable economic strategies for alternative proteins at a subnational level
-Supporting circular livestock feed solutions
-Further enhancing the feed and food regulatory system
... The same could apply to attitudes towards GM crops and food. For example, it has been argued that an altered plant DNA sequence that does not exist in nature could be a health issue due to 'many GM foods having some common toxic effects' and some GM food can compromise immune systems (Dona and Arvanitoyannis 2009). Yet, the overwhelming evidence based on over 25 years of reporting and debate would indicate that this conclusion is unfounded (Caradus 2022a). ...
Plant breeding has been closely aligned with the development of civilisations and continues to be important for the supply of nutritious food and a key factor in reducing poverty and hunger. Plant breeding uses a range of techniques for both expanding and exploiting the genetic potential of plants. However, some techniques are deemed higher risk than others despite the end products of both processes at times being indistinguishable. While it is considered that the domestication of some plant species began over 10,000 years ago, it is only in the last 100 years or so that modern plant breeding has been used to develop thousands of cultivars in a range of plant species for food, feed, and recreation. In the last 25 years, genetic modification and, more recently, New Breeding Technologies have been used to introduce new variations into important plant species. This has resulted in mistrust and suspicion, and a range of regulatory systems. Product-based and process-based regulatory systems differ in the information required for decision-making. Methods used for the development and manipulation of plant traits are reviewed in an attempt to understand the reasons why some are deemed more acceptable than others. ARTICLE HISTORY
... Among them, soybeans are the largest [4], accounting for 82% of the total soybean planting area. Although GMCs are increasingly gaining acceptance in the USA, Argentina, Canada and China, there is still strong consumer rejection in European countries due to concerns that genetically modified foods have a potential impact on human health [5][6][7]. The major issue is the unknown risk due to the transplantation of Bt genes into crops. ...
... For example, drought tolerance crops have been successful in many parts of the world under extremely dry conditions (Gosal et al., 2009;Lightfoot et al., 2007). However, again there are discussions about the health impacts of genetically modified agro-products (Dona et al., 2009). Therefore, current practices for making agro-ecosystems resilient are more focused on organic farming practices and incorporating the natural environment process into agriculture. ...
... In a similar sandwich-type MMNP, an attomolar sensitive electrochemical genosensor was developed for the detection and quantification of cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV35S) gene, encouraged by its common use in genetically modified organism (GMO) inserts and the potential common toxic effects that they may cause some genetically modified (GM) foods [222]. On the one hand, a core@shell Fe 3 O 4 eAu@Ag nanocomposite (Complex 1) was biofunctionalized with a thiol-modified DNA signal probe (sDNA), where MNPs had double functionality in separation and catalytic processes [223]. ...
Combining magnetic nanomaterials with materials of other classes can produce multicomponent nanoparticles with an entire ensemble of new structures and unique, enhanced, synergetic, and/or complementary functionalities. Here we discuss the most recent developments in the synthesis of multicomponent magnetic nanoparticles, describe the resulting structures and their novel properties, and explore their application in a variety of fields, including multimodal imaging, nanomedicine, sensing, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and heterogeneous catalysis. The current synthetic methods (usually bottom-up approaches) of multicomponent nanoparticles can produce a number of tailored morphologies ([email protected], yolk-shell, core-satellite, Janus, nanochains, anisotropic, etc.), making them invaluable for applications in biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, and engineering. But like any new technology, their synthesis methods need to be optimized to be simple, scalable, and as environmentally friendly as possible before they can be widely adopted. In particular, the use of life cycle assessment (LCA) to guide future works toward environmental sustainability is highlighted. Overall, this review not only presents a critical and timely summary of the state-of-the-art of this burgeoning field in both fundamental and applied nanotechnology, but also addresses the challenges associated with understanding the particular structure-property relationships of multicomponent magnetic nanoparticles.
... For example, drought tolerance crops have been successful in many parts of the world under extremely dry conditions (Gosal et al., 2009;Lightfoot et al., 2007). However, again there are discussions about the health impacts of genetically modified agro-products (Dona et al., 2009). Therefore, current practices for making agro-ecosystems resilient are more focused on organic farming practices and incorporating the natural environment process into agriculture. ...
... Agriculture and its products are valuable gifts of nature to the world, but the existing culture of growing crops using agrochemicals (synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides) is a serious threat to the world; recent studies have shown that hybrids and genetically modified crops have successfully led to increased production but, unfortunately, their nutritional content is not beneficial to health as it triggers the development of diseases that are immune to antibiotics. 3 Food directly taken from the field after cultivation might cause dangerous consequences if it was grown using agrochemicals, which are known to be a slow poison that drastically affects the cell signaling system in humans. 4 The excessive use of these agrochemicals affects our health and the surrounding environment by polluting water bodies and reducing soil fertility by disturbing flora and fauna, creating a microbial imbalance that affects our health. ...
Presently, modern lifestyle diseases (LSD) such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, thyroid etc., are commonly seen among people of different age groups. One of the root causes of this LSD is the type of food that we are eating. Staple crops like rice, sugarcane, vegetables, wheat etc. are grown with the application of agrochemicals (e.g., glyphosate) whose traces comes in our food; after that, it gets ultra‐processed in factories, e.g. chips and snacks are fried using saturated fats (trans fat); sugar and wheat (derivatives bread, buns, cookies) are processed using toxic chemicals (bleaching agents). As a result, the nutrition value of food gets compromised due to low dietary fiber content and synthetic additives, e.g., sucralose (artificial sweetener), which promotes inflammation and weakens our immune system, due to which our body becomes sensitive to microbial infection and many other LSDs. To strengthen the immune system, people start taking synthetically prepared supplements and drugs for a prolonged time, which further deteriorates the body organs and their normal function, e.g., long medication for hypothyroidism poses a risk of heart attack and joint pain. Nanotechnology solves the above problems in the food, nutraceuticals, and agriculture sectors. Nanotechnology‐based naturally processed products such as nano nutraceuticals, nanofood, nanofertilizers, and nanopesticides will benefit our health. They possess desirable properties such as high bioavailability, targeted delivery, least processing, sustain‐released, etc. With the help of nanotechnology, we can get nutritional and agrochemical‐free food. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
... The new concept for agri-food supply chains designed as a "from field to fork" approach consists of connecting events in the agri-food production, where its process is made of a succession of chain of elements from production to processing, trading, distribution and consumption. Over the last decades, several and diverse crises and food safety incidents impaired the food sector [5,6], such as dioxin in poultry [7], bovine spongiform encephalopathy (well known as mad cow disease) [8], the threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens [5], contaminated powdered milk [6] and the controversy over genetically modified organisms [9][10][11][12]. Hence, valuable and important reviews have been already written about Agri-food 4.0 [2,[13][14][15]. ...
Several socio-economic problems have been hidden by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Particularly, the agricultural and food industrial sectors have been harshly affected by this devastating disease. Moreover, with the worldwide population increase and the agricultural production technologies being inefficient or obsolete, there is a great need to find new and successful ways to fulfill the increasing food demand. A new era of agriculture and food industry is forthcoming, with revolutionary concepts, processes and technologies, referred to as Agri-food 4.0, which enables the next level of agri-food production and trade. In addition, consumers are becoming more and more aware about the origin, traceability, healthy and high-quality of agri-food products. The integration of new process of production and data management is a mandatory step to meet consumer and market requirements. DNA traceability may provide strong approach to certify and authenticate healthy food products, particularly for olive oil. With this approach, the origin and authenticity of products are confirmed by the means of unique nucleic acid sequences. Selected tools, methods and technologies involved in and contributing to the advance of the agri-food sector are presented and discussed in this paper. Moreover, the application of DNA traceability as an innovative approach to authenticate olive products is reported in this paper as an application and promising case of smart agriculture.
... Among them, soybeans are the largest [4], accounting for 82% of the total soybean planting area. Although GMCs are increasingly gaining acceptance in the USA, Argentina, Canada and China, there is still strong consumer rejection in European countries due to concerns that genetically modified foods have a potential impact on human health [5][6][7]. The major issue is the unknown risk due to the transplantation of Bt genes into crops. ...
In this study, we proposed a genosensor that can qualitatively and quantitatively detect genetically modified soybeans using a simple electrode with evenly distributed single layer gold nanoparticles. The DNA sensing electrode is made by sputtering a gold film on the substrate, and then sequentially depositing 1,6-hexanedithiol and gold nanoparticles with sulfur groups on the substrate. Then, the complementary to the CaMV 35S promoter (P35S) was used as the capture probe. The target DNA directly extracted from the genetically modified soybeans rather than the synthesized DNA segments was used to construct the detection standard curve. The experimental results showed that our genosensor could directly detect genetically modified genes extracted from soybeans. We obtained two percentage calibration curves. The calibration curve corresponding to the lower percentage range (1–6%) exhibits a sensitivity of 2.36 Ω/% with R2 = 0.9983, while the calibration curve corresponding to the higher percentage range (6–40%) possesses a sensitivity of 0.1 Ω/% with R2 = 0.9928. The limit of detection would be 1%. The recovery rates for the 4% and 5.7% GMS DNA were measured to be 104.1% and 102.49% with RSD at 6.24% and 2.54%. The gold nanoparticle sensing electrode developed in this research is suitable for qualitative and quantitative detection of genetically modified soybeans and can be further applied to the detection of other genetically modified crops in the future.
... GM crops still face challenges in food safety management, as some scientists insist that the unintended effects of GM crops due to the insertion of foreign genes may remain undetected [22,29]. Nowadays, many methods have been developed, validated and harmonized globally, with a focus on GMO detection [30,31]. ...
Although the safety of commercial genetically modified (GM) soybeans has been well evaluated and GM soybeans are legally sold under government management, some consumers still have concerns about their safety. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of commercial GM soybeans sold in markets as a food source. In the present study, two commercial GM (GM-1 and -2) soybeans and one non-GM soybean were randomly purchased and subjected to a whole food toxicity assessment. Rats (SD), male and female, were divided into six groups (10/sex/group). Two dosages of 1 g/kg/day and 5 g/kg/day of soybeans were selected for the low- and high-dose groups. Rats were administered the soybeans via daily oral fed for 90 days. The results indicate that the body weight, organ weight, biochemistry, hematology, and urology showed no biologically adverse effects. At necropsy, no significant differences between organ weights were noted between the non-GM- and GM soybeans-treated groups. Moreover, no gross or histopathological lesions were observed in the high-dosage (5 g/kg/day) fed groups of the non-GM and GM soybean fed rats. In conclusion, this food safety assessment revealed that commercial GM soybeans are substantially equivalent to non-GM soybeans in rats.
... Based on the criteria for safety, some GM crops have been approved for food or feed uses in several countries (Oguchi et al. 2010). Consumer concerns regarding GM products related to unexpected health impacts that might arise from GM products consumption (Dona and Arvanitoyannis 2009;Martinez-Povida et al. 2009). As recommended by food safety agencies, biosafety and nutritional assessment of GM crops is an important aspect (Chassy 2010). ...
... In vitro production of meat has been proposed as a humane, safe and environmentally beneficial alternative to slaughtered animal flesh as a source of nutritional muscle tissue ( Datar and Betti, 2010 ). In any case, the feeding of humanity will not be possible without significant scientific and technological progress, including in particular breeding using genetically modified organisms (GMO) methods ( Qaim andKouser, 2013 , Gruissem, 2015 ), although this is criticised by part of the scientific public ( Dona, 2009, Jacobsen et al., 2013, Urfusova et al., 2020. However, the eth-ical foundations of biotechnology are founded on justice, nonmaleficence, and beneficence (balancing risks and benefits in production and consumption). ...
Currently, there is an alarming increase in food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries throughout the world. This will be seen particularly in the countries of the Global South (developing countries). Many countries are trying to show efforts to keep agriculture, food industry and markets running, the supply chains and access to the markets and affordable food is still not secured. Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are going to/or already have affected the poor and other marginalised groups, mainly those with less purchasing power. It is necessary to mitigate the pandemic's impacts across the food system, enhance the resilience of food systems and avoid any potential food shortages. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of past pandemics and tries to synthesise the main lessons learned from these while also outlining visions of post-COVID-19 agriculture and the effects on food security.
... XAS is an element-specific technique that can use to identify elements that are localised in crystalline and non-crystalline materials (Lombi & Susini, 2009;Yano & Yachandra, 2009 (Uzogara, 2000). Antibiotic resistance, allergenicity, toxicity and carcinogenicity are other potential health risks associated with GM foods (Dona & Arvanitoyannis, 2009). The impacts of GM wheat products on human or animal consumption can be evaluated before they are commercialised in order to reduce risks for consumers. ...
Zinc (Zn) is an important micronutrient in the human body, and health complications associated with insufficient dietary intake of Zn can be overcome by increasing the bioavailable concentrations in edible parts of crops (biofortification). Wheat (Triticum aestivum L) is the most consumed cereal crop in the world; therefore, it is an excellent target for Zn biofortification programs. Knowledge of the physiological and molecular processes that regulate Zn concentration in the wheat grain is restricted, inhibiting the success of genetic Zn biofortification programs. This review helps break this nexus by advancing understanding of those processes, including speciation regulated uptake, root to shoot transport, remobilisation, grain loading and distribution of Zn in wheat grain. Furthermore, new insights to genetic Zn biofortification of wheat are discussed, and where data are limited, we draw upon information for other cereals and Fe distribution. We identify the loading and distribution of Zn in grain as major bottlenecks for biofortification, recognising anatomical barriers in the vascular region at the base of the grain, and physiological and molecular restrictions localised in the crease region as major limitations. Movement of Zn from the endosperm cavity into the modified aleurone, aleurone and then to the endosperm is mainly regulated by ZIP and YSL transporters. Zn complexation with phytic acid in the aleurone limits Zn mobility into the endosperm. These insights, together with synchrotron-X-ray-fluorescence microscopy, support the hypothesis that a focus on the mechanisms of Zn loading into the grain will provide new opportunities for Zn biofortification of wheat.
... Except USA where PIPs are included as biopesticides, many countries regulatory authorities do not consider PIPs as biopesticides due to consumer concerns for GM crops (Seiber et al., 2014). Frequent intake of produce from GM crops may cause health problems (hormonal and neuronal disruption) in their consumers (Dona and Arvanitoyannis, 2009;Paparini and Romano-Spica, 2004). ...
Since the middle of the last century, crop protection has comprehensively relied on synthetic pesticides to rapidly cope with agricultural pest challenges. Overwhelming dependency on pesticides stimulated resistance in crop pests and challenged health and the environment. These problems invigorated interest to their alternative like biopesticides. These are pesticidal products, naturally occurring or derived from natural resources. Biopesticides are recognized in three categories by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) including (1) biochemical biopesticides based on certain natural compounds; (2) plant-incorporated protectants i.e. transgenes that impart natural synthesis of pesticidal compounds in the crops; and (3) biocontrol organisms such as microbial pesticides containing fungi, bacteria, virus or nematodes. These products are target specific, less toxic and quickly biodegradable, therefore suitable for inclusion into pest management programs. In this chapter, we discuss role of different classes of biopesticides in context of insect and weed pest management.
... The safety of GM crops is an argumentative topic for both the scientific community and food consumers. It is fact that some previously scientific studies showed that GM technology is attended as a potentially harmful solution causing health-related issues (Dona & Arvanitoyannis, 2009). Therefore, consumers who are risk-aversed might carefully consider the latent impacts of GM foods to their health. ...
This study aimed to investigate the point of view of consumers in developing and emerging market about the genetically modified and non-genetically modified food based on the evidence from soymilk non-genetically modified product. The experimental auction method was employed to explicit the willingness-to-pay of Vietnamese consumers for a non-genetically modified soymilk products. Regression analysis was applied to determine factors influencing consumer's WTP for non-genetically modified product. The results indicated that consumers are willing to pay 84% premium for soy milk with non-genetically modified attribute information in comparison with the conventional one. The level of WTP derived from the auction is not much different from the market price of the product being auctioned. Notably, consumers with high level of risk aversion were likely to purchase non-genetically modified food. This was a predominant factor that determines who would accept or deny the consumption of non-genetically modified food
... Certain secondary metabolites from these plant sources can also be toxic to humans, like the steroidal glycoalkaloids in a green potato skin. This compound causes gastrointestinal discomfort in humans at high concentrations [7], [41]. ...
The world food production may not support the population that is growing at an exponential rate. Genetically modified crops and foods may therefore provide solutions for such shortcomings. However, uncertainties and myths such as the socio-economic impact of genetically modified foods on humans, the environmental and health risks may impede the use of these foods and instil fear among the public. Contrarily, it was learned that genetically modified crops and foods were generally deliver a positive outlook as they improved the socio-economic qualities in the farmers of third world countries. Besides, it was also noted that the genetically modified crops and foods impose a minimal adverse effect on the environment and human health while more benefits were attested. As genetically modified crops and foods seem to be more advantageous to humanity in general, long-term studies and meta-analyses are still required to ascertain the safety of these genetically modified organisms as staple foods.
... Potential benefits include faster cultivar development, unique aesthetic characteristics, disease resistance, pest protection, enhanced nutrition and shelf life, increased outputs, and lower costs of production and ultimately food prices [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Despite the potential benefits, several questions about the safety, risks, and economic viability of genetically modified (GM) products have been raised, including potential loss of biodiversity, insect resistance to insecticides, consumption safety, market acceptance, product development costs, and regulatory approval challenges [3,5,[9][10][11][12][13][14]. Together, these studies highlight the perplexing discussion on the benefits and costs of genetic modification in plant and food production. ...
Previous research has identified subjective and objective knowledge as determinants of consumers’ acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in the medical and food industries. In contrast to a large body of literature on the effects of attitudes or knowledge on food preferences, the extent to which consumers’ knowledge affects their valuation of non-GMO food producing plants (i.e., plants grown for food or ornamental purposes) is less understood. This manuscript investigates the relationship between consumers’ knowledge of relevant non-GMO certification programs and their acceptance and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for non-GMO plants. The first study used an Internet respondent panel and choice experiment, while the second study utilized an in-person experimental auction. In line with previously reported low public acceptance of genetically modified food products, respondents were receptive of and willing to pay premiums for non-GMO food producing plants. This study found that subjective and objective knowledge impacted the premiums for non-GMO labels, with the high subjective and low objective knowledge group generating the highest WTP. Low subjective and low objective knowledge resulted in the lowest WTP. Findings suggest a disconnect between subjective and objective knowledge of non-GMO certification programs, which in turn influences consumer valuation of those products.
... Based on the criteria for safety, some GM crops have been approved for food or feed uses in several countries (Oguchi et al. 2010). Consumer concerns regarding GM products related to unexpected health impacts that might arise from GM products consumption (Dona and Arvanitoyannis 2009;Martinez-Povida et al. 2009). As recommended by food safety agencies, biosafety and nutritional assessment of GM crops is an important aspect (Chassy 2010). ...
Genetically modified (GM) crops were approved for edible use in several countries but their biosafety for organisms remains to be crucial. The objectives of this work were to compare GM wheat (Triticum aestivum) Hi-line 111 (GMW) with native non-GMW wheat (NGMW) to find the differences, if any, in their biosafety. Three groups of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used to study the biosafety of GMW for 30 days. Group 1 was fed on a basal diet (control), and group 2 on a control diet with 30 % replacement of starch with NGMW, while group 3 was fed on the control diet with 30 % replacement of starch with GMW. There were no significant signs of adverse impacts noted in the clinical appearance of animals fed on GMW in terms of initial body weight, absolute or relative organ weights and serum profile in comparison with the control group. However, slight histopathological changes were observed in the organs of animals fed on GMW. Though our results demonstrate GMW biosafety regarding its biochemical parameters, however, detailed description of submucosal edema and further studies on allergenic potential with long feeding periods should be performed to conclude its impacts on health.
... Following Iran's accession to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the process of drafting the Biosafety Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran began and finally, in 2009, this law was approved by the Islamic Parliament. Not only this law has allowed performing all the affairs associated with GMOs but also it has obliged the government to facilitate release, cultivation, production, consumption, export, and import of GM products regarding local technology based on legal regulations 29,30 . Hence, an organization called as "Biosafety Council" was established in Iran by forming a secretariat in Department of Environment responsible for producing and supplying GM products 31 . ...
Recently, there has been a development in transgenic technologies in many countries to meet nutritional needs of increasing worlds҆ population. However, there are some concerns about possible risks in the field of growing genetically modified (GM) food, such as threats of biodiversity and food allergies making their use a challenge. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the economic effects and political scopes of GM foods in production sector and policies made by different countries in the world and Iran. Moreover, essential (practical and legal) solutions and guidelines were provided for production and consumption of GM foods, which are useful for governmental entities, Iranian politicians, and consumers' rights. The latest situation of transgenic crops in the countries with which Iran has the highest exchange of agricultural products (including Turkey, Pakistan, and the European Union (EU)) was also studied. Although, Iran has been one of leading Asian countries not only in the field of transfer of technical knowledge of genetic engineering, but also in development of the specialized knowledge of biosafety, and despite production of several transgenic plant lines by Iranian researchers, unfortunately no GM crop has obtained release and cultivation license except for GM rice that its growing process was banned after change of government. According to findings of this study, in Iran, growing and production process of GM crops does not follow the global trend owing to scientific and legal infrastructures.
... Following Iran's accession to the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol, the process of drafting the Biosafety Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran began, and nally in 2009 this law was approved by the Islamic Parliament. Not only has this law allowed all of affairs associated with GMOs but also obliged the government to facilitate release, cultivation, production, consumption, export and import of Gm products regarding local technology based on the legal regulations (87,88). Hence, an organization called "Biosafety Council" has been established in Iran by forming a secretariat in Department of Environment responsible for producing and supplying GM products (5). ...
Transgenic technologies expanded in many countries regarding the nutritional needs of the increasing population. There are, however, some concerns about possible risks in growing genetically modified (GM) food such as threats of biodiversity and food allergies making it a challenge. This study aimed at examining the economic effects and political scopes of GM food in the production sector and policies made by different countries in the world and Iran. Moreover, essential (practical and legal) solutions and guidelines for GM food production and consumption are provided, which are useful for governmental entities and Iranian politicians and consumers' rights. transgenic technology has been accepted by high-rank farmers to produce genetically modified crops due to an increase in net profit caused by improved yield in spite of the high cost of transgenic seeds. Among 11 countries producing GM crops in the world in 2018, the USA is the first country followed by Brazil and Argentina at second and third ranks. In 2018, 78, 76, 30 and 29% of soybean, cotton, corn and canola production areas respectively were under cultivation of GM varieties. Although Iran has been one of the leading Asian countries not only in the field of transfer of technical knowledge of genetic engineering, but also in the development of specialized knowledge of biosafety, and despite the production of several transgenic plant lines by Iranian researchers, no GM crop has obtained release and cultivation license except for genetically modified rice that its growing process was banned after government change. This study implies that GM crops growing and production process does not follow the global trend owing to scientific and legal infrastructures.
... Genome edit crop have the potential to produce enough under diverse environmental conditions (Ghosh et al. 2011). The area undergoing genome-engineered crops is increasing with every passing year, however, regulatory concerns need the attention of researchers and governing bodies (Dona and Arvanitoyannis 2009). Meanwhile, several countries have adopted policies to cultivate genome-engineered crops and it can be expected the opposition to novel techniques may reduce (Ronald 2011). ...
Global food security is increasingly challenging in the light of population increase, the impact of climate change on crop production, and limited land available for agricultural expansion. Plant breeding and other agricultural technologies have contributed considerably to hunger reduction over the last few decades. The classical breeding approaches lack the ability to meet global food requirements. The complexities of different cultural or geographic systems, combined with changing needs, technologies and environments have made the application of broad, universal solutions for sustained food security difficult. Therefore, genetic‐engineering approaches are powerful tools that we have at our disposal to overcome substantial obstacles in the way of efficiency and productivity of current agricultural practices. The genome edited crops have shown economic benefits in terms of yield, nutritional quality and resistance for biotic and abiotic stresses. The genome‐editing technology involves targeted changes in the genetic makeup in a very small and well‐defined manner. The knowledge of genomics has further improved our understanding for modern and genome‐editing techniques available to plant breeders. In this chapter, a detailed highlight is given for genetic‐engineering approaches widely utilized in the crop production system. Moreover, the discussion has taken place on the importance of genomics for the crop improvement programs. The knowledge of both classical and modern breeding efforts can help to understand the underlying mechanism important to ensure food security. The novel plant‐breeding techniques (NPBTs) can help to accelerate breeding programs with high efficiency and reliability.
... It is stated that they may impair the natural diversity due to gene transfer to untargeted organisms, and that they may also cause possible new virus and toxin formations. Another doubt about GMOs is that they may increase the level of anti-nutrients (Dona & Arvanitoyannis, 2009). ...
Research aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the consumers’ opinions about genetically modified (GM) foods in Turkey. A framework was conceptualized and conducted in educated consumers. Method: A questionnaire about consumers’ knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions was performed to 1307 individuals. Data were collected through face-to-face conversations with the questionnaire. The convenience sampling method was used for data collection and a voluntary basis was taken into account while selecting the participants. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 16.0. According to the results the genetically modified foods knowledge scores (4.53±0.74) of married individuals are high (p<0.001), single individuals’ GM foods attitude, behavior and perception scores have also been found to be statistically significantly high (26.55±5.95) (p<0.001). Findings: Furthermore, there exist a positive correlation between the attitude, behavior and perception scores. Age, gender and marital status of highly educated consumers’ influence their knowledge and attitudes about GM foods, but the attitude, behavior and perception scores show that individuals are concerned about GM foods. Conclusions: It is seen that consumers do not have sufficient knowledge about genetically modified foods but that they want to be informed. According to the results of this study, consumers focus more on the harmful aspects of the benefit/harm relationship of GM foods. In this study, it was determined that women were suspicious of genetically modified foods compared to men. This study reflects about consumers opinions and provides information about the studies and enforcements will be executed in this regard in the future.
... thuringiensis (Bt)], herbicide resistance, disease resistance, nutritional, and other enhancements such as golden rice. GM crops can meet the growing global demand for food using a limited amount of land in the future (Dona and Arvanitoyannis, 2009;Arya, 2015). Gene editing is the latest version of GE that relies on species-specific nucleases (SSNs) to insert, delete, or modify specific genes. ...
The completion of this book on genetic improvement of crops has been made possible
through the invaluable contributions and support of numerous individuals and institutions.
It is with profound gratitude that we acknowledge their efforts.
We extend our deepest appreciation, whose expertise and insights have been instrumental in
shaping the content and direction of this book. Your dedication to advancing agricultural
science has been a constant source of inspiration.
We would like to express our gratitude to the researchers, scientists, and academics who
generously shared their knowledge, data, and findings. Your collaborative spirit has
enriched the discussions within this book and broadened its scope.
We extend special thanks to Galgotias University for providing access to cutting-edge
research facilities and resources. Our commitment to fostering innovation has been pivotal
in the exploration of genetic advancements in crop improvement.
Lastly, we acknowledge the dedication of farmers, breeders, and agricultural communities
worldwide who work tirelessly to implement genetic improvements in crops. Our efforts
contribute to enhancing global food security and sustainability.
This book stands as a tribute to the collaborative efforts of all those who strive for the
betterment of crop genetics. While challenges persist, the unity demonstrated by these
acknowledgments reaffirms the potential for innovation and positive change.
Bu çalışmanın amacı lise öğrencilerinin genetiği değiştirilmiş ürünlere (GDO’lu ürün) yönelik kaygılarının belirlenmesidir. Çalışmada tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Kars ilinde 2021-2022 eğitim-öğretim yılında öğrenim görmekte olan 251 lise 9, 10 ve 11. sınıf öğrencileri çalışmanın örneklemini oluşturmaktadır. Veri toplama aracı olarak araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilmiş olan “GDO’lu Ürünlere Yönelik Kaygı Anketi” kullanılmıştır. Anket formu dört adet açık uçlu sorudan oluşan bir görüş anketidir. Çalışma sonucunda lise öğrencilerinin GDO’lu ürünler hakkında yeteri kadar bilgilerinin olmadığı görülmüş, öğrencilerin GDO’lu ürünlerin tüketilmemesi gerektiğine, sağlıklarının bozulabileceğine ve çevreye zarar verebileceklerine yönelik endişeleri olduğu belirlenmiştir.
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO) and European Commission (EC), define the genetically modified organism (GMO) as organisms (plants/animals/microorganisms) that “do not occur naturally through mating and/or natural recombination”. In other words, genetic material is directly manipulated with biotechnological applications, and it is aimed to separate the millennial characteristics of plants and animals in the genetic stock through selective breeding. Foods produced from transgenic plants and animals are also called genetically modified foods. A total of 525 transgenic traits have been commercialized in 32 crops so far. The most transgenation was carried out in corn (238), cotton (61), potato (49), Argentine canola (42), soybean (41), and clove (19).
Public/social behaviour is one of the main elements that determines the success or failure of any commercial product launched in the market, and food product marketing is no exception. There have been several studies conducted to assess attitude, awareness, or acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food products, giving a good insight about the perception towards this product. However, limited attempts have been made to determine the antecedents that influence the attitude towards GM food products in southeast Asian context. This chapter attempts to investigate the influence of perceived benefits, perceived risks, knowledge, general attitude, and trust on attitude towards GM food products in Malaysia, a fast-developing economy. To effectively develop the GM food industry, it is important for the government, policy makers, non-governmental organisations and the industry in general to seriously consider the market's attitude towards GM food products, while formulating commercialisation strategies.
This comprehensive three-volume set book, Biotechnologies and
Genetics in Plant Mutation Breeding, aims to help combat the
challenge of providing enough food for the world by use of the advanced
process of genetics to improve crop production, in both quantity and quality.
Volume 2: Mutagenesis and Crop Improvement first deals with
mutagenesis, cytotoxicity, and crop improvement. It discusses the processes,
mutagenic effectiveness, and efficiency and mechanisms of mutagenesis and
covers the principles, applications, and scope of mutagenesis as well. Several
chapters focus on mutation-induced cytological aberrations and cytotoxicity.
There is also emphasis on improvement of agronomic characteristics by
manipulating the genotype of plant species, resulting in increase in
productivity.
As a general observation we can say that there exists imbalance of power between producers and consumers of genetically engineered food. This paper, using a doctrinal legal approach, examines three issues: 1) the rationality of protecting consumers of genetically engineered food, 2) the rights of consumers of genetically engineered food, and 3) the effectiveness of consumer protection for genetically engineered food. Arguably, the same situation exists between producers and consumers of genetically engineered food. Disparities and power imbalance relating to knowledge, capital – or simply power – determines the answer to those questions above.
The technology of genetically modified (GM) can overwhelm agricultural and nutritional difficulties in the food industry, food safety and security by increasing resistance to pests and herbicides, drought tolerance, rapid ripening and ultimately increasing yield and food quality. However, in the last few decades, significant dangers of GM foods to humans, animals, and the environment have been identified. Nevertheless, there is insufficient scientific evidence to prove the harmful effects of these foods on human and animal health. In this article, several advantages and disadvantages of this technology are reviewed. Therefore, it is necessary to perform all the requested risk assessments before releasing any GM product and next post-release checking to track probable gene flow and limit any possible contamination of the food chain catastrophe. Therefore, the safe use of this technology, in compliance with all protocols of environmental health and safety assessment at the national and international levels are demanded.
Through the previous chapters, we are now well versed with the broad spectrum of advances in the Recombinant DNA Technology (RDT) and wide applications of RDT in all the domains of our lives. The recombinant DNA technology has application in medical and diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industry as well as environmental sciences. A quick look into the safety and ethical concerns would help them understand the perils associated with irresponsible and random usage of techniques.KeywordsBiosafetyEthical issuesRisk of engineered organismsRegulators agenciesRules and guidelines
Background:
The production of healthy and nutritious food, in an ecologically sustainable and safe way, has become one of the great ethical issues of our time. The recent G 20 urged the "promotion and work on the social determinants of health to address other critical health issues such as food and nutrition".
Objective:
The aim of this work is to analyze the current scientific literature regarding the role of obesity in the severe COVID-19 outcomes. In the light of the indications of the G20, the main causes of obesity are examined, and lifestyles are suggested with particular regard to proper nutrition in order to prevent/treat overweight since childhood.
Methods:
Multidisciplinary work, in which the biological and legal perspectives provide a meta-legal analysis of the obesity problem.
Results:
Unhealthy habits induce metabolic imbalance and increase in the body weight promoting obesity. This condition is the result of many factors (genetic predisposition, social position and "junk food" consumption) and is associated with a high risk of diseases, among them exacerbations from viral respiratory infections, including the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions:
The industrial food revolution changed our eating habits, leading to production of too much unhealthy food, absent in ancient diet, thus contributing to the onset of some disorders. The business of food industry should be downsized in favor of morally or ethically fair choices for consumers and for the well-being of society, together with an ethical food distribution, governmental food education programs, and balanced oversight of food production.
BT799 was Bacillus thuringiensis-genetic modified (GM) maize, and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with different diet formulations containing BT799 maize grain (33% and 66%) or its non-transgenic Zhengdan 958 (ZD958, 33% and 66%). The feeding lasted for 10 (P)/14 (F1 and F2) weeks. The reproductive capacity and pathological responses were detected in each generation of rats fed with BT799 and ZD958. During the growth and development of parental rats, each group showed the same trend in body weight gain and food intake, with a few fluctuations at individual time points. No statistically significant difference was observed in reproductive data (copulation index, fertility index, and live birth rate) of rats fed with transgenic maize compared with non-transgenic maize. We observed some apparent changes in reproductive data (sperm numbers and motility) and pathological responses (organ relative weights, hematological parameters, serum chemistry parameters, and sex hormone levels) among rats fed with BT799 maize grain. However, these differences were within the laboratory's historical normal range of control SD rats and not maize grain dose-dependent. These changes were not considered to be adverse or toxic. No significant difference in macroscopic or histological adverse effects was observed between rats consuming transgenic BT799 diet and non-transgenic diet. In conclusion, the long-term intake of BT799 maize was as safe as the corresponding non-transgenic maize for three-generation SD rats.
The term ‘genetically modified organisms (GMO)’ is still an under-discussion topic since it was introduced decades ago. Beside public concerns against GM products, some of the scientists claim it is a vital tool to improve plant breeding in the future, while others emphasize potential harmful effects of the technology. In this paper, advantages, risks, and some technological developments of GMOs technology were discussed with old and recent studies to understand where we are at GMO technology in 2020s. GMO technology also has a great impact on global economy with a total of US$ 224.9 billion profit between 1996 and 2018. Its economic impact makes the technology inevitable in the future. Thus, this paper will also explain legal perspectives of the countries against GM crop breeding and marketing.
Zusammenfassung
Die COVID-19-Pandemie verdeutlicht, dass es nicht eingeplante Gesundheitsrisiken gibt, die erhebliche Auswirkungen auf Gesellschaft, Unternehmen und Menschen haben können. Unabhängig von der COVID-19-Pandemie sind daher Unternehmen und ihr Gesundheitsmanagement gut beraten, sich auf mögliche zukünftige Gesundheitsrisiken vorzubereiten. In unserem Beitrag zeigen wir potenzielle Quellen solcher Risiken auf und versuchen, potenzielle Trends zu identifizieren. Wir nutzen hierfür die soziologische Human-Condition-Perspektive von Talcott Parsons unter Zuhilfenahme empirischer Befunde. Die Quellen der Gesundheitsrisiken werden aus dieser systemtheoretischen Perspektive im telischen System, physikalisch-chemischen System, biologischen System und Handlungssystem gesehen. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf dem menschlichen Handlungssystem, aus dem die relevantesten Gesundheitsrisiken, aber auch die wichtigsten Ressourcen stammen. Es wird ein Sechs-Punkte-Programm vorgeschlagen, das den Unternehmen und dem Betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanagement helfen kann, auf zukünftige Gesundheitsrisiken besser vorbereitet zu sein.
Initial evidence on the endocrine-disrupting effects of genetically modified (GM) food motivated us to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of GM and non-GM plant-derived edible oils in female Wistar rats. Sunflower (non-GM), maize (GM), and canola (GM) oils as popular resource dietary oils were purchased from the local market. After tracking the target sequence of CaMV 35S and Nos terminator in all selected batch numbers of edible oils by real-time PCR, oil samples were daily gavaged to 10 weeks Wistar rats for 28 days. Clinical factors, serum lipid levels, sex hormones, and gonadotropins as well as the histopathological changes were compared among groups by statistical analysis. Besides normal lipid profile, gonadotropin levels, and LH/FSH ratio at day 28, serum estradiol levels were raised in both GM (canola oil (p=0.04)) and non-GM (sunflower oil (p=0.008)) groups. In necropsy studies, ovarian atrophies were detected in canola (p<0.001) and sunflower groups (p<0.043) although uterine remained unchanged in all groups. In histopathological evaluations, all sections showed severe congestion and multiple follicular cysts in the sunflower oil group. Simple and secondary cysts in the maize group were the other type of ovarian toxicity in this short period of time. Remarkable estrogenic properties of GM and non-GM plant-derived edible oils with signs of ovarian atrophy, congestion, and cysts may contribute to phthalate or other xenoestrogenic contaminations; therefore, analytical studies of samples and further human populations studies are highly recommended.
(We are ignoring the comments of P. Christou, as they bear little relationship to the actual article that we submitted, and was published in your Journal. Our remarks are directed to the critiques from Hull, R., Covey, S. N. and Dale, P. of The John Innes Centre, and from Oliver Rautenberg of Biolinx.)
Via a historical reconstruction, this paper primarily demonstrates how the societal debate on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) gradually extended in terms of actors involved and concerns reflected. It is argued that the implementation of recombinant DNA technology out of the laboratory and into civil society entailed a “complex of concerns.” In this complex, distinctions between environmental, agricultural, socio-economic, and ethical issues proved to be blurred. This fueled the confusion between the wider debate on genetic modification and the risk assessment of transgenic crops in the European Union. In this paper, the lasting skeptical and/or ambivalent attitude of Europeans towards agro-food biotechnology is interpreted as signaling an ongoing social request – and even a quest – for an evaluation of biotechnology with Sense and Sensibility. In this (re)quest, a broader-than-scientific dimension is sought for that allows addressing the GMO debate in a more “sensible” way, whilst making “sense” of the different stances taken in it. Here, the restyling of the European regulatory frame on transgenic agro-food products and of science communication models are discussed and taken to be indicative of the (re)quest to move from a merely scientific evaluation and risk-based policy towards a socially more robust evaluation that takes the “non-scientific” concerns at stake in the GMO debate seriously.
The fate of ingested recombinant plant DNA in farm animals (cattle and chicken) being fed a diet containing conventional
maize or recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis toxin-maize (Bt-maize) is described. The probability of the detection by polymerase chain reaction of chloroplast-specific
gene fragments of different lengths (199 bp and 532 bp) and a Bt-maize-specific fragment [truncated version of CryIA(b)] is shown. First data indicated that only short DNA fragments (<200 bp) derived from plant chloroplasts could be detected
in the blood lymphocytes of cows. In all other cattle organs investigated (muscle, liver, spleen, kidney) plant DNAs were
not found, except for faint signals in milk. Furthermore, Bt-gene fragments possibly recording the uptake of recombinant maize,
were not detected in any sample from cattle. However, in all chicken tissues (muscle, liver, spleen, kidney) the short maize
chloroplast gene fragment was amplified. In contrast to this, no foreign plant DNA fragments were found in eggs. Bt-gene specific
constructs originating from recombinant Bt-maize were not detectable in any of these poultry samples either.
The spore-forming soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produces parasporal inclusion bodies composed by δ-endotoxins also known as Cry proteins, whose resistance to proteolysis, stability in highly alkaline pH and innocuity to vertebrates make them an interesting candidate to carrier of relevant epitopes in vaccines. The purpose of this study was to determine the mucosal and systemic immunogenicity in mice of Cry1Ac protoxin from B. thuringiensis HD73. Crystalline and soluble forms of the protoxin were administered by intraperitoneal or intragastric route and anti-Cry1Ac antibodies of the major isotypes were determined in serum and intestinal fluids. The two forms of Cry1Ac protoxin administered by intraperitoneal route induced a high systemic antibody response, however, only soluble Cry1Ac induced a mucosal response via intragastric. Serum antibody levels were higher than those induced by cholera toxin. Systemic immune responses were attained with doses of soluble Cry1Ac ranging from 0.1 to 100 μg by both routes, and the maximal effect was obtained with the highest doses. High anti-Cry1Ac IgG antibody levels were detected in the large and small intestine fluids from mice receiving the antigen via IP. These data indicate that Cry1Ac is a potent systemic and mucosal immunogen.
Food composition data are currently being used in ways not well-anticipated several years ago. Consequently, some of our criteria of quality, of both data per se and of databases, need to be re-examined, expanded, or otherwise adjusted. Among the key criteria for reassessment for the future vision are the concepts of representativeness, completeness, and a harmonized approach. The controversial issues related to these concepts are food biotechnology and biodiversity, climate change and other environmental phenomena, risk assessment, trade and regulatory requirements, and evidence for diet/disease relationships.
Food-ingested foreign DNA is not completely degraded in the gastrointestinal tract of mice. Phage M13mp18 DNA as a test molecule devoid of homology to mouse DNA was pipette-fed to or added to the food supply of mice. The fate of this foreign DNA in the animals was followed by several methods. In 84 animals, fragments of M13mp18 DNA were detected in the contents of the small intestine, the cecum (until 18 h), the large intestine, or the feces. In 254 animals, M13mp18 DNA fragments of up to 976 bp were found in blood 2–8 h after feeding. In buffer-fed control animals, M13mp18 DNA could not be detected. M13mp18 DNA fragments were traced by PCR in peripheral leukocytes and located by fluorescent in situ hybridization in about 1 of 1000 white cells between 2 and 8 h, and in spleen or liver cells up to 24 h after feeding, but not later. M13mp18 DNA could be traced by fluorescent in situ hybridization in the columnar epithelial cells, in the leukocytes in Peyer’s patches of the cecum wall, in liver cells, and in B cells, T cells, and macrophages from spleen. These findings suggest transport of foreign DNA through the intestinal wall and Peyer’s patches to peripheral blood leukocytes and into several organs. Upon extended feeding, M13mp18 DNA could be recloned from total spleen DNA into a λ vector. Among about 2.5 × 107 λ plaques, one plaque was isolated that contained a 1299 nucleotide pair fragment (nt 4736–6034) of sequence-identified M13mp18 DNA. This fragment was covalently linked to an 80 nt DNA segment with 70% homology to the mouse IgE receptor gene. The DNA from another λ plaque also contained mouse DNA, bacterial DNA, and rearranged λ DNA. Two additional plaques contained M13mp18 DNA fragments of at least 641 (nt 2660–3300) or 794 (nt 4640–5433) nucleotide pairs. The medical and evolutionary implications of these observations may be considerable.
The nutritional quality of soybeans (Glycine max) is compromised by a relative deficiency of methionine in the protein fraction of the seeds. To improve the nutritional quality, methionine-rich 2S albumin from the Brazil nut (Betholletia excelsa) has been introduced into transgenic soybeans. Since the Brazil nut is a known allergenic food, we assessed the allergenicity of the 2S albumin.
The ability of proteins in transgenic and non-transgenic soybeans, Brazil nuts, and purified 2S albumin to bind to IgE in serum from subjects allergic to Brazil nuts was determined by radioallergosorbent tests (4 subjects) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis (9 subjects) with immunoblotting and autoradiography. Three subjects also underwent skin-prick testing with extracts of soybean, transgenic soybean, and Brazil nut.
On radioallergosorbent testing of pooled serum from four subjects allergic to Brazil nuts, protein extracts of transgenic soybean inhibited binding of IgE to Brazil-nut proteins. On immunoblotting, serum IgE from eight of nine subjects bound to purified 2S albumin from the Brazil nut and the transgenic soybean. On skin-prick testing, three subjects had positive reactions to extracts of Brazil nut and transgenic soybean and negative reactions to soybean extract.
The 2S albumin is probably a major Brazil-nut allergen, and the transgenic soybeans analyzed in this study contain this protein. Our study show that an allergen from a food known to be allergenic can be transferred into another food by genetic engineering.
Animal feeding studies were conducted with rats, broiler chickens, catfish and dairy cows as part of a safety assessment program for a soybean variety genetically modified to tolerate in-season application of glyphosate. These studies were designed to compare the feeding value (wholesomeness) of two lines of glyphosate-tolerant soybeans (GTS) to the feeding value of the parental cultivar from which they were derived. Processed GTS meal was incorporated into the diets at the same concentrations as used commercially; diary cows were fed 10 g/100 g cracked soybeans in the diet, a level that is on the high end of what is normally fed commercially. In a separate study, laboratory rats were fed 5 and 10 g unprocessed soybean meal 100 g diet. The study durations were 4 wk (rats and dairy cows), 6 wk (broilers) and 10 wk (catfish). Growth, feed conversion (rats, catfish, broilers), fillet composition (catfish), and breast muscle and fat pad weights (broilers) were compared for animals fed the parental and GTS lines. Milk production, milk composition, rumen fermentation and nitrogen digestibility were also compared for dairy cows. In all studies, measured variables were similar for animals fed both GTS lines and the parental line, indicating that the feeding value of the two GTS lines is comparable to that of the parental line. These studies support detailed compositional analysis of the GTS seeds, which showed no meaningful differences between the parental and GTS lines in the concentrations of important nutrients and antinutrients. They also confirmed the results of other studies that demonstrated the safety of the introduced protein, a bacterial 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase from Agrobacterium sp. strain CP4.
gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA; C18:3 delta(6,9,12)) is a component of the seed oils of evening primrose (Oenothera spp.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), and some other plants. It is widely used as a dietary supplement and for treatment of various medical conditions. GLA is synthesized by a delta6-fatty acid desaturase using linoleic acid (C18:2 delta(9,12)) as a substrate. To enable the production of GLA in conventional oilseeds, we have isolated a cDNA encoding the delta6-fatty acid desaturase from developing seeds of borage and confirmed its function by expression in transgenic tobacco plants. Analysis of leaf lipids from a transformed plant demonstrated the accumulation of GLA and octadecatetraenoic acid (C18:4 delta(6,9,12,15)) to levels of 13.2% and 9.6% of the total fatty acids, respectively. The borage delta6-fatty acid desaturase differs from other desaturase enzymes, characterized from higher plants previously, by the presence of an N-terminal domain related to cytochrome b5.
Eighty-two lactating Holstein cows in their first, second, or third lactation received either one, three, or five concurrent i.m. injections of a unit dose (0.6 g) of zinc methionyl bovine somatotropin (bST) or five doses of the vehicle. Injections were administered at 14-d intervals from 60 +/- 3 d postpartum until the end of lactation or until necropsy. Thirty-eight cows were continued on the treatment for a 2nd yr. Blood samples were collected at wk -2, -1, 3, and 7 relative to the start of treatment and then every 8 wk (yr 1) or 4 wk (yr 2) thereafter. Untreated cows that were included in a survey of the resident herd were bled at wk 7 or 8, wk 10 or 11, and wk 13 or 14 of lactation and every 4 or 8 wk thereafter. Calves were bled within 72 h of birth and at approximately 5 wk of age. Most parameters associated with erythrocytes were decreased mildly in cows that were treated with bST. However, data remained within generally accepted reference ranges, and changes were not of clinical importance. Decreased hematocrit was not associated with increased hemolysis, hemodilution, or clinical anemia. No morphological lesions related to treatment were noted in the bone marrow or spleen; bST did not affect the incidence of immature cell types. Energy and protein balances did not significantly affect the hematological results of the cows. Calves generally were unaffected by bST treatment of the dam, but heavier calves had higher parameters associated with erythrocyte and lymphocyte counts than did calves with lower body weight. Exogenous bST treatment caused predictable changes in hematological parameters of dairy cows.
Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a mitogen for prostate epithelial cells. To investigate associations between plasma IGF levels and prostate cancer risk, a nested case-control study within the Physicians' Health Study was conducted on prospectively collected plasma from 152 cases and 152 controls. A strong positive association was observed between IGF-I levels and prostate cancer risk. Men in the highest quartile of IGF-I levels had a relative risk of 4.3 (95 percent confidence interval 1.8 to 10.6) compared with men in the lowest quartile. This association was independent of baseline prostate-specific antigen levels. Identification of plasma IGF-I as a predictor of prostate cancer risk may have implications for risk reduction and treatment.
Showing that a genetically modified food is chemically similar to its natural counterpart is not adequate evidence that it is safe for human consumption.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), considered a safe insecticide, produces insecticidal proteins named Cry during sporulation, which possess exceptional immunological properties. In this work using an immunohistochemical test we demonstrated that Cry1Ac protoxin (pCry1Ac) binds to the mucosal surface of the mouse small intestine. Ligand blot assay allowed us to detect, under denaturing conditions, six pCry1Ac-binding polypeptides present in brush border membrane vesicles isolated from the small intestine. Moreover, this protein induced in situ temporal changes in the electrophysiological properties of the mouse jejunum. The data obtained indicate a possible interaction in vivo of Cry proteins with the animal bowel which could induce changes in the physiological status of the intestine.
The genetic modification of crop plants from the methodology involved in their production through to the current debate on
their use in agriculture are reviewed. Techniques for plant transformation by Agrobacterium tumefaciens and particle bombardment, and for the selection fo transgenic plants using marker genes are described. The benefits of currently
available genetically modified (GM) crops in reducing waste and agrochemical use in agriculture, and the potential of the
technology for further crop improvement in the future are discussed. The legal requirements for containment fo novel GM cops
and the roles of relevant regulatory boidies in ensuring that GM crops and food are safe are summarized. Some of the major
concerns of the general public regarding GM crops and food: Some of the major concerns of the general public regarding GM
crops and food: segregation of GM and non-GM crops and cross-pollination between GM crops and wild species, the use of antibiotic
resistance marker genes, the prevention of new allergens being introduced in to the food chain and the relative safety of
GM and non-GM foods are considered. Finally, the current debate on the use of GM crops in agriculture and the need for the
government, scientists and industry to persevere with the technology in the face of widespread hostility is studied.
This textbook covers the recent developments in the chemistry, biochemistry and physiological effects of contaminants that might have an impact on human health and welfare. It also discusses risk management and regulatory issues. It contains 19 chapters that are divided into 4 sections. The first part includes chapters on plant and microbial toxins that may contribute to common cases of food allergies, intolerance and poisoning. The second part deals with contaminants arising from anthropogenic activities and environmental pollution, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites, nitroso compounds, food additives, and drugs. The third part comprises case studies on current topics of particular concern in food safety. Specific emphasis is placed on the nature of compounds, distribution of residues in common foods, uptake, toxicology and regulatory issues. In the fourth part, a concluding chapter contains a synthesis of the worldwide and continuing concerns over food safety using information from all chapters in the book. Emerging issues and legislation are also addressed, and the chapter ends with a review of research priorities and action points. This book will be of considerable interest to students and researchers in food science, dietetics, medical and veterinary sciences and agriculture.
The most important results from the EU-sponsored ENTRANSFOOD Thematic Network project are reviewed, including the design of a detailed step-wise procedure for the risk assessment of foods derived from genetically modified crops based on the latest scientific developments, evaluation of topical risk assessment issues, and the formulation of proposals for improved risk management and public involvement in the risk analysis process.
Recombinant DNA technology has provided a mechanism for large scale production of somatotropin (growth hormone). There is no question that exogenous administration of somatotropin (ST) to pigs significantly improves efficiency of growth and carcass composition. Microinjecting foreign DNA into the pronucleus of fertilized ova is the predominant method employed to produce transgenic animals. The goal of producing transgenic pigs is to improve productive traits and carcass composition, enhance animal health and produce useful human health products. With greater emphasis on lean tissue accretion and less lipid deposition, either exogenous administration of ST or transgene technology can be used as a tool to maximize genetic potential for protein accretion and/or lipid depletion. The magnitudes of response for protein accretion and lipid depletion differ between these two biotechnological strategies. However, both offer means for progress in meeting consumer demands for lean meat.
(We are ignoring the comments of P. Christou, as they bear little relationship to the actual article that we submitted, and was published in your Journal. Our remarks are directed to the critiques from Hull, R., Covey, S. N. and Dale, P. of The John Innes Centre, and from Oliver Rautenberg of Biolinx.)
Glyphosate (N-phosphonomethyl-glycine) is the active ingredient in the nonselective herbicide Roundup. The sensitivity of crop plants to glyphosate has limited its in-season use as a postemergence herbicide. The extension of the use of Roundup herbicide to allow in-season application in major crops such as soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] would provide new weed control options for farmers. A glyphosate-tolerant soybean line, 40-3-2, was obtained through expression of the bacterial 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSP synthase, EPSPS) enzyme from Agrobacterium sp. strain CP4. Line 40-3-2 is highly tolerant to glyphosate, showing no visual injury after application of up to 1.68 kg acid equivalent (a.e.) ha -1 of glyphosate under field conditions. Molecular characterization studies determined that the single genetic insert in line 40-3-2 contains only a portion of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter (P-E35S), the Petunia hybrida EPSPS chloroplast transit peptide (CTP), the CP4 EPSPS gene, and a portion of the 3' nontranslated region of the nopaline synthase gene (NOS 3') terminator. Inheritance studies have shown that the transgene behaves as a single dominant gene and is stable over several generations.
Several proposed biotechnological applica- tions of green fluorescent protein (GFP) are likely to result in its introduction into the food supply of domestic animals and humans. We fed pure GFP and diets containing transgenic canola expressing GFP to young male rats for 26 d to evaluate the potential toxicity and allergenicity of GFP. Animals (n 8 per group) were fed either AIN-93G (control), control diet plus 1.0 mg of purified GFP daily, modified control diet with 200 g/kg canola (Brassica rapa cv Westar), or control diet with 200 g/kg transgenic canola containing one of two levels of GFP. Ingestion of GFP did not affect growth, food intake, relative weight of intestine or other organs, or activities of hepatic enzymes in serum. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of GFP to known food allergens revealed that the greatest number of consecutive amino acid matches between GFP and any food allergen was four, suggesting the absence of common allergen epitopes. Moreover, GFP was rapidly de- graded during simulated gastric digestion. These data indi- cate that GFP is a low allergenicity risk and provide prelimi- nary indications that GFP is not likely to represent a health risk. J. Nutr. 133: 1909-1912, 2003.
Insulin-like growth factor–I (IGF-I) is a mitogen for prostate epithelial cells. To investigate associations between plasma
IGF levels and prostate cancer risk, a nested case-control study within the Physicians' Health Study was conducted on prospectively
collected plasma from 152 cases and 152 controls. A strong positive association was observed between IGF-I levels and prostate
cancer risk. Men in the highest quartile of IGF-I levels had a relative risk of 4.3 (95 percent confidence interval 1.8 to
10.6) compared with men in the lowest quartile. This association was independent of baseline prostate-specific antigen levels.
Identification of plasma IGF-I as a predictor of prostate cancer risk may have implications for risk reduction and treatment.
This review aims at providing an update of the current European Union (EU) Regulations and Directives on food-related issues. Initially, a brief presentation of EU legislation in terms of structure (horizontal, vertical) was attempted. EU Regulations and Directives were classified into the following categories: food safety (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, pesticides, radioactive, hormones, contaminants, freezing – ionisation, food additives, flavourings, packaging), genetically modified organisms, food quality, labelling, food products of plant or animal origin, imports from third countries. Apart from a synoptical presentation of all laws related to the above-mentioned topics, proper tables were compiled where the main points of each law are cited in conjunction with its effect on previous laws (repeal, modification, amendments, replacement). In such a way the reader can rapidly acquire a first approach to the topic of his interest.
The spore-forming bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produces intracellular inclusions comprised of protoxins active on several orders of insects. These highly effective and specific toxins have great potential in agriculture and for the control of disease-related insect vectors. Inclusions ingested by larvae are solubilized and converted to active toxins in the midgut. There are two major classes, the cytolytic toxins and the δ-endotoxins. The former are produced by B. thuringiensis subspecies active on Diptera. The latter, which will be the focus of this review, are more prevalent and active on at least three orders of insects. They have a three-domain structure with extensive functional interactions among the domains. The initial reversible binding to receptors on larval midgut cells is largely dependent upon domains II and III. Subsequent steps involve toxin insertion into the membrane and aggregation, leading to the formation of gated, cation-selective channels. The channels are comprised of certain amphipathic helices in domain I, but the three processes of insertion, aggregation and the formation of functional channels are probably dependent upon all three domains. Lethality is believed to be due to destruction of the transmembrane potential, with the subsequent osmotic lysis of cells lining the midgut. In this review, the mode of action of these δ-endotoxins will be discussed with emphasis on unique features.
In the present paper a bio-economic model was constructed to estimate the impact of a biotechnology innovation in EU agriculture. Transgenic Bt maize offers the potential to efficiently control corn borers that cause economically important losses in maize growing in Spain. Since 1998, Syngenta has commercialised the variety Compa CB, equivalent to an annual maize area of about 25 000 ha. During the 6-year period 1998–2003, a total welfare gain of 15.5 million euros was estimated from the adoption of Bt maize, of which Spanish farmers captured two thirds, the rest accruing to the seed industry.
Although capture fisheries have experienced slow to stagnant growth in recent years, the world population has been increasing, with subsequent rises in demands for marine-based foods. One possibility for alleviating potential food shortages and price increases is through aquaculture, which has experienced rapid worldwide expansion. A major focus of research in the aquaculture industry is on the use of biotechnology to increase food availability and reduce production costs, specifically through the manipulation of the genes and chromosomes of cultivated species. Examples include transgenic fish with properties such as increased growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, disease resistance, cold tolerance, and improved metabolism of land-based plants. However, use of transgenic organisms in aquaculture is a very controversial topic due to a number of environmental and human health concerns such as escapement and introduction of genetically modified organisms into the food chain. In response, some transgenic research has also been focused on inducing sterility to reduce the risk of transgenic organisms breeding with wild species. A method of chromosome manipulation, referred to as polyploidy, provides the option of creating sterile organisms, some of which also exhibit increased growth rates. This review paper will discuss recent advances in biotechnology research, specifically in regards to the manipulation of genes and chromosomes, for enhanced cultivation of fish and invertebrates. Major environmental and human health concerns will also be addressed.
Vegetable protein sources like soybeans, canola and maize gluten are good alternatives to fish meal. However, a large proportion of such products available on the international market may possess genetically modified (GM) components. This report concerns a study to investigate the fate and survival of ingested GM soy DNA fragments (120 and 195 bp) and a 180-bp fragment of the lectin gene of soybean (Glycine max) during feeding trials with Atlantic salmon post-smolt. Specifically, the study focused on the fate of selected GM soy DNA fragments from feed to fish to investigate their survival through the fish gastrointestinal (GI) tract and whether the DNA could be traced in a variety of fish tissues. Fish were fed three experimental diets for 6 weeks, which were formulated from defined components and represented either GM or non-GM materials (17.2% of the fish meal was replaced with either GM or non-GM soy). A control diet composed of fish meal as the only protein source was used for comparison purposes. The transgenic sequences (120 and 195 bp) and the lectin gene (180 bp) could be detected in the GM soy feed. In the fish GI tract, however, only the smaller DNA fragment (120 bp) could be amplified from the content of the stomach, pyloric region, mid intestine and distal intestine. No transgenic or conventional soy DNA fragments could be detected in liver, muscle or brain tissues resected from sacrificed fish. The sensitivity limit of the method was evaluated to be 20 copies. These data indicate that GM soy transgenic sequences may survive passage through the GI tract but that they cannot be traced in fish tissues.
The risk assessment of GM stacked events, which are considered as a new GMO in the EU, could be less extensive than the assessment of the parental GM events. This will be the case when the latter have been proven to be safe for the human health and the environment for the same uses as the GM stacked event. Criteria for the risk assessment of GM stacked events combining positively assessed GM parental lines are proposed. Molecular and comparative analysis data are put forward as minimum requirements. Additional food/feed safety testing and environmental studies are considered relevant on a case-by-case basis.
The effect of diets in which 50% of casein-gelatin protein was replaced with extracted soybean meal (SBM) or soybean protein concentrate (SPC) on first-feeding rainbow trout and juvenile South American pacu was examined following 3–6 fold body weight gain. A casein-gelatin-based diet supplemented with essential amino acids, lipids and other ingredients was used as control. After 4-weeks feeding, rainbow trout growth was significantly depressed in both SBM- and SPC-replacement treatments whereas pacu, the adults of which are considered omnivorous or frugivorous, showed significantly improved weight gain on the SBM-replacement diet. The enterocytes of posterior intestine of all control fish, and SBM-fed pacu showed regular shapes. Their supranuclear regions contained numerous small absorptive vacuoles. In trout fed SPC and SBM diets, and in SPC-fed pacu, posterior intestine enterocytes were excessively vacuolized. The highest pancreas activity (measured as the number of proenzyme granules) occurred in control fish. The liver cells showed regular development in both species fed the control diet and in pacu fed SBM and SPC diets. On the contrary, the hepatocytes of SBM and SPC-based diet fed rainbow trout showed anomalies. In both species, the average hepatocyte nuclear volumes significantly differed among the feeding groups. The results of histological analyses indicated that absorption and transport of nutrients to liver and pancreas were affected by the presence of soybean products in experimental diets. The SBM diet was beneficial for pacu but adversely affected rainbow trout, while the SPC diet resulted in extensive pathologies of digestive tract and most likely affected nutrient utilization in both species.
Foreign DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is part of our environment. Considerable amounts of foreign DNA of very different origin are ingested daily with food. In a series of experiments we fed the DNA of bacteriophage M13 as test DNA to mice and showed that fragments of this DNA survive the passage through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in small amounts (1-2%). Food-ingested M13 DNA reaches peripheral white blood cells, the spleen and liver via the intestinal epithelia and cells in the Peyer's patches of the intestinal wall. There is evidence to assume that food-ingested foreign DNA can become covalently linked to mouse-like DNA. When M13 DNA is fed to pregnant mice the test DNA can be detected in cells in various organs of the fetuses and of newborn animals, but never in all cells of the mouse fetus. It is likely that the M13 DNA is transferred by the transplacental route and not via the germ line. The consequences of foreign DNA uptake for mutagenesis and oncogenesis have not yet been investigated.
The most important results from the EU-sponsored ENTRANSFOOD Thematic Network project are reviewed, including the design of a detailed step-wise procedure for the risk assessment of foods derived from genetically modified crops based on the latest scientific developments, evaluation of topical risk assessment issues, and the formulation of proposals for improved risk management and public involvement in the risk analysis process.
Genetic engineering of livestock is expected to have a major effect on the agricultural industry. However, accurate assessment of the consequences of transgene expression is impossible without multigenerational studies. A systematic study of the beneficial and adverse consequences of long-term elevations in the plasma levels of bovine growth hormone (bGH) was conducted on two lines of transgenic pigs. Two successive generations of pigs expressing the bGH gene showed significant improvements in both daily weight gain and feed efficiency and exhibited changes in carcass composition that included a marked reduction in subcutaneous fat. However, long-term elevation of bGH was generally detrimental to health: the pigs had a high incidence of gastric ulcers, arthritis, cardiomegaly, dermatitis, and renal disease. The ability to produce pigs exhibiting only the beneficial, growth-promoting effects of growth hormone by a transgenic approach may require better control of transgene expression, a different genetic background, or a modified husbandry regimen.
Cows and ewes fed estrogenic forage may suffer impaired ovarian function, often accompanied by reduced conception rates and increased embryonic loss. Males are relatively unaffected, but the mammary glands in females and castrate males may undergo hypertrophy of the duct epithelium, accompanied by secretion of clear or milky fluid. In cows, clinical signs resemble those associated with cystic ovaries. The infertility is temporary, normally resolving within 1 mo after removal from the estrogenic feed. However, ewes exposed to estrogen for prolonged periods may suffer a second form of infertility that is permanent, caused by developmental actions of estrogen during adult life. The cervix becomes defeminized and loses its ability to store spermatozoa, so conception rates are reduced, although ovarian function remains normal. Importantly, both temporary and permanent infertility in ewes often occur without observable signs and can be detected only by measurement of phytoestrogens in the diet, or measurement of their effects on the animal. Low background concentrations of dietary phytoestrogens are suggested to play an important role in prevention of disease in humans and laboratory rats, but subclinical effects of phytoestrogens in cattle have not yet been described. Effects of low concentrations of phytoestrogens on reproductive function in ruminants are likely to receive increasing attention.
There are a number of components present in soybeans that exert a negative impact on the nutritional quality of the protein. Among those factors that are destroyed by heat treatment are the protease inhibitors and lectins. Protease inhibitors exert their antinutritional effect by causing pancreatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia, which ultimately results in an inhibition of growth. The lectin, by virtue of its ability to bind to glycoprotein receptors on the epithelial cells lining the intestinal mucosa, inhibits growth by interfering with the absorption of nutrients. Of lesser significance are the antinutritional effects produced by relatively heat stable factors, such as goitrogens, tannins, phytoestrogens, flatus-producing oligosaccharides, phytate, and saponins. Other diverse but ill-defined factors appear to increase the requirements for vitamins A, B12, D, and E. The processing of soybeans under severe alkaline conditions leads to the formation of lysinoalanine, which has been shown to damage the kidneys of rats. This is not generally true, however, for edible soy protein that has been produced under milder alkaline conditions. Also meriting consideration is the allergenic response that may sometimes occur in humans, as well as calves and piglets, on dietary exposure to soybeans.
In late 1989, an epidemic of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) that resulted in several thousand cases of the syndrome and 36 deaths was recognized in the United States. Physicians in New Mexico linked the epidemic to the ingestion of L-tryptophan (LT). Results of studies indicated that one or more trace contaminants in LT were likely causes of the EMS epidemic. Investigators traced the LT that was taken by most patients with EMS to a single manufacturer, Showa Denko K.K. of Japan.
We now report results of high performance liquid chromatographic analysis of LT samples from this manufacturer. Three sets of blind-coded samples were analyzed: the priority case lot set, which included 54 case-associated LT lots and 50 noncase-associated LT lots that were taken by case and control subjects who used only one brand of LT; the single lot case set, which included 73 case-associated LT lots and 25 noncase associated LT lots taken by case and control subjects who used only a single lot of LT; and the South Carolina tablet set, which included LT tablets taken by case subjects (n=26) and by control subjects (n=52). We statistically compared the concentration of each contaminant in case-associated, noncase-associated, and control samples of each sample set. The analyses showed that there were more than 60 minor contaminants in the LT from Showa Denko K.K., and that six of these contaminants were associated with EMS. The structures of three contaminants are known, but the identities of the other three contaminants are currently unknown. In this paper, we discuss each sample set and results of the analysis of each, the combined results of all sets, the identity of the six contaminants, and implications for future research into the etiology of EMS.
One important aspect of the safety assessment of genetically engineered crops destined for food and feed uses is the characterization of the consumed portion of the crop. One crop currently under development, glyphosate-tolerant soybeans (GTS), was modified by the addition of a glyphosate-tolerance gene to a commercial soybean cultivar. The composition of seeds and selected processing fractions from two GTS lines, designated 40-3-2 and 61-67-1, was compared with that of the parental soybean cultivar, A5403. Nutrients measured in the soybean seeds included macronutrients by proximate analyses (protein, fat, fiber, ash, carbohydrates), amino acids and fatty acids. Antinutrients measured in either the seed or toasted meal were trypsin inhibitor, lectins, isoflavones, stachyose, raffinose and phytate. Proximate analyses were also performed on batches of defatted toasted meal, defatted nontoasted meal, protein isolate, and protein concentrate prepared from GTS and control soybean seeds. In addition, refined, bleached, deodorized oil was made, along with crude soybean lecithin, from GTS and control soybeans. The analytical results demonstrated the GTS lines are equivalent to the parental, conventional soybean cultivar.
Levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are substantially elevated and more bioactive in the milk of cows hyperstimulated with the biosynthetic bovine growth hormones rBGH, and are further increased by pasteurization. IGF-1 is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, as evidenced by marked growth-promoting effects even in short-term tests in mature rats, and absorption is likely to be still higher in infants. Converging lines of evidence incriminate IGF-1 in rBGH milk as a potential risk factor for both breast and gastrointestinal cancers.
This article provides a science-based, decision tree approach to assess the allergenic concerns associated with the introduction of gene products into new plant varieties. The assessment focuses on the source from which the transferred gene was derived. Sources fall into three general categories: common allergenic food proteins; less common allergenic foods or other known allergen sources; and sources with no history of allergenicity. Information concerning the amino acid sequence identity to known allergenic proteins, in vitro and/or in vivo immunologic assays, and assessment of key physiochemical properties are included in reaching a recommendation on whether food derived from the genetically modified plant variety should be labeled as to the source of the transferred gene. In the end, a balanced judgement of all the available data generated during allergenicity assessment will assure the safety of foods derived from genetically engineered crops. Using the approaches described here, new plant varieties generated by genetic modification should be introduced into the marketplace with the same confidence that new plant varieties developed by traditional breeding have been introduced for decades.