Article

New Analysis of a Rat Feeding Study with a Genetically Modified Maize Reveals Signs of Hepatorenal Toxicity

Authors:
  • University CAEN, Pôle Risque MRSH, CRIIGEN
To read the full-text of this research, you can request a copy directly from the authors.

Abstract

Health risk assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) cultivated for food or feed is under debate throughout the world, and very little data have been published on mid- or long-term toxicological studies with mammals. One of these studies performed under the responsibility of Monsanto Company with a transgenic corn MON863 has been subjected to questions from regulatory reviewers in Europe, where it was finally approved in 2005. This necessitated a new assessment of kidney pathological findings, and the results remained controversial. An Appeal Court action in Germany (Münster) allowed public access in June 2005 to all the crude data from this 90-day rat-feeding study. We independently re-analyzed these data. Appropriate statistics were added, such as a multivariate analysis of the growth curves, and for biochemical parameters comparisons between GMO-treated rats and the controls fed with an equivalent normal diet, and separately with six reference diets with different compositions. We observed that after the consumption of MON863, rats showed slight but dose-related significant variations in growth for both sexes, resulting in 3.3% decrease in weight for males and 3.7% increase for females. Chemistry measurements reveal signs of hepatorenal toxicity, marked also by differential sensitivities in males and females. Triglycerides increased by 24-40% in females (either at week 14, dose 11% or at week 5, dose 33%, respectively); urine phosphorus and sodium excretions diminished in males by 31-35% (week 14, dose 33%) for the most important results significantly linked to the treatment in comparison to seven diets tested. Longer experiments are essential in order to indicate the real nature and extent of the possible pathology; with the present data it cannot be concluded that GM corn MON863 is a safe product.

No full-text available

Request Full-text Paper PDF

To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.

... 25 In another study, male rats fed with 33% MON 863 Bt corn in a 90-day trial exhibited reduced kidney weight, tubular alterations, and inflammation. 8 Kiliç and Akay reported parietal layer extensions in Bowman's capsules and minimal tubule destruction at various ratios in their study groups. 23 In the present study, an increase in the serum GGT levels was observed in the rats fed with GM soybean oil, indicating liver damage and bile ducts. ...
... 33 Increased blood TG has been reported to be likely due to alteration in liver function. 8 Studies by Oraby et al and Séralini et al displayed that rats consuming GM corn and soybeans have increased AST, ALT, creatinine, and uric acid levels, indicating liver and kidney damage. 8,28 Reduced blood creatinine levels in the GM group may indicate muscle problems, potentially muscle organs such as the heart. ...
... 8 Studies by Oraby et al and Séralini et al displayed that rats consuming GM corn and soybeans have increased AST, ALT, creatinine, and uric acid levels, indicating liver and kidney damage. 8,28 Reduced blood creatinine levels in the GM group may indicate muscle problems, potentially muscle organs such as the heart. 31 Another 90-day study reported increased urea and decreased protein concentrations in male rats fed with Bt rice. ...
Article
Background: The use of transgenic foods has increased global food production and food security. However, there are concerns about their potential negative impacts on health. Studies conducted on the effect of transgenic products on humans and animals are limited, and they do not provide an answer regarding the possible health hazards of transgenic products. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of a diet containing genetically modified soybean oil on organ health and biochemical changes in an experimental model. Methods: The current study was conducted on 18 male Wistar rats in three different groups (6 rats per group). One group was fed a diet containing %10 genetically modified soybean oil for 90 days, while the other two groups served as control groups, receiving either non-genetically modified soybean oil or a standard diet, respectively. Body weight and food consumption were measured once and three times a week, respectively. Results: Our findings indicated that transgenic soybean oil contributed to several histological derangements, including congestion, necrosis, and bile duct hyperplasia in the liver analysis. Similarly, congestion, hemorrhage, and glomerulosclerosis were observed in the kidney analysis. Moreover, transgenic soybean oil significantly increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (P=0.047) and insulin (P=0.048) levels compared to a standard diet. Furthermore, urea and triglycerides (TG) were significantly higher in genetically modified (GM)-fed rats compared to rats fed with standard or non-GM diet (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, a 90-day treatment with transgenic soy-based oil caused significant organ changes in the liver and kidneys of rats. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects to better elucidate these impacts.
... Biochemical parameters such as glucose level, cholesterol, triglyceride level found to be altered in rats fed with GM rice (Poulsen et al., 2007). Furthermore, studies reported significant changes in body weight of rats fed with Mon863 corn (Séralini et al., 2007) and GM rice (Li et al., 2004). Hematological parameters also found to be altered with GM crop. ...
... GM corn fed female rats showed decreased number of red blood cell (MacKenzie et al., 2007). Similarly, GM corn Mon863 has been found to alter blood biochemistry and increased white blood cell levels in male rats (Séralini et al., 2007), which are indication of inflammation. Increases in focal inflammation and tubular deteriorating alterations have been observed in kidney indicative of renal damage due to GM Rats and mice fed with GM corn Mon863 (Séralini et al., 2007). ...
... Similarly, GM corn Mon863 has been found to alter blood biochemistry and increased white blood cell levels in male rats (Séralini et al., 2007), which are indication of inflammation. Increases in focal inflammation and tubular deteriorating alterations have been observed in kidney indicative of renal damage due to GM Rats and mice fed with GM corn Mon863 (Séralini et al., 2007). Heat-treated corn CBH351 was found to modulate immune system by inducing the production of Cry9C-specific IgG and IgG1 (Teshima et al., 2002). ...
Chapter
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.
... Biochemical parameters such as glucose level, cholesterol, triglyceride level found to be altered in rats fed with GM rice (Poulsen et al., 2007). Furthermore, studies reported significant changes in body weight of rats fed with Mon863 corn (Séralini et al., 2007) and GM rice (Li et al., 2004). Hematological parameters also found to be altered with GM crop. ...
... GM corn fed female rats showed decreased number of red blood cell (MacKenzie et al., 2007). Similarly, GM corn Mon863 has been found to alter blood biochemistry and increased white blood cell levels in male rats (Séralini et al., 2007), which are indication of inflammation. Increases in focal inflammation and tubular deteriorating alterations have been observed in kidney indicative of renal damage due to GM Rats and mice fed with GM corn Mon863 (Séralini et al., 2007). ...
... Similarly, GM corn Mon863 has been found to alter blood biochemistry and increased white blood cell levels in male rats (Séralini et al., 2007), which are indication of inflammation. Increases in focal inflammation and tubular deteriorating alterations have been observed in kidney indicative of renal damage due to GM Rats and mice fed with GM corn Mon863 (Séralini et al., 2007). Heat-treated corn CBH351 was found to modulate immune system by inducing the production of Cry9C-specific IgG and IgG1 (Teshima et al., 2002). ...
... For example, analyses by de Vendômois et al. [64] and Séralini et al. [65] found evidence of liver and kidney toxicity in rats fed Monsanto GM maize varieties, via examination of the company's own feeding trials [64,65]. Original research by the Séralini group also found liver and kidney toxicity in rats fed a Monsanto GM maize and the accompanying Roundup herbicide [66]. ...
... For example, analyses by de Vendômois et al. [64] and Séralini et al. [65] found evidence of liver and kidney toxicity in rats fed Monsanto GM maize varieties, via examination of the company's own feeding trials [64,65]. Original research by the Séralini group also found liver and kidney toxicity in rats fed a Monsanto GM maize and the accompanying Roundup herbicide [66]. ...
Article
Full-text available
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.
... The results agreed with previous reports (Elsanhoty et al. 2004(Elsanhoty et al. , 2006Abdo et al. 2014), where no statistically significant differences between groups observed in the initial body weight of rats during feeding of GM potato Spunta, and Bt-corn (MON810: Ajeeb YG) during feeding study. However, the results disagreed with some studies (Zhu et al. 2004;Séralini et al. 2007;Zhu et al. 2015), where some GMOs (Roundup tolerant and MON863) increased the body weight. Zhu et al. (2015) found significant differences in organ weights among dietary groups fed on GM rice (expressing Cry1Ab/1Ac protein) and non-GM rice. ...
... Zhu et al. (2015) found significant differences in organ weights among dietary groups fed on GM rice (expressing Cry1Ab/1Ac protein) and non-GM rice. Séralini et al. (2007) 0.757 ± 0.024 a 0.652 ± 0.044 b 0.632 ± 0.026 b The same letter in the same row is not significantly different (p > 0.05). a mean ± standard error (n = 5) b NGMW = non genetically modified wheat c GMW = genetically modified wheat 106.2 ± 10.6 a 85.8 ± 10.1 a 79.2 ± 10.5 a The same letter in the same row is not significantly different (p > 0.05). ...
... The results agreed with previous reports (Elsanhoty et al. 2004(Elsanhoty et al. , 2006Abdo et al. 2014), where no statistically significant differences between groups observed in the initial body weight of rats during feeding of GM potato Spunta, and Bt-corn (MON810: Ajeeb YG) during feeding study. However, the results disagreed with some studies (Zhu et al. 2004;Séralini et al. 2007;Zhu et al. 2015), where some GMOs (Roundup tolerant and MON863) increased the body weight. Zhu et al. (2015) found significant differences in organ weights among dietary groups fed on GM rice (expressing Cry1Ab/1Ac protein) and non-GM rice. ...
... Zhu et al. (2015) found significant differences in organ weights among dietary groups fed on GM rice (expressing Cry1Ab/1Ac protein) and non-GM rice. Séralini et al. (2007) 0.757 ± 0.024 a 0.652 ± 0.044 b 0.632 ± 0.026 b The same letter in the same row is not significantly different (p > 0.05). a mean ± standard error (n = 5) b NGMW = non genetically modified wheat c GMW = genetically modified wheat 106.2 ± 10.6 a 85.8 ± 10.1 a 79.2 ± 10.5 a The same letter in the same row is not significantly different (p > 0.05). ...
Article
Full-text available
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.
... The results agreed with previous reports (Elsanhoty et al. 2004(Elsanhoty et al. , 2006Abdo et al. 2014), where no statistically significant differences between groups observed in the initial body weight of rats during feeding of GM potato Spunta, and Bt-corn (MON810: Ajeeb YG) during feeding study. However, the results disagreed with some studies (Zhu et al. 2004;Séralini et al. 2007;Zhu et al. 2015), where some GMOs (Roundup tolerant and MON863) increased the body weight. Zhu et al. (2015) found significant differences in organ weights among dietary groups fed on GM rice (expressing Cry1Ab/1Ac protein) and non-GM rice. ...
... Zhu et al. (2015) found significant differences in organ weights among dietary groups fed on GM rice (expressing Cry1Ab/1Ac protein) and non-GM rice. Séralini et al. (2007) 0.757 ± 0.024 a 0.652 ± 0.044 b 0.632 ± 0.026 b The same letter in the same row is not significantly different (p > 0.05). a mean ± standard error (n = 5) b NGMW = non genetically modified wheat c GMW = genetically modified wheat 106.2 ± 10.6 a 85.8 ± 10.1 a 79.2 ± 10.5 a The same letter in the same row is not significantly different (p > 0.05). ...
Article
Full-text available
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.
... There are growing concerns about potential risks of used the products of GM feed, because of the possibility of transfer GM sequences through the food chain to animals products [8,9]. In this context, many studies have been able to identify GM sequences in DNA of milk from animals fed on GM feed [10,11]. ...
... Figure -1 shows the presence of genetically modified feed in the samples (1 , 3) of coarse mixes feed and samples (1, 3, 5) of pelleted feed, which gave PCR positive results for P35S according to the expected size of band (110 bp) and compared with positive control samples (Pc). In figure -2, all pelleted feed samples [7,8,9,10,11,12,13] were GM, also the coarse mixes feed samples (9 -21) were GM, except samples (16, 17 , 21). These positive results, which were positive for the 35S promoter amplification in feed samples, are similar to other previous studies. ...
Article
Full-text available
There are growing concerns over the possibility of transfer genetically modified sequences from genetically modified feed component (GM feed) to animals and their products, moreover, affect these sequences on animal and human health. This study was implemented to detect P35S in modified feed by using PCR technique by detecting presence P35S promoter, which responsible for the regulation of gene expression for most of the transgenic genes. Thirty eight feed samples were collected from different sources of Baghdad markets, which have been used for feeding livestock, comprise 21 coarse mixes feed, 13 pelleted feed, and 4 expanded feed. Genomic DNA was extracted by using two methods, CTAB method and Wizard kit. In order to verify the presence (P35S) in feed samples, a pair of primer for 35S promoter was used. The results of the present study showed that 58% of tested samples contained promoter P35S this means presence genetically modified feed in the Baghdad market. 1 P ‫ﻗﻴﺼرﻴوﻨﺎن‬ ‫،ﻫﻴﺒﺔ‬ P 2 P ‫ﺨﻀﻴر‬ ‫ﺤﺴﻴن‬ ‫،ﺴﻌد‬ P 1 P ‫ﻋﺎرف‬ ‫ﻟطﻔﻲ‬ ‫،ﻏﻴث‬ P 3 P ‫اﷲ‬ ‫ﻋﺒد‬ ‫رﺸدي‬ ‫،ﻫﺒﻪ‬ P 1 P 1 P ‫اﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ‬ ‫و‬ ‫اﻟﺒﻴﺌﺔ‬ ‫ة‬ ‫اﻟﺘﻛﻨوﻟوﺠﻴﺎ/داﺌر‬ ‫و‬ ‫اﻟﻌﻠوم‬ ‫ة‬ ‫ار‬ ‫وز‬ P 2 P ‫اﻷﺤﻴﺎﺌﻴﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﺘﻘﻨﻴﺎت‬ ‫اﻟﻌﻠوم/ﻗﺴم‬ ‫ﺒﻐداد/ﻛﻠﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﺠﺎﻤﻌﺔ‬ P 3 P ‫ﻴب‬ ‫اﻟﺘدر‬ ‫و‬ ‫ﻟﻠﺒﺤث‬ ‫اﻟﻌدﻟﻲ‬ ‫اﻟدﻨﺎ‬ ‫ﻴن/ﻤرﻛز‬ ‫اﻟﻨﻬر‬ ‫ﺠﺎﻤﻌﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﺨﻼﺼﺔ‬ ‫ﻤن‬ ‫اﺜﻴﺎ‬ ‫ور‬ ‫اﻟﻤﻌدﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﻟدﻨﺎ‬ ‫ﺘﺴﻠﺴﻼت‬ ‫ﻨﻘﻝ‬ ‫إﻤﻛﺎﻨﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﺒﺸﺄن‬ ‫اﻴدة‬ ‫ﻤﺘز‬ ‫ﻤﺨﺎوف‬ ‫ﻫﻨﺎك‬ ‫ﻤﻛوﻨﺎت‬ ‫اﺜﻴﺎ‬ ‫ور‬ ‫اﻟﻤﻌدﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﻷﻋﻼف‬) GM ‫وﻛذﻟك‬ ‫اﻨﻴﺔ،‬ ‫اﻟﺤﻴو‬ ‫اﻟﺼﺤﺔ‬ ‫ﻋﻠﻰ‬ ‫ااﻟﺘﺴﻠﺴﻼت‬ ‫ﻫذﻩ‬ ‫ﺘؤﺜر‬ ‫ذﻟك،‬ ‫ﻋﻠﻰ‬ ‫ﻋﻼوة‬ ‫وﻤﻨﺘﺠﺎﺘﻬﺎ،‬ ‫اﻨﺎت‬ ‫ﻟﻠﺤﻴو‬ ‫ﺘﻐذﻴﺔ(‬ ‫و‬ ‫اﻟﻤﻌدﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﻷﻋﻼف‬ ‫ﻋن‬ ‫ﻟﻠﻛﺸف‬ ‫اﺴﺔ‬ ‫اﻟدر‬ ‫ﻫذﻩ‬ ‫ﺘﻨﻔﻴذ‬ ‫ﺘم‬ ‫اﻹﻨﺴﺎن.‬ ‫ﺼﺤﺔ‬ ‫ﺘﻘﻨﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﺒﺎﺴﺘﺨدام‬ ‫اﺜﻴﺎ‬ ‫ر‬ PCR ‫ﻴق‬ ‫طر‬ ‫ﻋن‬ ‫وﺠود‬ ‫ﻋن‬ ‫اﻟﻛﺸف‬ P35S ‫ﺜﻤﺎﻨﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﺠﻤﻊ‬ ‫ﺘم‬ ‫اﺜﻴﺎ.‬ ‫ور‬ ‫اﻟﻤﻌدﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﺠﻴﻨﺎت‬ ‫ﻟﻤﻌظم‬ ‫اﻟﺠﻴﻨﻲ‬ ‫اﻟﺘﻌﺒﻴر‬ ‫ﺘﻨظﻴم‬ ‫ﻋن‬ ‫اﻟﻤﺴﺌوﻟﺔ‬ ، ‫وﺘﺸﻤﻝ‬ ‫اﻟﻤﺎﺸﻴﺔ،‬ ‫ﻟﺘﻐذﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﺘﺴﺘﺨدم‬ ‫ﻛﺎﻨت‬ ‫اﻟﺘﻲ‬ ‫ﺒﻐداد،‬ ‫اق‬ ‫أﺴو‬ ‫ﻤن‬ ‫ﻤﺨﺘﻠﻔﺔ‬ ‫ﻤﺼﺎدر‬ ‫ﻤن‬ ‫أﻋﻼف‬ ‫ﻋﻴﻨﺔ‬ ‫وﺜﻼﺜﻴن‬ 21 ‫ﻤن‬ ‫اﻟﺨﺸن‬ ‫اﻟﻨوع‬ 13 ‫ﻤﺤﺒب،‬ 4 ‫ﻴﻘﺔ‬ ‫طر‬ ‫ﻴﻘﺘﻴن،‬ ‫طر‬ ‫ﺒﺎﺴﺘﺨدام‬ ‫اﻟﺠﻴﻨوﻤﻲ‬ ‫اﻟدﻨﺎ‬ ‫اﺴﺘﺨﻼص‬ ‫ﺘم‬ ‫ﻨﺎﻋم.‬ CTAB ‫ـ‬ ‫اﻟ‬ ‫و‬ Wizared) ‫وﺠود‬ ‫ﻤن‬ ‫اﻟﺘﺤﻘق‬ ‫أﺠﻝ‬ ‫ﻤن‬. P35S ‫ـ‬ ‫ﻟ‬ ‫اﻟﺒﺎدﺌﺎت‬ ‫ﻤن‬ ‫زوج‬ ‫اﺴﺘﺨدام‬ ‫ﺘم‬ ‫اﻷﻋﻼف،‬ ‫ﻋﻴﻨﺎت‬ ‫ﻓﻲ‬ (
... Glyphosate and round up consumption in water caused hepatic, kidney failures and large mammary tumors in females and organic problems in males (Séralini et al., 2012). Séralini et al., (2007) and De Vendômois et al., (2009) found that the alterations in kidney and liver functions of male rats which fed with the glyphosate. Séralini et al. (2012) revealed that the rat treated with glyphosate after two years suffered from hepatorenal failure which could be explained by the fact that the herpicide acted directed on liver and kidney. ...
... In the present study, the animals treated with glyphosate suffered from congestion of cells displayed by the liver, this may be due to damage to the hepatocyte induced by the glyphosate. Séralini et al.,( 2007) and De Vendômois et al., (2009), found alterations in kidney and liver functions that may be the signs of early chronic diet intoxication, by herbicide residues of the glyphosate feed. The liver and pancreas of mice were affected, as highlighted by disturbances in sub-nuclear structure (Malatesta et al., 2008). ...
... Environmental risks are created by the turnover of genetically modified crops. Many scientists write about their negative impact on the soil, soil organisms, objects of flora, fauna [40-49] and people [7,8,9]. An open letter of scientists to the governments of all countries on the introduction of a moratorium on the distribution of genetically modified crops was signed by more than two million scientists [10]. ...
Article
Full-text available
See the retraction notice BIO Web of Conferences 84, 00001 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/20248400001
... Переважна більшість зарубіжних публікацій висвітлюють вплив генетично модифікованих кормів на фізіологічний стан організму тварин у цілому, а також на їхню продуктивність за умов згодовування трансгенних кормів, зокрема кукурудзи [7], сої [8,9], пшениці [10]. Незалежні дослідники повідомляють про нефротоксичний та гепатотоксичний ефекти, що їх зумовлює використання ГМ-кукурудзи [11]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Мета. Дослідити продуктивні і забійні якості молодняку свиней та хімічний склад м’язової тканини і печінки за використання у складі кормових зерносумішей високобілкових кормів — люпину вузьколистого та генетично модифікованої (ГМ) сої. Методи. Для проведення експерименту було сформовано дві групи піддослідних тварин: І групі (контрольній) — згодовували зерносуміш № 1 з люпином вузьколистим (безалкалоїдним) і макухою соняшниковою; ІІ група (дослідна) отримувала зерносуміш № 2 з ГМ­соєю. Живу масу молодняку свиней визначали індивідуальним зважуванням до ранкової годівлі, оплату корму приростом живої маси — розрахунковим методом, забійні якості — за технологією, використовуваною на м’ясопереробних підприємствах, хімічний склад — за загальноприйнятими методиками. Лабораторні дослідження сої, м’язової тканини і печінки на вміст генетично модифікованих організмів проводили в Українській лабораторії якості і безпеки продукції АПК. Результати. Встановлено, що соя містить генетично модифіковану дезоксирибонуклеїнову кислоту (ДНК), має цільову послідовність промотора 35S + FMV вірусу мозаїки цвітної капусти та NOS­термінатора (нопалін синтази) Agrobacterium tumefaciens. За результатами якісного аналізу найдовшого м’яза спини і печінки молодняку свиней, генетично модифікованих організмів і продуктів з їх умістом не виявлено. Висновки. Оптимізація протеїнового живлення молодняку свиней за рахунок генетично модифікованої сої порівняно з використанням люпину і макухи соняшникової негативно вплинула на живу масу та середньодобові прирос­ти тварин (–11,6%) за більших витрат обмінної енергії (+20,5%) на одиницю приросту. Порівняльний аналіз хімічного складу найдовшого м’яза спини підсвинків показав, що в м’язовій тканині тварин ІІ (дослідної) групи концентрація сухої речовини, протеїну та золи була на 0,60%, 1,10 та 0,08% абс. відповідно меншою, а жиру — на 0,58% абс. більшою, ніж у тварин І (контрольної) групи.
... Also if these proteins are absorbed into liver there also it may exhibit its toxic effects. The reports resembling this statement was published in May 2007, by French researchers in their reanalysis of Monsanto data and concluded that there were indications of liver/kidney toxicity in rats fed Bt corn MON863, saying that "with the present data it cannot be concluded that GM corn MON863 is a safe product" (Seralini et al., 2007). Also in November 2008, Italian researchers concluded that "the consumption of Bt MON810 maize induced alterations in intestinal and peripheral immune response of weaning and old mice (Finamore et al., 2008). ...
Article
Full-text available
Today in the world of plant biotechnology, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) has become buzz word. Everyone working in this field, wish to develop some biotic resistances in the crops without studying the need of such crops in the society. Except few companies like Monsanto-Mahyco which are involved in the development of Bt based crops, most have focused their research on development of Bt based recombinants without much concern on study of toxicity and antigenecity of Bt products on animal and human health. Reports suggest that not more than 90 days of immunological studies were reported on all Bt based crops developed till date. There are no reports on horizontal gene transfers and their permanent accumulation in mammalian genome. In our study we have focused our efforts on studying the immunological consequences that might arise upon administration or absorption of complete / partially digested or horizontally transferred synthesis of Bt based CRY protein in mammalian circulatory system by using bioinformatics based tools. In the present study we have selected four major classes of Bt based CRY proteins namely CRY 1 , CRY 3, CRY 4 and CRY 8 which are extensively used in development of Bt based recombinant varieties of various crops like Cotton, Maize, Potato and Brinjal. In the present study through the simple bioinformatics based approach we wish to suggest the cost effective and rapid method for studying immunological aspects of Bt based CRY proteins upon parenteral absorption or administration.
... The prime objective is to make GM maize varieties that are resistant to broad-spectrum herbicides and insecticides (Novak and Haslberger, 2000). The experiments of Séralini et al. (2007) have depicted that transgenic maize cultivars are potentially harmful and may induce certain maladies in rats, such as hepato-renal toxicity and increase in triglyceride contents. So, the GM maize cultivar (MON863) tested in the experiment raised biosafety issues. ...
Book
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.
... While it is very difficult to establish the impacts of recombinant DNA or proteins from transgenic crops on human health, toxicological feeding studies performed in animal models such as rodents, pigs and bovines have shown negative physiological effects (Chowdhury et al. 2003;Kılıç et al. 2008;Lutz et al. 2005;Mesnage et al. 2015;Onose et al. 2008;Séralini, Cellier, and de Vendomois 2007;Séralini et al. 2014;Walsh et al. 2011). Thus, there is growing concern on the potential effects of transgenic DNA and recombinant proteins on human tissues (Mendoza-Almanza et al. 2020;Nawaz et al. 2019). ...
Article
Full-text available
Mexico is the center of origin of maize and one of the phenomena that imperil maize conservation is transgene presence. Although previous studies have documented transgene presence in Mexican landraces, to date there is no countrywide transgene monitoring protocol, nor systematic analyses assessing which factors could be related with transgene presence and dispersal. In this work, we propose a geographically representative sampling protocol and present empirical data from three sampled states: Mexico City, Oaxaca and Chiapas. To further investigate which environmental and social variables could be associated with transgene presence, we carried out a data mining approach. To assess transgene presence in collected maize samples, we used Real-Time PCR, finding that transgenes were widely distributed across sampled localities: 33% of the localities in Chiapas, 25% in Mexico City and 11% in Oaxaca. The data mining approach allowed us to identify state-specific spatial associations in Chiapas and Oaxaca. In Chiapas, a higher probability of transgene presence appeared related to the coexistence of industrialized maize agriculture, while in Oaxaca it was related with seed exchange. We discuss the importance of implementing a national biomonitoring protocol to increase our understanding of the sources that enable transgene presence and dispersal.
... Some of the studies summarised in Table 5 which indicated potential issues related to health and safety with feeding GM crops require more detailed analysis and commentary. Séralini et al. (2007) concluded that 'longer experiments are essential in order to indicate the real nature and extent of the possible pathology; with the present data it cannot be concluded that GM maize MON863 is a safe product'. However, this group in a further publication (de Vendomois et al. 2009) commented that 'these signs of toxicity alone do not constitute proof of adverse health effects'. ...
Article
Full-text available
Food and feed has been produced from genetically modified (GM) crops for 25 years. It is timely to review whether this technology has globally delivered the expected benefits and whether the ongoing debate on risks is justified. Expected benefits associated with GM include increased crop yields, reduced pesticide and insecticide use, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, improved soil structure, improved crop nutritive quality/value, and decreased costs of production. Concerns focus on food safety linked to toxicity and allergenicity, environmental risks associated with potential chances of gene flow, adverse effects on non-target organisms, evolution of resistance in weeds and insects, and genetic perturbations resulting in unintended compounds, new diseases, or antibiotic resistance. This review focusing on benefits and risks of GM crops concludes that they are a valuable option for delivering improved economic and environmental outcomes by providing solutions for many of the challenges facing mankind. GM technologies like many non-GM technologies can bring risks, but these can and have been monitored and quantified, allowing decisions balancing commercial, societal and environmental benefits against measurable risks. While ‘checks’ and ‘balances’ are required, regulatory schemes must focus on balancing risks and benefits and not on ‘checks’ alone which is the case for many countries.
... However, our results were in agreement with that detected by Aguwa et al (2018), who found that the weight of rats exposed to lowered concentration of formalin for short period was significantly affected when compared to control group. This decrease in weight gain might be explained by the toxic effect of formalin on body organs, and that the body is under oxidative stress as reported by other studies (Séralini et al, 2007;Kim et al, 2010;Sunmonu and Afolayan, 2013). Wang et al (2019) mentioned that animals exposed for high doses of toxicities were showed a reduction in body weight, which is generally more pronounced at the end of a study. ...
Article
Full-text available
This study was carried out to detect adverse toxic impact of formalin on kidney of rats through estimation of some physiological and histological parameters, and to evaluate the therapeutic role of vitamin C. A total 32 adult male albino rats were selected, prepared and divided to four equal groups; control group 1 (CG1), drenched 200 ppm formalin group 2 (FG2), drenched 300 ppm formalin group 3 (FG3), and drenched 300 ppm formalin and 100 mg/kg vitamin C group 4 (FCG4). The findings of weight gain showed a significant decrease in values of FG2 and FG3 at last day when compared to first day. Significant reduction in total protein and albumin were seen among rats of FG2 and FG3 groups. Globulin values of FG2, FG3 and FCG4 were reduced significantly compared to CG1. Albumin / globulin ratio was decreased in FG2 and FCG4 but not in FG3. For histology, no apparent alterations were detected in stained slides of renal specimens of CG1 but not for FG2, which showed an obvious dilation in Bowman's capsule, expansion of capsular gaps, constriction in proximal convoluted tubules and shrinking of glomeruli. Renal cells were degenerated, and nuclei having various shapes but sizes were not noticeable. In FG3, necrotizing or decomposing cells with presence of cell debris in lumen of tubules, andytoplasmic vacillations, and hemorrhagic patches were seen. In FCG4, fewer abnormalities were detected in histological renal architecture with indication of modifications that appeared as shorter Bauman's capsule distances, fewer capsular spaces and glomerular shrinkages. In conclusion, severe toxic effects on kidney can be caused by formalin and vitamin C is one of the most effective therapeutic agents.
... Among the most impactful of the subsequent papers were those published by the laboratory of Gilles-Eric Séralini. The first of these (Séralini et al. 2007) was a re-analysis of the safety data submitted by the agricultural biotechnology company, Monsanto, in support of its application for approval of maize event MON863 for food, feed and processing. Their reanalysis of the Monsanto data led them to conclude that the feeding studies the company conducted in fact indicated that the Bt maize caused several metabolic and clinical problems in the test animals. ...
Article
Full-text available
The application of gene drives to achieve public health goals, such as the suppression of Anopheles gambiae populations, or altering their ability to sustain Plasmodium spp. infections, has received much attention from researchers. If successful, this genetic tool can contribute greatly to the wellbeing of people in regions severely affected by malaria. However, engineered gene drives are a product of genetic engineering, and the experience to date, gained through the deployment of genetically engineered (GE) crops, is that GE technology has had difficulty receiving public acceptance in Africa, a key region for the deployment of gene drives. The history of GE crop deployment in this region provides good lessons for the deployment of gene drives as well. GE crops have been in commercial production for 24 years, since the planting of the first GE soybean crop in 1996. During this time, regulatory approvals and farmer adoption of these crops has grown rapidly in the Americas, and to a lesser extent in Asia. Their safety has been recognized by numerous scientific organizations. Economic and health benefits have been well documented in the countries that have grown them. However, only one transgenic crop event is being grown in Europe, and only in two countries in that region. Europe has been extremely opposed to GE crops, due in large part to the public view of agriculture that opposes “industrial” farming. This attitude is reflected in a highly precautionary regulatory and policy environment, which has highly influenced how African countries have dealt with GE technology and are likely to be applied to future genetic technologies, including gene drives. Furthermore, a mistrust of government regulatory agencies, the publication of scientific reports claiming adverse effects of GE crops, the involvement of corporations as the first GE crop developers, the lack of identifiable consumer benefit, and low public understanding of the technology further contributed to the lack of acceptance. Coupled with more emotionally impactful messaging to the public by opposition groups and the general tendency of negative messages to be more credible than positive ones, GE crops failed to gain a place in European agriculture, thus influencing African acceptance and government policy. From this experience, the following lessons have been learned that would apply to the deployment of gene drives, in Africa: It will be important to establish trust in those who are developing the technology, as well as in those who are making regulatory decisions. Engagement of the community, where those who are involved are able to make genuine contributions to the decision-making process, are necessary to achieve that trust. The use of tools to facilitate participatory modeling could be considered in order to enhance current community engagement efforts. Trusted, accurate information on gene drives should be made available to the general public, journalists, and scientists who are not connected with the field. Those sources of information should also be able to summarize and analyze important scientific results and emerging issues in the field in order to place those developments in the proper context. Engagement should involve more opportunities for participation of stakeholders in conceptualizing, planning, and decision-making. Diversifying the source of funding for gene drive research and development, particularly by participation of countries and regional bodies, would show that country or regional interests are represented. Efforts by developers and neutral groups to provide the public and decisionmakers with a more thorough understanding of the benefits and risks of this technology, especially to local communities, would help them reach more informed decisions. A better understanding of gene drive technology can be fostered by governments, as part of established biosafety policy in several African countries. Developers and neutral groups could also be helpful in increasing public understanding of the technology of genetic engineering, including gene drives. Effective messaging to balance the messaging of groups opposed to gene drives is needed. These messages should be not only factual but also have emotional and intuitive appeal.
... This controversy indicated the need for a broader and properly managed assessment in monitoring and enforcement concerning potential health risks of toxicity, allergenicity and genetic hazards associated with Bt-crops, to ensure their greater acceptance. Although majority of studies indicate that Bt-crops would be as safe as parental lines -with few exceptions [72,73] that were rather critiqued than accepted in scientific community -studies on the long-term health effects of Bt-plants will still be necessary [74]. Also, the potential of cumulative, combined or unexpected effects in the "next generations" Bt-crops with stacked cry genes, or combined with other resistance factors, clearly calls for revisions of "outdated" risk assessments made based on single Bt-gene expression. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
Significant limitations in potato production are crop loss due to the damage made by insect pests, and the cost of enormous amount of chemicals, harmful to humans and environment, extensively used in their control. As an alternative, development of genetically modified potato offered possibility for pest management in a more sustainable, environmentally friendly way. Over the past 30 years introduction of pest resistance traits progressed from a single gene to multiple stacked events and from Bt-toxin expression to expression of proteins from non-Bt sources, dsRNA and their combination, while advances in molecular biology have brought "cleaner" gene manipulation technologies. However, together with benefits any new technology also bears its risks, and there are still a range of unanswered questions and concerns about long-term impact of genetically modified crops-that with knowledge and precautionary approaches can be avoided or mitigated. Sustainability of genetically modified crops for pest control largely depends on the willingness to gain and implement such knowledge.
... Certain studies have been conducted in this regard to assess the toxicological effects of GM food. The animal toxicity study claimed that GM corn is associated with hepatorenal toxicity in mice, however, the study was challenged shortly and it was concluded that the toxicological effects were due to the pesticides associated with GM maize and the data was insufficient to the adverse health claims (Doull et al., 2007;Séralini et al., 2007). Very few GM crops are commercialized in Pakistan including GM cotton, corn and rice (Gabol et al., 2012). ...
Article
Full-text available
Purpose Genetically modified (GM) foods have global importance as they can significantly improve food security challenges. However, risks associated with the consumption of GM foods have affected consumers’ acceptance. This study aims to assess the student’s awareness regarding GM foods. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted to explore the knowledge and attitude of health sciences university students toward GM foods. Students ( n = 400) from different academic disciplines were participated in the study. Findings The majority of the university students heard about GM organisms and GM food (67.5% and 60.8%, respectively) and have correctly defined GM foods (48.2%). The mean percentage score of knowledge and attitude toward GM foods among university students was 36.0 ± 29.4% and 29.8 ± 23.1%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in knowledge and attitude between undergraduate and postgraduate students. A significant difference was found toward the acceptability of GM food in students from different health sciences disciplines ( p = 0.006). Originality/value The findings indicate that educational programs are needed to improve the knowledge of students about GM food and food safety challenges.
... It was reported that the introduction of sterilizing traits into crops could prevent farmers from developing their own seed supplies that are well adapted to the local conditions (Conway 2000). There are many other risks and concerns associated with genetically engineered food (Séralini et al. 2007). For instance, it has been reported that feeding rats on Mon 863 (a GM variety of maize) and GM rice led to a significant change in rat body mass (Li et al. 2004). ...
Article
Full-text available
The overall aim of sustainable development is to facilitate economic growth strategies that do not cause long-term environmental damage. To achieve this, a number of goals must be realized, including food security to prevent hunger. Globally, food security is threatened by climate change, for example global warming. Recently, green biotechnology has attracted considerable interest, as it offers techniques that could ensure food security despite the devastating consequences of climate change, such as droughts and floods. However, applying green biotechnology to agriculture and food production also poses some potential health risks and environmental hazards. This review examines the potential of green biotechnology as a possible solution to food insecurity resulting from climate change. It summarizes the pros and cons of green biotechnology with respect to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The review concludes that despite the economic advantages of green biotechnology, especially its capacity to enhance crop productivity and resistance to pests, some aspects of green biotechnology do not permit sustainable agricultural and medical development due to their risks to life on land or to human health and wellbeing.
... An Appeal Court action in Münster allowed public access in June 2005 to all the raw data from this study. These data were independently re-analyzed as part of a university study, which led to conflicting conclusions with, especially, signs of hepatorenal toxicity [91]. The authors concluded that longer studies (2-year, i.e., whole life of rats) were required to conclude whether corn is safe or not. ...
Article
Full-text available
Repeated health and environmental scandals, the loss of biodiversity and the recent burst of chronic diseases constantly remind us the inability of public authorities and risk assessment agencies to protect health and the environment. After reviewing the main shortcomings of our evaluation system of chemicals and new technologies, supported by some concrete examples, we develop a number of proposals to reform both the risk assessment agencies and the evaluation processes. We especially propose the establishment of an independent structure, a High Authority of Expertise, supervising, either at European level or at national level, all the evaluation agencies, and ensuring the transparency, the methodology and the deontology of the expertise. In addition to modifying the evaluation protocols, both in their nature and in their content, especially in order to adapt them to current pollutants such as endocrine disruptors, we propose a reform of the expertise processes based on transparency, contradiction, and greater democracy, including close collaboration between the institutional and scientific parties on the one hand and the whole civil society on the other. All the proposals we make are inspired by the desire to prevent, through appropriate mechanisms, the human, health, ecological, but also economic consequences of contemporary technological choices.
... There was a myth about Bt corn that it is responsible for causing human allergy after consumption of Bt corn and when it is grown for animal feed. Later studies by the disease control center refused this and reported other than Bt toxins (Séralini et al., 2007). The net conclusion from all tests and reports suggested the use of Bt brinjal is safe for human health. ...
Article
Full-text available
Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is the most important vegetable crop in the Asia Pacific region, with Pakistan being the seventh largest producer. There are many biotic and abiotic factors affecting its production in terms of quantity and quality including insect pests as a significant constraint. In Pakistan, the brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis is the major insect pest of brinjal. However, some other chewing and sap-sucking insects are also essential pests. Bt-brinjal, a transgenic variety, has been introduced in India and Bangladesh for the management of lepidopteran pests. Before the commercialization of transgenic brinjal in Pakistan, it must be assessed for its effects on the environment and non-target organisms. This study is presenting the overview of transgenic brinjal as an option to manage brinjal shoot and fruit borer along with current and future challenges in areas of its commercialization.
... Subsequent efforts by public scientists to investigate the long-term effects of GMOs on mammals were resisted by public and private agencies, and there remains a paucity of such studies (Pusztai and Bardocz 2006). Two published peer-reviewed studies of the effects of GMOs on the mammalian gut beyond 30 days of dietary introduction found significant toxic effects, including the production of cancerous cells in rats fed Roundup Ready maize for 90 days (Séralini et al. 2007(Séralini et al. , 2012. However Séralini's results were contested and, amid claims that his laboratory's methods were 'unscientific', the journal editors retracted the 2012 article. ...
... In the case of GMF, perceived risks include unknown long-term effects, side effects on human health, and both environmental and social problems [61][62][63]. Perceived benefits revolve around environmental issues, especially in relation to the reduction of energy and chemical inputs, high yields and diversity, lower food prices, and longer shelf life [64,65]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Most studies exploring the public acceptance of genetically modified food (GMF) are based on social trust and the establishment of a causal model. The underlying premise is that social trust indirectly affects public acceptance of GMF through perceived risks and perceived benefits. The object of social trust is trust in people, organizations, and institutions. Different from the social trust, epistemic trust refers to people's trust in scientific knowledge behind the technology of concern. It has been shown that epistemic trust, like social trust, is also an important factor that affects the public perception of applicable risks and benefits. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate epistemic trust into the causal model to derive a more complete explanation of public acceptance. However, such work has not been conducted to date. The causal model proposed in this paper integrated epistemic trust and social trust and divided social trust into trust in public organizations and trust in industrial organizations. A representative questionnaire survey (N = 1091) was conducted with Chinese adults. The model was analyzed by the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. Three major findings were obtained: First, epistemic trust is an important antecedent of perceived risks and perceived benefits and exerts a significant indirect effect on the acceptance of GMF. Secondly, trust in industrial organizations negatively impacts perceived risks, while trust in public organizations positively impacts perceived benefits. Thirdly, contrary to the common opinion, trust in industrial organizations did not exert a significant direct effect on perceived benefits, and trust in public organizations did not demonstrate a significant direct effect on perceived risks. Therefore, trust in industrial organizations and trust in public organizations utilize different influence paths on GMF acceptance. This study enriches the understanding of the influence path of trust with regard to the acceptance of emerging technologies and is of great significance to relevant risk-management practices.
... A variety of hepatocyte proteins, calcium and mitochondria metabolism, pain reaction, and GM-fed mice were presented differentially and suggested a further in comparison to controls, marked expression of senescence markers. Mitochondrial and GM-food mice were found to have hepatocytes nuclear modifications suggesting a metabolic rate decrease [52]. In previous young and adult (2-8 months) hepatocyte studies Age) GM soya bean eaten by women's rats, nuclear shifts involving encoding and splicing systemic constituents pathways of properties have been observed. ...
Article
Full-text available
The health of genetically engineered foods/plants, which is one of the significant issues has been raised in recent years. Various non-governmental organizations and customers recommended that all GM foods before authorization for human consumption should be subject to long-term animal feed studies. The fundamental purpose of this review is to assess the new potential harmful impact/safety assessment of genetically engineered plants for the use of humans. A balance in the number of research groups, depending on their research, a variety of GM crops (maize and soybeans in particular) are varied as for traditional non-genetically modified plants. It is worth remembering that most of the experiments were carried out in biotechnology firms that sell these GM plants. In this review, we discussed in detail the risk assessment of genetically modified plants.
... A ce problème s'ajoute celui des OGM contenus dans les aliments destinés aux animaux. Les acteurs de l'élevage rencontrés qualifient ce débat d'irrationnel et rendent l'étude de Séralini et al (2007), dont ils contestent la rigueur scientifique, responsable de sa réactivation dans la sphère publique. L'élevage de granivores est plus particulièrement concerné par ces controverses. ...
Article
Dans un contexte de remise en cause fréquente de l’élevage et de ses pratiques, une analyse des points de débat, dans différentes filières (porcs, volailles, bovins, ovins et caprins), a été réalisée dans le cadre du GIS Elevages Demain. Une étude bibliographique a été conduite pour comprendre les fondements des préoccupations sociales envers l’élevage et évaluer leur robustesse. En parallèle, une trentaine d’entretiens a été menée auprès de différentes parties prenantes aux débats – professionnels des filières, salariés d’associations, journalistes et distributeurs – afin de recenser et décrire les principaux sujets de controverses sur les élevages en France. Les positionnements et arguments de chaque partie prenante ont été décrits afin de dégager d’éventuels sujets de consensus ou de blocage entre les discours. L’analyse des argumentaires a permis de classer les différents points de débats en quatre grandes thématiques : l’environnement, le bien-être animal, la santé humaine et l’organisation de l’élevage. Ces points de débat varient en fonction de la filière considérée ou de l’échelle d’observation. La hiérarchisation de ces remises en cause révèle les enjeux principaux auxquels les différentes filières françaises doivent faire face pour répondre aux attentes de la société. Par exemple, les filières de ruminants sont remises en cause pour leurs effets globaux sur l’environnement, tandis que les élevages porcins sont confrontés à des mobilisations locales contre les projets d’élevage. En outre, les travaux mettent en lumière des préoccupations fortes et anciennes de la part de la société à l’égard de l’élevage, qui ne peuvent se résumer à des « effets de mode ».
... There was a myth about Bt corn that it is responsible for causing human allergy after consumption of Bt corn and when it is grown for animal feed. Later studies by the disease control center refused this and reported other than Bt toxins (Séralini et al., 2007). The net conclusion from all tests and reports suggested the use of Bt brinjal is safe for human health. ...
Article
Full-text available
Resistance to plants is frequently associated with physical, morphological, physiological, biochemical, molecular and genetic characteristics of the plants. As very little information is available on the effects of physico-morphic characteristics and environmental factors on thrips (Thrips tabaci) infestation, therefore, in the present study such effects were evaluated on the infestation of thrips on five onion cultivars. Maximum number of adults and infestation of thrips was recorded on Marvi followed by Golden Orb while the adults and infestation was the minimum on Red Orb. Significant variations were observed in plant heights and girths among five onion varieties after 40, 70 and 100 days. Similarly, maximum yield was observed in case of Red Orb followed by F1 Mustang while the minimum yield was obtained with cultivar Marvi. The low temperature, high temperature and average temperature showed significant and positive correlations among all the cultivars. However, the average relative humidity showed negative and non-significant correlation for all the varieties. The correlation between physico-morphic characteristics and adult population was found significant for plant girth after 40 days while the correlations were non-significant for all the other factors. It is concluded from the present studies that Red Orb is comparatively resistant cultivar harboring the minimum thrips population. The highest yield was also recorded in case of Red Orb as compared to other tested cultivars and recommended for cultivation to enhance economic returns of farmers.
... Smith (2006Smith ( , 2007 revelan y denuncian, con ejemplos específicos, deficiencias fundamentales críticas en las regulaciones de los alimentos genéticamente alterados, así como manipulaciones, omisiones y ocultamientos de resultados de las pruebas toxicológicas practicadas con animales por parte de ciertas compañías transnacionales involucradas en esta materia. m) La necesidad de considerar los riesgos que pueden tener los alimentos transgénicos para la salud humana, considerando entre otros temas la posibilidad de su relación con alergias, resistencia a antibióticos, alteración del contenido nutritivo de los alimentos, o potenciales efectos tóxicos, tal y como se documenta en las producciones audiovisuales "¿Qué comeremos mañana?" (Garcia, 2004a), "El riesgo de los alimentos transgénicos: el caso Arpad Pusztai" (Grahlman, s.f.), y "El caso de las intoxicaciones con el suplemento alimentario L-triptófano producido con bacterias genéticamente alteradas" (Haycox, s.f.), "La conjura genética: tras la pista" (Ladwig, 2006) 5 , así como en diversas publicaciones (Alliance for Bio-Integrity (s.f.); Anderson, 2001;Fagan, 1997;IDEAA, 2007;Kaczewer, 2001;Lappé et al., 1999;Madeley, 2003; OMS citada por Herbert et al., 2006;Pusztai, 2001;Pusztai y Bardocz, 2011;Schubert, 2002;Séralini et al., 2007Séralini et al., , 2012Spendeler, 2005;Spök et al., 2005;Velimirov et al., 2008). ...
Article
Full-text available
Un gramo de prevención vale más que toneladas de curación" Refrán popular Resumen: Se exponen considerandos de diverso tipo, basados en evidencias concretas, que justifican la necesidad y urgencia de realizar declaratorias de territorios libres de organismos genéticamente alterados (transgénicos), haciendo un énfasis en la situación de Costa Rica. Los razonamientos descritos están ampliamente respaldados en los hechos concretos analizados en el contenido de las referencias bibliográficas del caso, así como en las pruebas documentales presentadas.
... However, his published paper mentions that he subcontracted some of the analyses to the Covance Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, in which Monsanto has invested and performed many studies with the same GMO and others. These studies [22] had previously shown bias, which we previously documented in detail [32][33][34][35]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Agricultural genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants obtained by gene transfer or more recently by gene-editing. Their major common phenotypic trait for which 99% have been modified is that these are designed to be grown with pesticides, which may bioaccumulate in the plants and/or the consumer, and/or express insecticides in their cells. Examples of both types are Roundup-tolerant soy and corn and Bt insecticidal plants. Recently, Steinberg et al. concluded that there were no adverse effects in rats from consumption of a GM corn tolerant to Roundup, called NK603, and that no other long-term studies are justified. This contradicts several of our in vivo studies on the short- and long-term toxicological effects of either the same GMO, other GMOs, or the pesticide Roundup itself. Our results were attributed in particular to the long-term in vivo effects of Roundup residues, which also present toxic and endocrine-disrupting effects in vitro. These effects were clearly linked to the formulants of the pesticide, such as petroleum residues and heavy metals, and not to glyphosate alone. In fact, the treated rats in Steinberg et al.’s experiment showed many adverse effects, some of which, including increased mortality in males fed GM corn + Roundup, were statistically significant. Other adverse effects affected both treated and control groups. The latter trend may be due to contamination of the feed of the control animals by many carcinogenic pollutants, including pesticides, but also by Roundup residues and Roundup-tolerant GMOs. For instance, glyphosate contained in Roundup was found to be 300–1400 times more elevated in their control feed than in our treated group. In conclusion, Steinberg et al.’s study is invalidated by the contaminated feed, biased interpretations, and major undeclared conflicts of interest.
Article
Full-text available
strong data-sider-select-id="b8bf10e1-996e-4fe0-a16e-f65aaaaf6a6c">Background: Over the past 20 years, the increased consumption of transgenic products for humans and animals led to the conduction of nutritional studies in this regard. However, these studies were limited, and they did not find a definitive answer to the possible health hazards of transgenic products. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of a diet containing transgenic soybean oil on rats. Methods: Accordingly, male Wistar rats (N=6/group) were given a nutritionally moderate purified diet with 10% genetically modified soybean oil for 90 days. Two control groups receiving nongenetically modified soybean oil and a standardized diet were also enrolled. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tuky post hoc analysis was used to compare the values between groups and to detect the effects of transgenic soybean oil. Results: Rats fed on transgenic soybean oil demonstrated several histologic changes in pancreas tissues, including changes in severe congestion, the presence of inflammatory cells, and changes in the Langerhans islands. However, no changes were observed in the spleen, except for negligible congestion in all treatment groups. Regarding blood indicators, hemoglobin levels in the transgenic soybean oil group decreased compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to our results, a 90-day treatment with transgenic soy-based oil caused significant organ changes in the pancreas tissue of rats. Further studies evaluating the long-term effects are also needed to better elucidate these effects.
Article
Full-text available
Genetically modified (GM) crops expressing insecticidal crystal proteins are widely accepted worldwide, but their commercial utilization demands comprehensive risk assessment studies. A 90-day risk assessment study was conducted on Wistar rats fed with GM maize (CEMB-413) expressing binary insect-resistant genes (cry1Ac and cry2Ab) at low (30%) and high (50%) dose along with a control diet group. The study used fifty Wistar rats randomly distributed in five treatment groups. Our study revealed that compared to controls, GM diet had no adverse effects on animal’s health, including body weight, food consumption, clinical pathological parameters, serum hormone levels and histological parameters of testes and ovaries of rats. Differences were observed in transcripts levels of fertility related genes, but these were independent of treatment with GM diet.
Article
Full-text available
Food is life, and it can become an instrument of control in national and international power polity. It is not enough to aspire to be sufficient in food production; however the system of production that ensures the production of healthy and safe food in a safe environment is equally crucial for the quality of human life. The pertinent concern of this study is to investigate the possible implications of the present quest to introduce the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) into the agricultural sector in an effort to ensure food security vis-à-vis the quality of life of the citizenry and the impact on the environment of Nigeria. The study adopted the Diffusion Theory of Rural Development, employed Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Model Approach using annual time series data spanning from 1981-2017. The plausibility of the results lies with the positive relationship between food supply and life expectancy. The study found that the environmental effect of industrial food production which is usually associated with gaseous emissions was not significant. This shows that with any improvement in food security, Co2 emissions are reduced. This reduction in Co2 emission by these industries further has chain reactions as it improves food security. The results also shows that there is a negative relationship but with significant impact of industrial emission into the environment on life expectancy of Nigerians. The study therefore recommends that there is need to revitalize public sector agricultural research, Small farmer-oriented, low-input agro-ecology and reform trade-related rules.
Article
The global problems of anthropogenic impact on the planet Earth and marine ecosystems, pollution in the 21st century of the World Ocean, including the Arctic seas, negatively affecting the reproduction of marine biological resources are considered. For more than half a century, the intensively developing exploitation of the bioresources of the World Ocean shelf has led to a de-crease in the number of mammals, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, algae and other valuable aquatic organisms. In many developed countries, due to economic activity and industrial pollution of coastal territories, there is a depression in the number and a de-crease in intraspecific diversity, due to the loss of populations of passing marine "wild" Atlantic salmon and other aquatic organ-isms. Since the late 1980s, natural Atlantic salmon stocks have declined significantly. In the main spawning rivers of the Mur-mansk region, the content of pollutants in the spring is marked on the scale as high and extremely high levels of pollution. The oxygen content and water quality in rivers decrease, the number of saprophytic bacteria increases, the species diversity of zoo-plankton and phytoplankton decreases. Diseases and death of populations of spawning Atlantic salmon occur. A program has been developed to comprehensively investigate the causes of mass disease and death of Atlantic salmon populations, and to de-velop measures to restore a genetically healthy salmon population in the Arctic region of Russia.
Chapter
The matter of sustainable food production is a convoluted one; it is inexorably linked with ethics, ideology, economic and political arguments, corporate power contrasted with sole enterprises, traditional ways of life and so on. This includes widely publicised issues, such as those of vegetarian and vegan ethics, discourses and realities of animal cruelty, environmental protection, access to clean water and unpolluted land—and by extension, mining, mass exploitation, industrialisation and land ownership by powerful groups and individuals. Among the latter, weighty stakeholder groups, including state actors, justifications of post/industrial, quasi/scientific experimentation and the spectre of genetic modification are used as arguments for progress, eradication of hunger, reach/supply, distribution, cost-effectiveness and access to sustenance among the poor.At the heart of the ideological discourses underpinning all this are the notions of freedom, utility and choice, as axiomatically inherent concepts of neoliberal thought so deeply embedded in the past 40 years of state and supra-state policies that the neoliberal brand of policymaking, business strategy and their very logos as thought, seems discerned only by those initiated in the breach between multiple parties involved, and thus seldom questioned.Food, land, water and air as the most fundamental needs—and rights—of human and non-human life are the subjects that arouse passion in many—including advocates, activists, farmers and producers—and the detached, utilitarian elaborations of those currently holding dominant positions that cross geographical, organisational and economic strata.This text explores contemporary practices and positions concerning traditional, sustainable and health-promoting food production in Serbia against the backdrop of international, national and local contexts of socio-political, environmental, economic and industrial significance. Fieldwork, conducted online during the pandemic finds that food production in Serbia largely fits within the forceful global patterns, with health food producers displaying a traditional/reflective slant but are by no means backward in their ethically driven stance.Indeed, a critical rethink of agriculture and health priorities appears to permeate Serbian discourse across ideological and socioeconomic spectrums. Young professional families appear to be embracing health food lifestyles and village life. Arguably though, this relates to the wealthier minority able to make such choices. Scarred by the turbulent century behind it and civil strife awarded by unremitting structural transition, Serbians redefine their sense of Self by either embracing or angrily rejecting tradition and family values.Such patterns are not unfamiliar to the affluent West. Yet, here they tend to define everyday life in a different way, impacting on health, community and civic duty. Discursive drives range from mining to re-industrialisation, enduring impact of the tumultuous Nineties, ‘modernising’ regulatory frameworks, imported anticompetitive practices and from resistance to the extinction of inherited egalitarian notions to the capillary attempts to reclaim communal prerogatives. Organisational, regulatory and policy challenges surface, and this essay contextualises those recounted by practitioners, the public and key scholars in such complex circumstances.KeywordsEthicsDiscourseDiscourse and practiceDiscourses of nowHealth food discourseTraditionalist discourseAgricultureIdeologyEnterpriseZadruga[Agricultural] cooperative/sHouseholder/sCommunityGMOWaterWaterwaysMiningActivist/sDirect activismFarmersProducersUtilitarianismIndustrial food productionVillage lifeRegulationRegulatory frameworksAnticompetitive practicesImportsExportsCertificationPolicyPolicy frameworksGallant peasantryBelgradisationGlobal factorsPolitical economysocioculturalRural societyRural communityEuropeanEUEmpirePostcolonialNonaligned movementNAMRural communitiesIndustrialisationEconomic tensionsPeasant societyAuto-chauvinismReflexive negationIdentity-ladenSelf-revulsionTraditionTraditional belief systemsFirst World WarThe Great WarOrganic food produceUnadulterated food produceAgrarian reform10 hectare limitAgricultural landThe new landownersLandlordsPost-communist ‘transition’7% growth[Former-socialist-] Yugoslavia‘Yugoslavian industrial miracle’International debtThe 1965 reform[Yugoslav workers’] self-management modelCorruptionNew elitesFederal stateCivil societyBrain drainDepopulated villagesPrivatisationNeoliberalismAgeing societyPost-transitional periodMismanagementCultural shiftCultural changeCritical terminologyInfrastructureOverpopulation‘Public intellectuals’Internal migrantsDisplaced refugeesFieldworkRespondents [as] practitionersThematic contextualisationHealth food productionMarketingCultural conditionsReflexionTransparent declaration of interestHorticultureBiodynamic agricultureBiodynamic farming practicesLivestockTraceabilityTraceability of originSupply chainsSrpska MagazaGoodwillStrategic impactHealthNature and traditionImplementationEuroscepticVisegrad GroupTraditional rightIndependent producers [and] farmersPeasant farmerBanjska MonasteryCraft beerIFOAMOrganically certified food productionWhat constitutes foodCritical taxonomyNanoelementsInorganic originMycoprotein and algaeLong-term health effects3D-printed ‘meats’Unconventional sources of proteinTraditional stance on healthThe origin of foodInorganicExperimental importsInterpretive gapVillage communityOrganic status‘Certification houses’Certification organisations[Land] lease agreementCannibalismSoylent GreenDeontological vs utilitarianPesticidesGMO soyaBusiness cultureInternational retail chainsIn-house brands‘Post socialist tycoons’Quality control [of food imports]VAT exempt“Kobasicijada”“Kulenijada”“Slaninijada”“Kupusijada”“Projada”HospitalityVillage tourismAuthenticityNational heritageNative-produced foods (USA)AjvarEducate through flavourDonkey stockDonkey cheese‘Ecocide’herbicidesAgricultural pharmacy productsTrustSubsidising [organic]Trade blocGlobalisationIncentivesState actorsCell-cultivationFood [from] synthesised nanomaterialsModification [of foods]Direct [local] representationExploitation of lithiumRio TintoKolhozHeisenbergian uncertainty modelOrthodox ChurchNatural veganismSpiritualMindfulnessStructural forcesStrategic shiftsPostmodernThe new glocalPrivilege
Chapter
In developing nations, where arable land per capita is declining but human and animal populations are constantly expanding, the key constraint for food and nutritional security for the human population in the next years will be sustained plant productivity and crop yield(s). Apart from the genetic potential of plant species, agricultural plant output is quite variable and is impacted by a variety of physical, abiotic, and biotic factors. Transgenic technology has the potential to cope with these situations and to feed the teeming millions through crop improvement strategies. The basic objective of any transformation technique is to get the desired gene into the cell’s nucleus without compromising the cell’s capacity to live. The plant is considered to be transformed if the inserted gene is functional and the gene product is produced. The plant is called transgenic after the gene introduced is stable, inherited, and expressed in following generations. Therefore, transgenic plants are plants that have been genetically engineered with novel traits and are identified as a class of genetically modified organism (GMO). Several GM crops such as corn, cassava, soybean, canola, squash, tobacco, mustard, tomato, rice, papaya, cotton, alfalfa, sugar beet, and brinjal have been commercialized worldwide, and some are under pipeline. These crops and their products have now gained acceptance in several countries across the world. Previously, the focus of development of transgenic plants was to develop water, salinity, temperature, insect, and disease tolerance, but now the focus of this technology is enhancement of nutritional components in edible crops so as to improve people’s health. Transgenic technology is an indispensable tool for the biotechnologists and has a bright future towards sustainable development goals.KeywordsTransgenic technologyGMOGenetic modificationBiosafetyCrop improvementBt technology
Technical Report
Full-text available
A consumer's guide to GM free food. Greenpeace believes that GMOs should not be released into the environment as there is not adequate scientific understanding of their impact on the environment and human health. We campaign for creating a paradigm shift in agricultural production to transform how politicians, industry, media and the public see agriculture and to provide incentives-to replace the industrial agriculture of corporate control, monoculture, genetically engineered crops, and synthetic agrochemical inputs with sustainable farming that has low external inputs, enhances agro-diversity, protects biodiversity and helps meet local food and employment needs.
Article
Full-text available
Celem artykułu jest zaprezentowanie modelu obejmującego zestaw cech charakterystycz-nych dla komunikowania fake science. Przedstawione rozważania mają charakter eksplora-cyjny. Na podstawie obserwacji i analizy doniesień dotyczących fake science przedstawiony został zbiór perswazyjnych elementów, które mogą perswazyjnie wpływać na odbiorców. Tworzą go: etos/autorytet niezależnego od systemu autora, pseudoeksperckie terminy, przystępny język, formalna obecność dowodów lub dowody anegdotyczne, patos – emo-cjonalny przykład, który udowadnia, że dany naukowy fake jest autentycznym doświad-czeniem konkretnej osoby, tworzenie wspólnoty wykluczonych społecznie i wspieranie jej jako ekskluzywnej. W artykule opisano mechanizm oddziaływania tych elementów
Article
A wound-inducible promoter facilitates the regulated gene expression at the targeted site during the time of mechanical stress or infestation by the pathogen. The present work has aimed to identify a wound-inducible promoter that expresses at early time points preceding wound-stress treatment in Arabidopsis thaliana. The computational analysis of microarray data (GSE5627) resulted in the identification of five early inducible genes, viz., AT1G17380, AT1G80440, AT2G43530, AT3G48360, and AT5G13220. The RT-PCR analysis showed AT5G13220 (JASMONATE-ASSOCIATED 1) gene induced at a significantly higher level post 30 min of wounding. Thus, the promoter of the highly induced and early expressed wound-inducible gene, AT5G13220 (named PW220), was characterized by fusing with β-glucuronidase (gusA) reporter or Cry1EC genes. The fluorometric analysis and histochemical staining of the gusA gene and quantitative estimation of Cry1EC protein in Nicotiana tabacum transgenic lines confirmed wound-induced expression characteristic of the selected promoter. Insect bioassay suggested that wound-inducible and constitutive expression of Cry1EC protein in transgenic lines showed a similar level of protection against different instar Spodoptera litura larvae. Furthermore, we identified that abscisic acid influenced the wound-specific expression of the selected PW220 promoter in the transgenic lines, which correlates with the presence of conserved cis-regulatory elements associated with dehydration and abscisic acid responses. Altogether, our results suggested that the wound-inducible promoter PW220 provides an excellent alternative for developing insect-tolerant transgenic crops in the future. Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03143-0.
Article
Full-text available
Objective A systematic review of animal and human studies was conducted on genetically modified (GM) food consumption to assess its safety in terms of adverse effects/events to inform public concerns and future research. Methods Seven electronic databases were searched from January 1st 1983 till July 11th 2020 for in vivo, animal and human studies on the incidence of adverse effects/events of GM products consumption. Two authors independently identified eligible studies, assessed the study quality, and extracted data on the name of the periodical, author and affiliation, literature type, the theme of the study, publication year, funding, sample size, target population characteristics, type of the intervention/exposure, outcomes and outcome measures, and details of adverse effects/events. We used the Chi-square test to compare the adverse event reporting rates in articles funded by industry funding, government funding or unfunded articles. Results One crossover trial in humans and 203 animal studies from 179 articles met the inclusion criteria. The study quality was all assessed as being unclear or having a high risk of bias. Minor illnesses were reported in the human trial. Among the 204 studies, 59.46% of adverse events (22 of 37) were serious adverse events from 16 animal studies (7.84%). No significant differences were found in the adverse event reporting rates either between industry and government funding ( χ ² = 2.286, P = 0.131), industry and non-industry funding ( χ ² = 1.761, P = 0.185) or funded and non-funded articles ( χ ² = 0.491, P = 0.483). We finally identified 21 GM food-related adverse events involving 7 GM events (NK603 × MON810 maize, GTS 40-3-2 soybean, NK603 maize, MON863 maize, MON810 maize, MON863 × MON810 × NK603 maize and GM Shanyou 63 rice), which had all been on regulatory approval in some countries/regions. Conclusion Serious adverse events of GM consumption include mortality, tumour or cancer, significant low fertility, decreased learning and reaction abilities, and some organ abnormalities. Further clinical trials and long-term cohort studies in human populations, especially on GM food-related adverse events and the corresponding GM events, are still warranted. It suggests the necessity of labelling GM food so that consumers can make their own choice.
Article
Full-text available
This study estimated the effect of exposure to propiconazole through implementation and residues in finishing pigs. We analyzed the expression of fibrosis-related genes and performed histological analysis of the blood, liver, kidney, muscle, ileum, and fat tissues. The animals were exposed for 28 d to different concentrations of propiconazole (0.09, 0.44, 0.88, 4.41, and 8.82 mg/kg bw/d). Quantitative, gene expression, and histological analyses in tissues were performed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, real-time PCR, and Masson's trichrome staining, respectively. Final body weight did not differ among groups. However, genes involved in fibrosis were significantly differentially regulated in response to propiconazole concentrations. Glucose, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels were significantly increased compared with those in the control group, while alkaline phosphatase level was decreased (p<0.05) after exposure to propiconazole. The residue limits of propiconazole were increased in the finishing phase at 4.41 and 8.82 mg/kg bw/d. The liver, kidney, and ileum showed blue staining after propiconazole treatment, confirmed by Masson's trichrome staining. In conclusion, these findings suggest that propiconazole exposure disturbs the expression of fibrosis-related genes. This study on dietary propiconazole in pigs can provide a basis for determining maximum residue limits and a better understanding of metabolism in pigs and meat products.
Thesis
Full-text available
In a world where food production is sufficient to feed everyone, more than 850 million people live in conditions of undernourishment, hunger, or starvation. Much of the problem lies in the current dynamics of the global agri-food system; they have impaired access to food and contributed to environmental damage and social disintegration. This increasingly integrated global system is displacing family farming enterprises in favour of agro-industrial monocultures, with their associated consequences for ecosystem health (biodiversity loss, heavy reliance on fossil fuels, etc.), and in the degradation of traditional food cultures. Conventionally, the term “food insecurity” is used to describe situations of food deprivation. This study, however, adopts a broader perspective on the issue. It has associated the ideas of food security with those related to healthy food systems, suggesting that it is not only important to strive for universal access to adequate food but also to think of the means and processes by which it can be achieved; that is, a food system that promotes equity and environmental sustainability. In addition, food security also emphasizes the need for a healthy and active life unimpaired by overconsumption or inadequate eating habits. Using a systems perspective, this study has devised criteria of sustainable food security, which serve as indicators of health in the food system. These criteria include nutritional and cultural adequacy of food, physical and economic access to it, the setting in which it is offered (i.e. the “food environment”), and the food systems’ social and biophysical impacts. Such criteria were applied to two case studies: first in Canada (Waterloo Region, Ontario) and then in Brazil (Feira de Santana, Bahia), two very different contexts, but both under the influence of global agri-food dynamics. With this case study analysis, this research investigates the current challenges for achieving sustainable food security in local communities, as well as opportunities and benefits that might be available. Feira de Santana exhibits great agro-biodiversity, a very localized food system, and community initiatives to support local food traditions, family agriculture, and sustainable farming practices based on agroecology. These efforts, however, are hindered by poverty, lack of education, poor infrastructure, and little support from the local government. For its part, Waterloo Region counts on a very supportive government that strengthens local food initiatives and combines efforts with non-state organizations in order to promote a healthy food system. Despite possessing notable local food traditions, its food system is much more globalized than Feira de Santana’s. Most of its food is imported, and much of the arable land is used for agro-industrial cash-crops. This has hampered the operations of the smaller local farmers, damaged the environment (due to long transportations and intensive, conventional agriculture), and contributed to poor eating habits. Although Waterloo Region faces less food deprivation than Feira de Santana, it has a much bigger problem with respect to overconsumption and obesity – half of the local population is overweight with associated health concerns. In conclusion, this study stresses the need to consider food security from a systems perspective, taking into account social and environmental factors. Thus, it highlights the need to promote sustainable food systems, and draws some recommendations for achieving it.
Article
Full-text available
Genetic modification is a specific part of gene technology that changes the genetic structure of living organisms, such as animals, plants, or microorganisms. Genetically Modified, is known with such names as Transgenic or Transgenic. In recent years, discussions have arisen about the potential effects of transgenic corn on health There are also discussions about its effect on other insects and other plants due to the gene flow The study was conducted as a systematic double-blind review by searching the Internet at the Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, Highwire, MD Consult and Scopus databases. From the result of this study, we can come to a Conclusion that any transgenic product is not usable and can have many disadvantages, while some of them are completely safe and usable.
Article
Full-text available
Ecological risk assessment is carried out for chemicals such as pesticides before they are released into the environment. Such risk assessment currently relies on summary statistics gathered in standardized laboratory studies. However, these statistics extract only limited information and depend on duration of exposure. Their extrapolation to realistic ecological scenarios is inherently limited. Mechanistic effect models simulate the processes underlying toxicity and so have the potential to overcome these issues. Toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic (TK–TD) models operate at the individual level, predicting the internal concentration of a chemical over time and the stress it places on an organism. TK–TD models are particularly suited to addressing the difference in exposure patterns between laboratory (constant) and field (variable) scenarios. So far, few studies have sought to predict sublethal effects of pesticide exposure to wild mammals in the field, even though such effects are of particular interest with respect to longer term exposure. We developed a TK–TD model based on the dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory, which can be parametrized and tested solely using standard regulatory studies. We demonstrate that this approach can be used effectively to predict toxic effects on the body weight of rats over time. Model predictions separate the impacts of feeding avoidance and toxic action, highlighting which was the primary driver of effects on growth. Such information is relevant to the ecological risk posed by a compound because in the environment alternative food sources may or may not be available to focal species. While this study focused on a single end point, growth, this approach could be expanded to include reproductive output. The framework developed is simple to use and could be of great utility for ecological and toxicological research as well as to risk assessors in industry and regulatory agencies.
Article
Full-text available
Critical parameters in the quantitation of altered hepatic foci (AHF) developing during multistage hepatocarcinogenesis in the rat include: 1) the enumeration of AHF induced by test agents as well as those AHF occurring spontaneously in livers of untreated animals; 2) the volume percentage or fraction of the liver occupied by all AHF as a reflection of the total number of altered cells within the liver and the degree of tumor promotion which has occurred; and 3) the phenotype of individual AHF as determined by multiple markers with serial sections. These parameters, especially the number of AHF, should be corrected by the presence of spontaneous AHF which increase with the age of the animal, more so in males than females. While accurate estimation of the background level of spontaneous AHF can be important in demonstrating that a carcinogenic agent does not possess the ability to increase the numbers of AHF above the background level, a better method to distinguish the effectiveness and relative potencies of agents as initiators or promoters is reviewed. The relative effectiveness of four different markers--gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), a placental form of glutathione S-transferase (GST), canalicular ATPase, and glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase)--was described for the chemicals C.I. Solvent Yellow 14 and chlorendic acid as promoting agents in males and females. C.I. Solvent Yellow 14 is a more effective promoting agent in females than males, and AHF exhibit extremely low numbers scored by GGT. On the other hand, the numbers of AHF present in livers of male rats promoted by this agent are more than twice those seen in livers of female animals, possibly owing to the effectiveness of this agent as an initiator in the male but not the female. Very few AHF, especially in the male, are scored by GGT during chlorendic acid promotion. The distribution of phenotypes with these markers also differs in the spontaneous AHF appearing in the livers of animals fed 0.05% phenobarbital on either a crude NIH-07 or AIN-76 purified diet. Such studies emphasize the extreme dependence of the promoting stage of hepatocarcinogenesis on environmental factors of sex, diet, and the molecular nature of the promoting agent itself. The hallmark of the final stage of progression in the development of hepatocellular carcinomas is aneuploidy, which may be reflected by phenotypic heterogeneity within individual AHF, termed foci-in-foci. The implications of such quantitative analyses during hepatocarcinogenesis induced by specific agents in relation to the specific action of the agent at one or more of the stages of hepatocarcinogenesis are discussed.
Article
Full-text available
We carried out ultrastructural morphometrical and immunocytochemical analyses on pancreatic acinar cell nuclei from mice fed on genetically modified (GM) soybean, in order to investigate possible structural and molecular modifications of nucleoplasmic and nucleolar constituents. We found a significant lowering of nucleoplasmic and nucleolar splicing factors as well as a perichromatin granule accumulation in GM-fed mice, suggestive of reduced post-transcriptional hnRNA processing and/or nuclear export. This is in accordance to already described zymogen synthesis and processing modifications in the same animals.
Article
Full-text available
Bacillus thuringiensis crystal proteins, well known to be toxic to certain insects but not pathogenic to mammals, are used as insecticidal proteins in agriculture and forest management. We here identified a crystal protein that is non-insecticidal and non-hemolytic but has strong cytocidal activity against various human cells with a markedly divergent target specificity, e.g. highly cytotoxic to HepG2 and Jurkat and less cytotoxic to the normal hepatocyte (HC) and HeLa. In slices of liver and colon cancer tissues, the toxin protein preferentially killed the cancer cells, leaving other cells unaffected. The cytocidal effect of the protein is non-apoptotic with swelling and fragmentation of the susceptible cells, although the apoptotic process does occur when the cell damage proceeded slowly. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the cloned gene of the protein has little sequence homology with the insecticidal crystal proteins of B. thuringiensis. These observations raise the presence of a new group of the B. thuringiensis toxin and the possibility of new applications for the protein in the medical field.
Article
Full-text available
CPN (chronic progressive nephropathy) is a spontaneous age-related disease that occurs in high incidence in the strains of rat commonly used in preclinical toxicology studies, exhibiting a male predisposition. Although increasing in incidence and severity with age, evidence indicates that CPN should be regarded as a specific disease entity and not just a manifestation of the aging process. A number of factors, mainly dietary manipulations, have been shown to modify the expression of CPN. Amongst these, restriction of caloric intake is the most effective for inhibiting the disease process. The precise etiology of CPN and the mechanism(s) underlying its pathogenesis remain unknown, but the long-standing assumption that glomerular dysfunction is the primary basis is challenged in the light of contemporary developments in understanding filtration and postglomerular cellular processing of albumin. CPN is not only a degenerative disease, but also has regenerative aspects with a high cell proliferative rate in affected tubules. Accordingly, evidence is emerging that advanced, particularly end-stage CPN, is a risk factor for a marginal increase in the background incidence of renal tubule tumors. Many chemicals are known to exacerbate the severity of CPN to an advanced stage, and this interaction between chemical and CPN can result in a small increase in the incidence of renal adenomas in 2-year carcinogenicity bioassays. Review of the pathological entities associated with chronic renal failure in man emphasizes that this rodent condition has no strict human counterpart. Because CPN is a rodent-specific entity, the finding of a small, statistically significant increase in renal tubule tumors, linked to exacerbation of CPN by a test chemical in a preclinical study for carcinogenicity, can be regarded as having no relevance for extrapolation in human risk assessment.
Article
Full-text available
We have considered the possible effects of a diet containing genetically modified (GM) soybean on mouse testis. This organ, in fact, is a well known bioindicator and it has already been utilized, for instance, to monitor pollution by heavy metals. In this preliminary study, we have focussed our attention on Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes by means of immunoelectron microscopy. Our results point out that the immunolabelling for Sm antigen, hnRNPs, SC35 and RNA Polymerase II is decreased in 2 and 5 month-old GM-fed mice, and is restored to normal at 8 months. In GM-fed mice of all ages considered, the number of perichromatin granules is higher and the nuclear pore density lower. Moreover, we found enlargements in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in GM-fed mice Sertoli cells. A possible role played by traces of the herbicide to which the soybean is resistant is discussed.
Article
Full-text available
Roundup is a glyphosate-based herbicide used worldwide, including on most genetically modified plants that have been designed to tolerate it. Its residues may thus enter the food chain, and glyphosate is found as a contaminant in rivers. Some agricultural workers using glyphosate have pregnancy problems, but its mechanism of action in mammals is questioned. Here we show that glyphosate is toxic to human placental JEG3 cells within 18 hr with concentrations lower than those found with agricultural use, and this effect increases with concentration and time or in the presence of Roundup adjuvants. Surprisingly, Roundup is always more toxic than its active ingredient. We tested the effects of glyphosate and Roundup at lower nontoxic concentrations on aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen synthesis. The glyphosate-based herbicide disrupts aromatase activity and mRNA levels and interacts with the active site of the purified enzyme, but the effects of glyphosate are facilitated by the Roundup formulation in microsomes or in cell culture. We conclude that endocrine and toxic effects of Roundup, not just glyphosate, can be observed in mammals. We suggest that the presence of Roundup adjuvants enhances glyphosate bioavailability and/or bioaccumulation.
Article
Full-text available
The results of a 90-day rat feeding study with YieldGard (YieldGard Rootworm Corn is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology, LLC.) Rootworm corn (MON 863) grain that is protected against feeding damage caused by corn rootworm larvae are presented. Corn rootworm-protection was accomplished through the introduction of a cry3Bb1 coding sequence into the corn genome for in planta production of a modified Cry3Bb1 protein from Bacillus thuringiensis. Grain from MON 863 and its near isogenic control were separately formulated into rodent diets at levels of 11% and 33% (w/w) by Purina Mills, Inc. Additionally, six groups of rats were fed diets containing grain from different conventional (non-biotechnology-derived) reference varieties. The responses of rats fed diets containing MON 863 were compared to those of rats fed grain from conventional corn varieties. All diets were nutritionally balanced and conformed to Purina Mills, Inc. specifications for Certified LabDiet 5002. There were a total of 400 rats in the study divided into 10 groups of 20 rats/sex/group. Overall health, body weight gain, food consumption, clinical pathology parameters (hematology, blood chemistry, urinalysis), organ weights, gross and microscopic appearance of tissues were comparable between groups fed diets containing MON 863 and conventional corn varieties. This study complements extensive agronomic, compositional and farm animal feeding studies with MON 863 grain, confirming that it is as safe and nutritious as existing conventional corn varieties.
Article
Full-text available
No direct evidence that genetically modified (GM) food may represent a possible danger for health has been reported so far; however, the scientific literature in this field is still quite poor. Therefore, we carried out an ultrastructural morphometrical and immunocytochemical study on hepatocytes from mice fed on GM soybean, in order to investigate eventual modifications of nuclear components of these cells involved in multiple metabolic pathways related to food processing. Our observations demonstrate significant modifications of some nuclear features in GM-fed mice. In particular, GM fed-mice show irregularly shaped nuclei, which generally represents an index of high metabolic rate, and a higher number of nuclear pores, suggestive of intense molecular trafficking. Moreover, the roundish nucleoli of control animals change in more irregular nucleoli with numerous small fibrillar centres and abundant dense fibrillar component in GM-fed mice, modifications typical of increased metabolic rate. Accordingly, nucleoplasmic (snRNPs and SC-35) and nucleolar (fibrillarin) splicing factors are more abundant in hepatocyte nuclei of GM-fed than in control mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that GM soybean intake can influence hepatocyte nuclear features in young and adult mice; however, the mechanisms responsible for such alterations remain unknown.
Article
Full-text available
The invasion of Europe by the western corn rootworm, North America's most destructive corn pest, is ongoing and represents a serious threat to European agriculture. Because this pest was initially introduced in Central Europe, it was believed that subsequent outbreaks in Western Europe originated from this area. Using model-based Bayesian analyses of the genetic variability of the western corn rootworm, we demonstrate that this belief is false: There have been at least three independent introductions from North America during the past two decades. This result raises questions about changing circumstances that have enabled a sudden burst of transatlantic introductions.
Article
Everything VariesSignificanceGood and Bad HypothesesNull Hypothesesp ValuesInterpretationStatistical ModellingMaximum LikelihoodExperimental DesignThe Principle of Parsimony (Occam's Razor)Observation, Theory and ExperimentControlsReplication: It's the n's that Justify the MeansHow Many Replicates?PowerRandomizationStrong InferenceWeak InferenceHow Long to Go On?PseudoreplicationInitial ConditionsOrthogonal Designs and Non-orthogonal Observational Data
Article
Study of the endocrine status, which is often disturbed during hepatocarcinogenesis, is particularly valuable because gonadal function and hormone production regulate hepatic metabolism of the carcinogen. Sex steroids can even promote carcinogenesis. After aflatoxin B1 induction of liver carcinogenesis in adult female Sprague Dawley rats, livers were examined by histology, fluorescence microscopy of the carcinogen and its metabolites, and alphafetoprotein (AFP) assays. Ovarian activity was assessed, and both progesterone and estradiol levels were determined. Administration of a diet containing 10.32% total protein plus 2 ppm aflatoxin B1 was observed to prevent development of liver tumors during the 300 day study period. This finding is especially interesting for the study of populations suffering from malnutrition and exposed to dietary carcinogens. Under study conditions, aflatoxin B1 did not cause elevation of AFP levels, as occurs with other hepatotoxic substances. This absence of a rise in AFP despite liver alterations explains the surprising lack of ovarian modifications. In other experiments, AFP has been shown to cause genital function blockade which leads to reduced levels of hormonal promoters, for example during N2 fluorenylacetamide carcinogenesis. The endocrine reaction implicated in the development of tumors during carcinogenesis thus appears closely related to the nature of the carcinogen, AFP production, and the composition of the diet.
Article
Isoniazid (INH) continues to be a highly effective drug in the chemoprophylaxis and treatment of tuberculosis; however, its use is associated with hepatotoxicity (predominantly hepatic necrosis) in 1–2% of individuals. The INH metabolites, acetylhydrazine and hydrazine, have each been implicated as the causative hepatotoxin in INH-induced hepatotoxicity. Using a model of INH-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits, in which INH-induced hepatotoxicity manifests as hepatic necrosis, hepatic steatosis (hepatic fat accumulation) and hypertriglyceridaemia (elevated plasma triglycerides), we compared the severity of these measures of toxicity with plasma levels of INH, acetylhydrazine and hydrazine. Plasma INH and acetylhydrazine were not correlated with markers of INH-induced hepatic necrosis or fatty changes. Plasma hydrazine at 32 h was correlated significantly with plasma argininosuccinic acid lyase (ASAL, a sensitive marker of hepatic necrosis) activity as area under the curve (r 2=0.54, P<0.002) and log plasma ASAL activity at 48 h after the first dose of INH (r 2=0.53, p<0.005), but not with fatty changes. These results show in this model of INH-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits that hydrazine, and not INH or acetylhydrazine, is most likely involved in the pathogenic mechanism of hepatic necrosis.
Article
Effect of intact and alkali solubilized insecticidal crystal protein (ICP) preparations from a mutant strain of B. thuringiensis var. israelensis (VCRC MB24) and the wild type strain (VCRC B17) in vitro on human erythrocytes with respect to lipid peroxidation, osmofragility and membrane bound enzymes was determined. The alkali solubilized ICPs of both B. thuringiensis strains caused increased lipid peroxidation, decreased resistance to hypotonic lysis and reduction in the activity of membrane bound enzymes. On the contrary, the intact ICPs did not produce any such adverse effect on RBCs under the same experimental conditions. It is suggested that the ICPs are safe when they are intact when compared with solubilized ones.
Article
In the mass media in recent months the debate about genetically modified (GM) foods has increased, and scientific journals have not been an exception. Science and other prestigious journals such as British Medical Journal , Lancet , and Nature have contributed to this broad debate, which was
Article
The demand for consumer safety with regard to the food-processing industry is becoming, legitimately, more and more urgent. If ingested drugs can carry deleterious effects that exceed the beneficial effect that the research was initially undertaken for, then the same can only be the case for foods that stem from the same new biotechnologies, zero risk being non existent. There are two conflicting viewpoints about the possible risks linked to genetically modified organisms: a posteriori protection (based on vigilance once the product is on the market) and an a priori protection (at present usually supported by the precaution principle). We suggest a third way, which ensures consumer safety, but doesn't hinder scientific progress. Just as there are regulations for the protection of human subjects in biomedical research and regulations for the use of drugs after they are marketed, so should such regulations be introduced in the domains of food production that use biotechnologies. We therefore suggest that the scientific community and the food-processing industry develop evaluation protocols for new foods like the ones that exist for drugs. We thus offer thirteen regulations, based on the Helsinki declaration, in order to establish these protocols. These proposals, applied to food-processing research, would enable the industry to return confidence to consumers and thus avoid the random blocking of scientific progress, which is a source of health for the greater population.
Article
The effect of Dipel (D), a Bacillus thuringiensis-based bioinsecticide, on hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in rat liver was investigated. Administration of D in a dose of 1 mg/100 g body mass for 4 successive days increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat hepatocytes. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) level were decreased. Administration of D in rats pretreated with alpha-tocopherol (alphaT) or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) decreased the activities of GPx, GR and MDA levels, while the GSH level was increased compared with rats treated with D alone. The SOD activity was increased in rats pretreated with alphaT before D, but decreased on pretreatment with ASA, compared with rats treated with D alone. The results indicated that D induced oxidative stress in rat liver that has been protected by prior administration of alphaT or ASA.
Article
The history of the development of statistical hypothesis testing in time series analysis is reviewed briefly and it is pointed out that the hypothesis testing procedure is not adequately defined as the procedure for statistical model identification. The classical maximum likelihood estimation procedure is reviewed and a new estimate minimum information theoretical criterion (AIC) estimate (MAICE) which is designed for the purpose of statistical identification is introduced. When there are several competing models the MAICE is defined by the model and the maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters which give the minimum of AIC defined by AIC = (-2)log-(maximum likelihood) + 2(number of independently adjusted parameters within the model). MAICE provides a versatile procedure for statistical model identification which is free from the ambiguities inherent in the application of conventional hypothesis testing procedure. The practical utility of MAICE in time series analysis is demonstrated with some numerical examples.
A contemporary overview of chronic progressive nephropathy in the laboratory rat, and its significance for human risk assessment
  • Gc
  • Khan
  • Kn
GC, Khan KN (2004) A contemporary overview of chronic progressive nephropathy in the laboratory rat, and its significance for human risk assessment. Toxicol Pathol 32:171–180
A contemporary overview of chronic progressive nephropathy in the laboratory rat, and its significance for human risk assessment
  • G C Hard
  • K N Khan
  • GC Hard