Glyphosate Excretion is Associated With Steatohepatitis and Advanced Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Fatty Liver Disease

Associations between urine glyphosate levels and metabolic health risks: insights from a large cross-sectional population-based study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in American adults increased from 37.6% in the 2011-12 period to 41.8% in 2017-2018. Environmental exposure, particularly to common compounds such as glyphosate, has drawn increasing attention as a potential risk factor.

METHODS

We employed three cycles of data (2013-2018) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in a cross-sectional study to examine potential associations between urine glyphosate measurements and MetS incidence. We first created a MetS score using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria for MetS, with data drawn from the 2013-2018 NHANES cycles, and validated this score independently on an additional associated metric, the albumin-to-creatinine (ACR) ratio. The score was validated via a machine learning approach in predicting the ACR score via binary classification and then used in multivariable regression to test the association between quartile-categorized glyphosate exposure and the MetS score.

RESULTS

In adjusted multivariable regressions, regressions between quartile-categorized glyphosate exposure and MetS score showed a significant inverted U-shaped or saturating dose‒response profile, often with the largest effect for exposures in quartile 3. Exploration of potential effect modification by sex, race, and age category revealed significant differences by race and age, with older people (aged > 65 years) and non-Hispanic African American participants showing larger effect sizes for all exposure quartiles.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that urinary glyphosate concentration is significantly associated with a statistical score designed to predict MetS status and that dose-response coefficient is nonlinear, with advanced age and non-Hispanic African American, Mexican American and other Hispanic participants exhibiting greater effect sizes.

The landscape of etiological patterns of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand

Thailand is among countries with the highest global incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). While viral hepatitis and liver fluke infections have been associated with HCC and iCCA, respectively, other environmental risk factors, overall risk factor commonality and combinatorial roles, and effects on survival have not been systematically examined. We conducted a TIGER-LC consortium-based population study covering all high-incidence areas of both malignancies across Thailand: 837 HCC, 1474 iCCA, and 1112 controls (2011-2019) were comprehensively queried on lifelong environmental exposures, lifestyle, and medical history. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to evaluate risk factors and associated survival patterns. Our models identified shared risk factors between HCC and iCCA, such as viral hepatitis infection, liver fluke infection, and diabetes, including novel and shared associations of agricultural pesticide exposure (OR range of 1.50; 95% CI: 1.06-2.11 to 2.91; 95% CI: 1.82-4.63) along with vulnerable sources of drinking water. Most patients had multiple risk factors, magnifying their risk considerably. Patients with lower risk levels had better survival in both HCC (HR 0.78; 95% CI: 0.64-0.96) and iCCA (HR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.70-0.99). Risk factor co-exposures and their common associations with HCC and iCCA in Thailand emphasize the importance for future prevention and control measures, especially in its large agricultural sector. The observed mortality patterns suggest ways to stratify patients for anticipated survivorship and develop plans to support medical care of longer-term survivors, including behavioral changes to reduce exposures.

Glyphosate: Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity, Hemotoxicity, Carcinogenicity, and Clinical Cases of Endocrine, Reproductive, Cardiovascular, and Pulmonary System Intoxication

Glyphosate (GLP) is an active agent of GLP-based herbicides (GBHs), i.e., broad-spectrum and postemergent weedkillers, commercialized by Monsanto as, e.g., Roundup and RangerPro formulants. The GBH crop spraying, dedicated to genetically engineered GLP-resistant crops, has revolutionized modern agriculture by increasing the production yield. However, abusively administered GBHs' ingredients, e.g., GLP, polyoxyethyleneamine, and heavy metals, have polluted environmental and industrial areas far beyond farmlands, causing global contamination and life-threatening risk, which has led to the recent local bans of GBH use. Moreover, preclinical and clinical reports have demonstrated harmful impacts of GLP and other GBH ingredients on the gut microbiome, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, and endocrine, as well as reproductive, and cardiopulmonary systems, whereas carcinogenicity of these herbicides remains controversial. Occupational exposure to GBH dysregulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, responsible for steroidogenesis and endocrinal secretion, thus affecting hormonal homeostasis, functions of reproductive organs, and fertility. On the other hand, acute intoxication with GBH, characterized by dehydration, oliguria, paralytic ileus, as well as hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock, pulmonary edema, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis, may occur fatally. As no antidote has been developed for GBH poisoning so far, the detoxification is mainly symptomatic and supportive and requires intensive care based on gastric lavage, extracorporeal blood filtering, and intravenous lipid emulsion infusion. The current review comprehensively discusses the molecular and physiological basics of the GLP- and/or GBH-induced diseases of the endocrine and reproductive systems, and cardiopulmonary-, nephro-, and hepatotoxicities, presented in recent preclinical studies and case reports on the accidental or intentional ingestions with the most popular GBHs. Finally, they briefly describe modern and future healthcare methods and tools for GLP detection, determination, and detoxification. Future electronically powered, decision-making, and user-friendly devices targeting major GLP/GBH's modes of actions, i.e., dysbiosis and the inhibition of AChE, shall enable self-handled or point-of-care professional-assisted evaluation of the harm followed with rapid capturing GBH xenobiotics in the body and precise determining the GBH pathology-associated biomarkers levels.

Analysis of the association between urinary glyphosate exposure and fatty liver index: a study for US adults

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent condition that often goes unrecognized in the population, and many risk factors for this disease are not well understood. Glyphosate (GLY) is one of the most commonly used herbicides worldwide, and exposure to this chemical in the environment is significant. However, studies exploring the association between GLY exposure and NAFLD remain limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association between urinary glyphosate (uGLY) level and fatty liver index (FLI) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which includes uGLY measurements.

METHODS

The log function of uGLY was converted and expressed as Loge(uGLY) with the constant "e" as the base and used for subsequent analysis. The association between Loge(uGLY) (the independent variable) level and FLI (the dependent variable) was assessed by multiple linear regression analysis. Smoothing curve fitting and a generalized additive model were used to assess if there was a nonlinear association between the independent and the dependent variables. A subgroup analysis was used to find susceptible individuals of the association between the independent variable and the dependent variable.

RESULTS

A final total of 2238 participants were included in this study. Participants were categorized into two groups (< -1.011 and ≥ -1.011 ng/ml) based on the median value of Loge(uGLY). A total of 1125 participants had Loge(uGLY) levels ≥ -1.011 ng/ml and higher FLI. The result of multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive association between Loge(uGLY) and FLI (Beta coefficient = 2.16, 95% CI: 0.71, 3.61). Smoothing curve fitting and threshold effect analysis indicated a linear association between Loge(uGLY) and FLI [likelihood ratio(LLR) = 0.364]. Subgroup analyses showed that the positive association between Loge(uGLY) and FLI was more pronounced in participants who were female, aged between 40 and 60 years, had borderline diabetes history, and without hypertension history. In addition, participants of races/ethnicities other than (Mexican American, White and Black) were particularly sensitive to the positive association between Loge(uGLY) and FLI.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive linear association was found between Loge(uGLY) level and FLI. Participants who were female, 40 to 60 years old, and of ethnic backgrounds other than Mexican American, White, and Black, deserve more attention.

Grape seed-derived procyanidin inhibits glyphosate-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis via enhancing crosstalk between Nrf2 and FGF12

BACKGROUND

Glyphosate (GLY) exposure induces hepatocyte ferroptosis through overproduction of reactive oxygen species, regarded as an important contributor to liver damage. Grape seed-derived procyanidin (GSDP) has been reported to be an effective antioxidant, but whether and, if any, how GSDP can attenuate GLY-induced liver injury via inhibiting ferroptosis is unclear.

PURPOSE

The current study aimed to investigate the hepato-protective effects and possible mechanisms of GSDP.

METHODS

GLY-induced liver damage mice model was established to explore the hepatoprotective roles of GSPE in vivo. Subsequently, bioinformatics methodology was used to predict the key pathways and factors related to the action targets of GSPE against hepatocyte ferroptosis. Finally, we explored the roles of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in blunting GLY-induced liver damage via suppressing ferroptosis in vitro.

RESULTS

GSDP exerts hepato-protective effects in vivo and in vitro through reduced oxidative stress and inhibited ferroptosis, which was related to the activation of Nrf2. Bioinformatics analysis showed an interaction between Nrf2 and FGF21. Furthermore, Nrf2 inhibition reduced FGF21 expression in the mRNA and protein levels. Fgf21 knockdown suppressed Nrf2 expression level, but recombinant FGF21 protein increased Nrf2 expression and promoted Nrf2 translocation into nucleus, suggesting a crosstalk between Nrf2 and FGF21. Intriguingly, the decreased levels of Nrf2 and FGF21 compromised the protective roles of GSDP against GLY-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that GSDP attenuates GLY-caused hepatocyte ferroptosis via enhancing the interplay between Nrf2 and FGF21. Thus, GSDP may be a promising natural compound to antagonize ferroptosis-related damage.

Higher urinary glyphosate exposure is associated with increased risk of liver dysfunction in adults: An analysis of NHANES, 2013-2016

Glyphosate (GLY) exposure, both exogenous and endogenous, is a global concern. Multiple studies of model systems in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated the potential toxic effects of GLY exposure on human organs, particularly the liver and renal system. However, there is currently limited epidemiological evidence establishing a link between GLY exposure and hepatorenal function in the general population. In this study, a multivariable linear regression model and forest plots were employed to evaluate the connection between urinary GLY and biomarkers of hepatorenal function in 2241 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted based on age, gender, race, BMI, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), AST/ALT and fibrosis 4 score (FIB-4) all increased with elevated urinary GLY concentrations after adjusting for potential confounders, while albumin (ALB) exhibited the opposite trend, particularly among younger, female, non-Hispanic white, overweight, and CKD participants. Furthermore, individuals in the third tertile had a greater risk of liver dysfunction than those in the first tertile after categorizing urinary GLY concentrations. However, our study showed no proof that GLY exposure affects the ratio of urine albumin to creatinine (ACR) or serum creatinine levels. Overall, these results imply that GLY exposure may have adverse effects on human liver function.

Pollutants, including Organophosphorus and Organochloride Pesticides, May Increase the Risk of Cardiac Remodeling and Atrial Fibrillation: A Narrative Review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac rhythm disorder. Recent clinical and experimental studies reveal that environmental pollutants, including organophosphorus-organochloride pesticides and air pollution, may contribute to the development of cardiac arrhythmias including AF. Here, we discussed the unifying cascade of events that may explain the role of pollutant exposure in the development of AF. Following ingestion and inhalation of pollution-promoting toxic compounds, damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) stimuli activate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress that may negatively affect the respiratory, cognitive, digestive, and cardiac systems. Although the detailed mechanisms underlying the association between pollutant exposure and the incidence of AF are not completely elucidated, some clinical reports and fundamental research data support the idea that pollutant poisoning can provoke perturbed ion channel function, myocardial electrical abnormalities, decreased action potential duration, slowed conduction, contractile dysfunction, cardiac fibrosis, and arrhythmias including AF.

Glyphosate-induced autophagy inhibition results in hepatic steatosis via mediating epigenetic reprogramming of PPARα in roosters

Glyphosate (Gly) is the most widely used herbicide with well-defined hepatotoxic effects, but the underlying mechanisms of Gly-induced hepatic steatosis remain largely unknown. In this study, a rooster model combined with primary chicken embryo hepatocytes was established to dissect the progresses and mechanisms of Gly-induced hepatic steatosis. Data showed that Gly exposure caused liver injury with disrupted lipid metabolism in roosters, manifested by significant serum lipid profile disorder and hepatic lipid accumulation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that PPARα and autophagy-related pathways played important roles in Gly-induced hepatic lipid metabolism disorders. Further experimental results suggested that autophagy inhibition was involved in Gly-induced hepatic lipid accumulation, which was confirmed by the effect of classic autophagy inducer rapamycin (Rapa). Moreover, data substantiated that Gly-mediated autophagy inhibition caused nuclear increase of HDAC3, which altered epigenetic modification of PPARα, leading to fatty acid oxidation (FAO) inhibition and subsequently lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes. In summary, this study provides novel evidence that Gly-induced autophagy inhibition evokes the inactivation of PPARα-mediated FAO and concomitant hepatic steatosis in roosters by mediating epigenetic reprogramming of PPARα.

Association of Lifetime Exposure to Glyphosate and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid (AMPA) with Liver Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome at Young Adulthood: Findings from the CHAMACOS Study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of liver disorders and metabolic syndrome has increased among youth. Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide worldwide, could contribute to the development of these conditions.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess whether lifetime exposure to glyphosate and its degradation product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), is associated with elevated liver transaminases and metabolic syndrome among young adults.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study (n = 480 mother-child dyads) and a nested case-control study (n = 60 cases with elevated liver transaminases and 91 controls) using data from the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS). We measured glyphosate and AMPA concentrations in urine samples collected during pregnancy and at child ages 5, 14, and 18 y from cases and controls. We calculated glyphosate residue concentrations: [glyphosate  +   ( 1.5 × AMPA ) ]. We estimated the amount of agricultural-use glyphosate applied within a 1 - km radius of every residence from pregnancy to age 5 y for the full cohort using California Pesticide Use Reporting data. We assessed liver transaminases and metabolic syndrome at 18 y of age.

RESULTS

Urinary AMPA at age 5 y was associated with elevated transaminases [relative risk (RR) per 2 - fold increase = 1.27 , 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.53] and metabolic syndrome (RR = 2.07 , 95% CI: 1.38, 3.11). Urinary AMPA and glyphosate residues at age 14 y were associated with metabolic syndrome [RR = 1.80 (95% CI: 1.10, 2.93) and RR = 1.88 (95% CI: 1.03, 3.42), respectively]. Overall, a 2-fold increase in urinary AMPA during childhood was associated with a 14% and a 55% increased risk of elevated liver transaminases and metabolic syndrome, respectively. Living near agricultural glyphosate applications during early childhood (birth to 5 y of age) was also associated with metabolic syndrome at age 18 y in the case-control group (RR = 1.53 , 95% CI: 1.16, 2.02).

DISCUSSION

Childhood exposure to glyphosate and AMPA may increase risk of liver and cardiometabolic disorders in early adulthood, which could lead to more serious diseases later in life. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11721.

Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals liver injury induced by glyphosate in mice

BACKGROUND

Glyphosate (GLY), as the active ingredient of the most widely used herbicide worldwide, is commonly detected in the environment and living organisms, including humans. Its toxicity and carcinogenicity in mammals remain controversial. Several studies have demonstrated the hepatotoxicity of GLY; however, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown.

METHODS

Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), immunofluorescent staining, and in vivo animal studies, we analyzed the liver tissues from untreated and GLY-treated mice.

RESULTS

We generated the first scRNA-seq atlas of GLY-exposed mouse liver. GLY induced varied cell composition, shared or cell-type-specific transcriptional alterations, and dysregulated cell-cell communication and thus exerted hepatotoxicity effects. The oxidative stress and inflammatory response were commonly upregulated in several cell types. We also observed activation and upregulated phagocytosis in macrophages, as well as proliferation and extracellular matrix overproduction in hepatic stellate cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides a comprehensive single-cell transcriptional picture of the toxic effect of GLY in the liver, which offers novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of the GLY-associated hepatotoxicity.

Glyphosate based-herbicide disrupts energy metabolism and activates inflammatory response through oxidative stress in mice liver

Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide worldwide, has been reported to cause hepatotoxicity. However, these systematic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) on liver toxicity in mice exposed to 0, 50, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day GBH for 30 d. Pathological and ultrastructural changes, serum biochemical indicators, oxidative stress state, and transcriptome and key protein alterations were performed to describe the hepatic responses to GBH. GBH induced hepatocytes structural alterations, vacuolation, and inflammatory, mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization; damaged liver function and aggravated oxidative stress; blocked the respiratory chain, promoted gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis and elongation, and activated complement and coagulation cascades system (CCCS) in the liver. Moreover, SOD, H₂O₂, and MDA were negatively correlated with the CxI and CxIV genes, but positively correlated with the genes in glucolipid metabolism and CCCS pathways; however, the opposite results were observed for CAT, GSH-Px, and T-AOC. Overall, this study revealed the systematic mechanism underlying hepatotoxicity caused by GBH, providing new insights into understanding the hepatotoxicity of organophosphorus pesticide.

Trehalose prevents glyphosate-induced hepatic steatosis in roosters by activating the Nrf2 pathway and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Glyphosate (Gly) is a globally spread herbicide that can cause toxic injuries to hepatocytes. Dietary trehalose (Tre) exerts cytoprotective effect in numerous liver diseases through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is yet to be investigated whether Tre affords protection against Gly-induced hepatotoxicity. To evaluate the negative effect of Gly in liver and assess the possible protective role of Tre, sixty Hy-line Brown roosters were allocated into three groups: the first group presented the control with a normal diet, the second group fed normal feed containing 200mg/kg Gly, and the third group fed normal feed containing 200 mg/kg Gly and 5 g/kg Tre. Plasma and liver tissues were collected and analyzed after 120 days. Firstly, Gly-elevated serum levels of hepatic injury markers and liver histopathological damages were evidently alleviated by Tre administration. Also, Tre normalized Gly-altered serum and hepatic lipid profiles and Oil Red O-stained lipid levels, suggesting the improvement of hepatic steatosis. The severely accumulated malondialdehyde levels and impaired antioxidant status in Gly-exposed roosters were markedly improved by administration with Tre. Simultaneously, Gly-inhibited nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) level and consequent reduced levels of Nrf2-downstream targets in liver were markedly normalized by Tre treatment. Additionally, Tre treatment evidently mitigated Gly-induced inflammasome response via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Overall, these observations provide novel insights that the protective action of Tre against Gly-induced hepatic steatosis is attributed to activation of Nrf2 pathway and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Exposure to glyphosate-based herbicide during early stages of development increases insulin sensitivity and causes liver inflammation in adult mice offspring

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of pre and postnatal exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide on glucose metabolism and liver histology in adult F1 mice offspring.

METHODS

Female mice (C57Bl/6) received 0.5% of glyphosate (Roundup Original DI®) in drinking water or purified water (Glyphosate Group and Control Group respectively) during pregnancy and lactation. Offspring (F1) were submitted to glucose and insulin tolerance tests and euthanized on postnatal day 150. Body and plasma parameters, and liver histology were analyzed.

RESULTS

Exposure to glyphosate reduced maternal body weight gain during pregnancy and lactation, with no impacts on litter size. Pre and postnatal exposure to glyphosate did not affect body parameters but increased glucose tolerance on postnatal day 60. In spite of glucose tolerance normalization by postnatal day 143, this effect was associated with higher insulin sensitivity relative to mice in the Control-F1 Group. Mice in the Glyphosate-F1 Group had mild and moderate lobular inflammation in the liver.

CONCLUSION

Maternal exposure to glyphosate affected insulin sensitivity and caused hepatic inflammation in adult F1 mice offspring.

Fluorescence determination of glyphosate based on a DNA-templated copper nanoparticle biosensor

A rapid and convenient fluorescence glyphosate (GLYP) biosensor was developed based on DNA-templated copper nanoparticles (DNA-CuNPs). In the absence of GLYP, the DNA-CuNPs were formed through the reduction of Cu2+ by vitamin C (Vc). The DNA-CuNPs emitted intense fluorescence at 615 nm when being excited at 340 nm. In the presence of GLYP, GLYP can strongly chelate with Cu2+ by the phosphate and carboxyl groups to decrease the amount of free Cu2+. Due to the lack of free Cu2+, DNA-CuNPs cannot be formed, which caused the fluorescence to decrease. The whole detection process of this proposed GLYP biosensor can be completed within 14 min. Titration experiments showed that this biosensor had a linear relationship for GLYP in the range 1 to 18 µM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.47 µM. This biosensor showed obvious selectivity among other pesticides, even between GLYP and organophosphorus pesticides. This biosensor performed well for GLYP detection in real samples with recoveries of 88.0-104.0%.

Comparative Toxicogenomics of Glyphosate and Roundup Herbicides by Mammalian Stem Cell-Based Genotoxicity Assays and Molecular Profiling in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Whether glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are more potent than glyphosate alone at activating cellular mechanisms, which drive carcinogenesis remain controversial. As GBHs are more cytotoxic than glyphosate, we reasoned they may also be more capable of activating carcinogenic pathways. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the effects of glyphosate with Roundup GBHs both in vitro and in vivo. First, glyphosate was compared with representative GBHs, namely MON 52276 (European Union), MON 76473 (United Kingdom), and MON 76207 (United States) using the mammalian stem cell-based ToxTracker system. Here, MON 52276 and MON 76473, but not glyphosate and MON 76207, activated oxidative stress and unfolded protein responses. Second, molecular profiling of liver was performed in female Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to glyphosate or MON 52276 (at 0.5, 50, and 175 mg/kg bw/day glyphosate) for 90 days. MON 52276 but not glyphosate increased hepatic steatosis and necrosis. MON 52276 and glyphosate altered the expression of genes in liver reflecting TP53 activation by DNA damage and circadian rhythm regulation. Genes most affected in liver were similarly altered in kidneys. Small RNA profiling in liver showed decreased amounts of miR-22 and miR-17 from MON 52276 ingestion. Glyphosate decreased miR-30, whereas miR-10 levels were increased. DNA methylation profiling of liver revealed 5727 and 4496 differentially methylated CpG sites between the control and glyphosate and MON 52276 exposed animals, respectively. Apurinic/apyrimidinic DNA damage formation in liver was increased with glyphosate exposure. Altogether, our results show that Roundup formulations cause more biological changes linked with carcinogenesis than glyphosate.

Urinary glyphosate concentration in pregnant women in relation to length of gestation

Human exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) is increasing rapidly worldwide. Most existing studies on health effects of glyphosate have focused on occupational settings and cancer outcomes and few have examined this common exposure in relation to the health of pregnant women and newborns in the general population. We investigated associations between prenatal glyphosate exposure and length of gestation in The Infant Development and the Environment Study (TIDES), a multi-center US pregnancy cohort. Glyphosate and its primary degradation product [aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA)] were measured in urine samples collected during the second trimester from 163 pregnant women: 69 preterm births (<37 weeks) and 94 term births, the latter randomly selected as a subset of TIDES term births. We examined the relationship between exposure and length of gestation using multivariable logistic regression models (dichotomous outcome; term versus preterm) and with weighted time-to-event Cox proportional hazards models (gestational age in days). We conducted these analyses in the overall sample and secondarily, restricted to women with spontaneous deliveries (n = 90). Glyphosate and AMPA were detected in most urine samples (>94 %). A shortened gestational length was associated with maternal glyphosate (hazard ratio (HR): 1.31, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.71) and AMPA (HR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.00-1.73) only among spontaneous deliveries using adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. In binary analysis, glyphosate and AMPA were not associated with preterm birth risk (<37 weeks). Our results indicate widespread exposure to glyphosate in the general population which may impact reproductive health by shortening length of gestation. Given the increasing exposure to GBHs and the public health burden of preterm delivery, larger confirmatory studies are needed, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and newborns.

Commentary: Novel strategies and new tools to curtail the health effects of pesticides

BACKGROUND

Flaws in the science supporting pesticide risk assessment and regulation stand in the way of progress in mitigating the human health impacts of pesticides. Critical problems include the scope of regulatory testing protocols, the near-total focus on pure active ingredients rather than formulated products, lack of publicly accessible information on co-formulants, excessive reliance on industry-supported studies coupled with reticence to incorporate published results in the risk assessment process, and failure to take advantage of new scientific opportunities and advances, e.g. biomonitoring and "omics" technologies.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

Problems in pesticide risk assessment are identified and linked to study design, data, and methodological shortcomings. Steps and strategies are presented that have potential to deepen scientific knowledge of pesticide toxicity, exposures, and risks. We propose four solutions: (1) End near-sole reliance in regulatory decision-making on industry-supported studies by supporting and relying more heavily on independent science, especially for core toxicology studies. The cost of conducting core toxicology studies at labs not affiliated with or funded directly by pesticide registrants should be covered via fees paid by manufacturers to public agencies. (2) Regulators should place more weight on mechanistic data and low-dose studies within the range of contemporary exposures. (3) Regulators, public health agencies, and funders should increase the share of exposure-assessment resources that produce direct measures of concentrations in bodily fluids and tissues. Human biomonitoring is vital in order to quickly identify rising exposures among vulnerable populations including applicators, pregnant women, and children. (4) Scientific tools across disciplines can accelerate progress in risk assessments if integrated more effectively. New genetic and metabolomic markers of adverse health impacts and heritable epigenetic impacts are emerging and should be included more routinely in risk assessment to effectively prevent disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Preventing adverse public health outcomes triggered or made worse by exposure to pesticides will require changes in policy and risk assessment procedures, more science free of industry influence, and innovative strategies that blend traditional methods with new tools and mechanistic insights.

Acute liver injury associated with Oxyfluorfen toxicity

Oxyfluorfen is a phenoxyphenyl-type herbicide which is used for broad-spectrum control of broadleaf and grassy weeds. Ingestion of toxic dose of oxyfluorfen can be fatal among animals. However, toxicity to humans are rare in literature. The alterations in haem biosynthesis (anaemia) and in liver are the primary toxic effects. There are no specific antidotes and none of the current treatments have proven efficacious till date. Therefore, prevention needs to be the utmost priority, and on exposure, aggressive decontamination should be initiated. Herein, we described an oxyfluorfen toxicity with acute hepatic injury in a young woman who presented with a deliberate self-harming with an oxyfluorfen poisoning in Sri Lanka.

The use of combined high-fructose diet and glyphosate to model rats type 2 diabetes symptomatology

An ideal food-chemical combination that will promote insulin resistance and its consequent development of pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction may open a new vista for Type 2 diabetes (T2D) research. Thus, we investigated the modulatory effects of a high-fructose diet (FRC) combined with glyphosate (GP). Male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of eight/group and received distilled water, FRC, GP, and their combinations orally for eight consecutive weeks. We assessed the changes in fasting blood glucose levels (FBGLs), biochemical indices, oxidative stress parameters, and organ histopathology. From the results obtained, FBGLs and serum insulin levels were increased in the FRC-GP (2.3-3.1 and 1.9-2.2 folds) treated rats compared with the control baseline group. Also, the FRC-GP high dose increased FBGLs (1.9 folds), insulin (1.4 folds), triglycerides (1.5 folds), and uric acid (2 folds) levels compared with the FRC group. Malondialdehyde levels increased in the pancreas (54% and 78%) and liver (31.3% and 56.6%) of the FRC-GP treated rats. The FRC-GP treatments reduced serum high-density lipoprotein (57%), total protein (47%), and antioxidant parameters (non-enzymatic and enzymatic, 1.6-1.9 folds) respectively in the treated animals. The weight of the pancreas relative to the body increased (2-3 folds) while we observed mild inflammation and vascular congestion in vital organs in the treated rats. Overall, these results demonstrate the potential of FRC-GP-diet to induce conditions of rats T2D. Also, this novel finding suggests a cost-effective GP as an alternative in this model type and provides further insight into understanding FRC-GP interactions.

Herbicide Widespread: The Effects of Pethoxamid on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Steatosis In Vitro

Pethoxamid is a widespread herbicidal product, presenting itself as an extremely flexible active substance and with a high potential for use as an herbicide for preemergence. The emergence of multiple resistance in crops has been addressed using combinations of preemergence and postemergence herbicides in the same seeding-harvest cycle. A winning combination of pethoxamid and glyphosate mainly affected the acidobacteria population. Glyphosate scientific literature has demonstrated an observational link between herbicide exposure and liver disease in human subjects. Identifying and ranking the risk to the public that pethoxamid could exert on target organs has not been evaluated so far. Due to similarities to glyphosate, we did look at the effect of pethoxamid on impaired liver cells HepG2, using a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cell model in vitro. Pethoxamid was cytotoxic starting at 1 ppm. Fatty acid accumulation (FA) was enhanced while low doses of pethoxamid slightly decreased LDH protein expression compared to FA-treated HepG2. The same trend was observed for cytochrome c. Based on our data, we can argue that NAFLD hepatic cells react to pethoxamid trying detoxifying strategies, ready to undergo cell death to avoid further degeneration. Downregulation of cytochrome can lead to the hypothesis that pethoxamid should not induce herbicide resistance.

Effect of zinc supplementation on chronic hepatorenal toxicity following oral exposure to glyphosate-based herbicide (Bushfire®) in rats

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of zinc pretreatment on hepatorenal toxicity following chronic exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides in male rats.

METHODS

Following zinc pretreatment (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg), 14.4 to 750 mg/kg of oral glyphosate (Bushfire® herbicide) was administered daily for 36 weeks. Thereafter, serum samples were obtained following jugular venipuncture. Liver and kidney samples were processed for histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activity as well as levels of bicarbonate, calcium, creatinine were significantly increased following chronic exposure to Bushfire®. Serum levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, total protein, albumin, globulin and urea were unchanged. Moderate to severe coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes as well as glomerular and renal tubular necrosis were observed in herbicide-treated rats. Zinc pretreatment reduced the elevation of serum enzymes associated with hepatobiliary lesions, abrogated hypercalcemia and metabolic alkalosis, and mitigated serum accumulation of creatinine following Bushfire® exposure, but was ineffective in completely preventing histological lesions.

CONCLUSION

Chronic Bushfire® exposure in rats caused hepatorenal toxicity. The effects of exposure on serum parameters were ameliorated by zinc pretreatment, but the histopathological changes associated with toxicity persisted in milder forms in zinc-pretreated animals.

Glyphosate Primes Mammary Cells for Tumorigenesis by Reprogramming the Epigenome in a TET3-Dependent Manner

The acknowledgment that pollutants might influence the epigenome raises serious concerns regarding their long-term impact on the development of chronic diseases. The herbicide glyphosate has been scrutinized for an impact on cancer incidence, but reports demonstrate the difficulty of linking estimates of exposure and response analysis. An approach to better apprehend a potential risk impact for cancer is to follow a synergistic approach, as cancer rarely occurs in response to one risk factor. The known influence of glyphosate on estrogen-regulated pathway makes it a logical target of investigation in breast cancer research. We have used nonneoplastic MCF10A cells in a repeated glyphosate exposure pattern over 21 days. Glyphosate triggered a significant reduction in DNA methylation, as shown by the level of 5-methylcytosine DNA; however, in contrast to strong demethylating agent and cancer promoter UP peptide, glyphosate-treated cells did not lead to tumor development. Whereas UP acts through a DNMT1/PCNA/UHRF1 pathway, glyphosate triggered increased activity of ten-eleven translocation (TET)3. Combining glyphosate with enhanced expression of microRNA (miR) 182-5p associated with breast cancer induced tumor development in 50% of mice. Culture of primary cells from resected tumors revealed a luminal B (ER+/PR-/HER2-) phenotype in response to glyphosate-miR182-5p exposure with sensitivity to tamoxifen and invasive and migratory potentials. Tumor development could be prevented either by specifically inhibiting miR 182-5p or by treating glyphosate-miR 182-5p-cells with dimethyloxallyl glycine, an inhibitor of TET pathway. Looking for potential epigenetic marks of TET-mediated gene regulation under glyphosate exposure, we identified MTRNR2L2 and DUX4 genes, the hypomethylation of which was sustained even after stopping glyphosate exposure for 6 weeks. Our findings reveal that low pressure but sustained DNA hypomethylation occurring via the TET pathway primes cells for oncogenic response in the presence of another potential risk factor. These results warrant further investigation of glyphosate-mediated breast cancer risk.