1
|
Izumi Y, O’Dell KA, Zorumski CF. Glyphosate as a direct or indirect activator of pro-inflammatory signaling and cognitive impairment. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2212-2218. [PMID: 38488555 PMCID: PMC11034589 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate-based herbicides are widely used around the world, making it likely that most humans have significant exposure. Because of habitual exposure, there are concerns about toxicity including neurotoxicity that could result in neurological, psychiatric, or cognitive impairment. We recently found that a single injection of glyphosate inhibits long-term potentiation, a cellular model of learning and memory, in rat hippocampal slices dissected 1 day after injection, indicating that glyphosate-based herbicides can alter cognitive function. Glyphosate-based herbicides could adversely affect cognitive function either indirectly and/or directly. Indirectly, glyphosate could affect gut microbiota, and if dysbiosis results in endotoxemia (leaky gut), infiltrated bacterial by-products such as lipopolysaccharides could activate pro-inflammatory cascades. Glyphosate can also directly trigger pro-inflammatory cascades. Indeed, we observed that acute glyphosate exposure inhibits long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal slices. Interestingly, direct inhibition of long-term potentiation by glyphosate appears to be similar to that of lipopolysaccharides. There are several possible measures to control dysbiosis and neuroinflammation caused by glyphosate. Dietary intake of polyphenols, such as quercetin, which overcome the inhibitory effect of glyphosate on long-term potentiation, could be one effective strategy. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss possible mechanisms underlying neurotoxicity following glyphosate exposure as a means to identify potential treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukitoshi Izumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kazuko A. O’Dell
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charles F. Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Otaru S, Jones LE, Carpenter DO. Associations between urine glyphosate levels and metabolic health risks: insights from a large cross-sectional population-based study. Environ Health 2024; 23:58. [PMID: 38926689 PMCID: PMC11210132 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01098-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Otaru
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY, USA
- Institute for Health and the Environment (IHE), 5 University Place, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Laura E Jones
- Institute for Health and the Environment (IHE), 5 University Place, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
- Center for Biostatistics, Bassett Research Institute, 1 Atwell Rd., Cooperstown, NY, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, State University of New York, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
| | - David O Carpenter
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY, USA
- Institute for Health and the Environment (IHE), 5 University Place, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jauregui-Zunzunegui S, Rodríguez-Artalejo F, Tellez-Plaza M, García-Esquinas E. Glyphosate exposure, muscular health and functional limitations in middle-aged and older adults. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118547. [PMID: 38452917 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide, both in domestic and industrial settings. Experimental research in animal models has demonstrated changes in muscle physiology and reduced contractile strength associated with glyphosate exposure, while epidemiological studies have shown associations between glyphosate exposure and adverse health outcomes in critical biological systems affecting muscle function. METHODS This study used data from a nationally representative survey of the non-institutionalized U.S. general population (NHANES, n = 2132). Urine glyphosate concentrations were determined by ion chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Hand grip strength (HGS) was measured using a Takei Dynamometer, and relative strength estimated as the ratio between HGS in the dominant hand and the appendicular lean mass (ALM) to body mass index (ALMBMI) ratio. Low HGS and low relative HGS were defined as 1 sex-, age- and race-specific SD below the mean. Physical function limitations were identified as significant difficulty or incapacity in various activities. RESULTS In fully-adjusted models, the Mean Differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals [95%CI] per doubling increase in glyphosate concentrations were -0.55 [-1.09, -0.01] kg for HGS in the dominant hand, and -0.90 [-1.58. -0.21] kg for HGS/ALMBMI. The Odds Ratios (OR) [95% CI] for low HGS, low relative HGS and functional limitations by glyphosate concentrations were 1.27 [1.03, 1.57] for low HGS; 1.43 [1.05; 1.94] for low relative HGS; 1.33 [1.08, 1.63] for stooping, crouching or kneeling difficulty; 1.17 [0.91, 1.50] for lifting or carrying items weighting up to 10 pounds difficulty; 1.21 [1.01, 1.40] for standing up from armless chair difficulty; and 1.47 [1.05, 2.29] for ascending ten steps without pause difficulty. CONCLUSIONS Glyphosate exposure may be a risk factor for decreased grip strength and increased physical functional limitations. More studies investigating the influence of this and other environmental pollutants on functional aging are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jauregui-Zunzunegui
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Spain.
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Artalejo
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; CIBERESP (CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health), Madrid, Spain; IMDEA-Food, CEI UAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Tellez-Plaza
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Department of Chronic Diseases Epidemiology, National Center of Epidemiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Esther García-Esquinas
- CIBERESP (CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health), Madrid, Spain; Department of Chronic Diseases Epidemiology, National Center of Epidemiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu R, Cao JW, Lv HL, Geng Y, Guo MY. Polyethylene microplastics induced gut microbiota dysbiosis leading to liver injury via the TLR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170518. [PMID: 38286276 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that have negative impacts on health and safety. The gut microbiota plays multiple roles as a newly discovered virtual metabolic organ. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of MPs to cause liver injury by disrupting the balance of gut microbiota. The results indicated that exposure to MPs resulted in liver damage and disrupted the homeostasis of gut microbiota. MPs significantly reduced the liver organ coefficient, leading to liver cell injury and impaired function. Additionally, there was an increase in the expression of fibril-related proteins, which positively correlated with MPs concentration. Furthermore, MPs increased the relative abundances of Desulfovibrio, Clostridia, Enterorhabdus, Bacteroides, and Gemella while decreasing the abundance of Dubosoella. Different concentrations of MPs exhibited varying effects on specific bacterial groups, however, both concentrations resulted in an increase in pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria, as well as alterations in microbial structure. Moreover, MPs induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and necrosis in liver cells. The study found that MPs disrupted gut microbiota homeostasis and activated TLR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in the liver, providing a new insight into the mechanism underlying MPs-induced liver injury. These findings serve as a warning regarding environmental pollution caused by MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ran Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Jing-Wen Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Hong-Li Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yuan Geng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Meng-Yao Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu J, Wang L, Li S, Lin Z, Yang G, Miao Z. Association of urine glyphosate levels with renal injury biomarkers in children living close to major vegetable-producing regions in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168677. [PMID: 38007119 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate (GLY)-based herbicides exposure contributes to renal dysfunction in experimental conditions, but the effects on humans are rarely reported. Biomonitoring is practically relevant for evaluating the association of urine GLY levels and renal damage in children living close to vegetable-cultivating regions. In this study, we collected the first-morning void urine samples of 239 healthy children (aged 3-12, 48.12 % boys) living near major vegetable-producing regions in March-May and August 2023 in Shandong Province, China. Urine levels of GLY and kidney injury-associated biomarkers were determined using ELISA kits to assess their correlation. GLY was detected in 92.05 % of urine samples (220 out of 239 participants) and the geometric concentration (GM) was 7.429 μg/L (range: 0.625 to 38.267 μg/L). Binary logistic regression and multivariate regression analysis revealed GLY detectability and levels positively correlated with home ventilation and self-producing vegetable intake of the subjects, as well as sampling periods. Moreover, a statistically significant concentration association with urine GLY was found for kidney injury-associated biomarkers (NGAL and KIM-1) (R2 = 0.923 and 0.855, respectively). Additionally, risk assessment revealed that the maximum value of probable daily intake was 0.150 mg/kg bw/day, accounting for 30.1 % of the established Acceptable Daily Intake of GLY. This study unveils a positive correlation between continuous GLY-based herbicide exposure and renal injury biomarkers of children. A large-scale epidemiological study is warranted for comprehensively assessing the effects of GLY-based herbicides on kidney function of the entire public.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Liu
- College of Biological and Brewing Engineering, Taishan University, Tai'an City, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- The Second Children & Women's Healthcare of Ji'nan City, Laiwu City, China
| | - Song Li
- College of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University, Ji'nan City, China
| | - Zhenxian Lin
- College of Biological and Brewing Engineering, Taishan University, Tai'an City, China
| | - Guangcheng Yang
- College of Biological and Brewing Engineering, Taishan University, Tai'an City, China
| | - Zengmin Miao
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an City, China.
| |
Collapse
|