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Calik A, Emami NK, White MB, Dalloul RA. Fate of transgenic soybean DNA and immune response of broilers fed genetically modified DP-3Ø5423-1 soybean. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103499. [PMID: 38330889 PMCID: PMC10864803 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103499] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased use of genetically modified (GM) plants in the food and feed industry has raised several concerns about the presence of unwanted genes in the food chain and potential associated health risks. In recent years, several studies have compared the nutrient contents of GM crops to conventional counterparts, and some have also tracked the fate of novel DNA fragments and proteins in the gastrointestinal (GIT) and their presence in several tissues. This study was conducted to investigate the fate of transgenic PHP19340A DNA fragment containing gm-fad2-1 (Soybean Event DP-3Ø5423-1) gene in digestive tract contents, blood, internal organs, and muscle tissues. The effects of feeding DP-3Ø5423-1 full-fat soybean meal (FFSBM) to broiler chickens on immune response and blood profiles were also evaluated on d 35. Day-old Ross 308 birds (n = 480) were randomly allocated to 24 floor pens in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with diet and gender as main factors. Birds were fed diets containing 20% of either DP-3Ø5423-1 or non-GM FFSBM for 35 d. Data were subjected to a 2-way ANOVA using the GLM procedure of JMP (Pro13). Based on PCR analysis, transgenic PHP19340A DNA fragment containing gm-fad2-1 gene was degraded throughout the digestive system to reach undetectable level in the cecal digesta. Moreover, there was no transgenic gene translocation to blood, organs, or muscle tissue. Feeding DP-3Ø5423-1 FFSBM to broilers had no effect on mRNA abundance of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12B, IL-17A, IFNγ, TNFα, and NF-κB in the spleen or on blood profile. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the examined transgenic fragment in DP-3Ø5423-1 FFSBM progressively degraded in the GIT and did not translocate into blood or tissues. Along with the immune response and blood profile findings, it can be assumed that DP-3Ø5423-1 soybean is safe and unlikely to pose any health risks to broilers or consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Calik
- Avian Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Animal Nutrition & Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, 06110, Turkey
| | - Nima K Emami
- Avian Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Mallory B White
- School of STEM, Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke, VA 24015, USA
| | - Rami A Dalloul
- Avian Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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Wang Y, Peng C, Ding L, Su Z, Chen X, Wang X, Sun M, Xu J. An Accurate, Rapid and Cost-Effective Method for T-nos Detection Based on CRISPR/Cas12a. Foods 2023; 12:foods12030615. [PMID: 36766144 PMCID: PMC9914525 DOI: 10.3390/foods12030615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas12a technology is used for nucleic acid detection due to its specific recognition function and non-specific single-stranded DNA cleavage activity. Here, we developed a fluorescence visualisation detection method based on PCR and CRISPR/Cas12a approaches. The method was used to detect the nopaline synthase terminator (T-nos) of genetically modified (GM) crops, circumventing the need for expensive instruments and technicians. For enhanced sensitivity and stability of PCR-CRISPR/Cas12a detection, we separately optimised the reaction systems for PCR amplification and CRISPR/Cas12a detection. Eleven samples of soybean samples were assessed to determine the applicability of the PCR-CRISPR/Cas12a method. The method could specifically detect target gene levels as low as 60 copies in the reaction within 50 min. In addition, accurate detection of all 11 samples confirmed the applicability. The method is not limited by large-scale instruments, making it suitable for mass detection of transgenic components in plants in the field. In conclusion, we developed a new, accurate, rapid, and cost-effective method for GM detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Lin Ding
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Zhixun Su
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Xiaoyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Xiaofu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Meihao Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (J.X.)
| | - Junfeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (J.X.)
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Mishra DK, Srivastava R, Pandey BK, Verma PC, Sawant SV. Identification and validation of the wound and insect bite early inducible promoter from Arabidopsis thaliana. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:74. [PMID: 35251877 PMCID: PMC8861216 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03143-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devesh Kumar Mishra
- grid.417642.20000 0000 9068 0476Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001 India ,grid.469887.c0000 0004 7744 2771AcSIR-Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India ,Present Address: Department of Botany. School of Applied Sciences, Om Sterling Global University, Hisar, Haryana 125001 India
| | - Rakesh Srivastava
- grid.417642.20000 0000 9068 0476Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001 India
| | - Bhoopendra K. Pandey
- grid.417642.20000 0000 9068 0476Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001 India ,grid.469887.c0000 0004 7744 2771AcSIR-Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
| | - Praveen Chandra Verma
- grid.417642.20000 0000 9068 0476Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001 India ,grid.469887.c0000 0004 7744 2771AcSIR-Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
| | - Samir Vishwanath Sawant
- grid.417642.20000 0000 9068 0476Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001 India ,grid.469887.c0000 0004 7744 2771AcSIR-Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
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Then C, Miyazaki J, Bauer-Panskus A. Deficiencies in the Risk Assessment of Genetically Engineered Bt Cowpea Approved for Cultivation in Nigeria: A Critical Review. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11030380. [PMID: 35161361 PMCID: PMC8838765 DOI: 10.3390/plants11030380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We analyze the application filed for the marketing and cultivation of genetically engineered Bt cowpea (event AAT 709A) approved in Nigeria in 2019. Cowpea (Vigna ungiguiculata) is extensively grown throughout sub-Saharan Africa and consumed by around two hundred million people. The transgenic plants produce an insecticidal, recombinant Bt toxin meant to protect the plants against the larvae of Maruca vitrata, which feed on the plants and are also known as pod borer. Our analysis of the application reveals issues of concern regarding the safety of the Bt toxins produced in the plants. These concerns include stability of gene expression, impact on soil organisms, effects on non-target species and food safety. In addition, we show deficiencies in the risk assessment of potential gene flow and uncontrolled spread of the transgenes and cultivated varieties as well as the maintenance of seed collections. As far as information is publicly available, we analyze the application by referring to established standards of GMO risk assessment. We take the provisions of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) into account, of which both Nigeria and the EU are parties. We also refer to the EU standards for GMO risk assessment, which are complementary to the provisions of the CPB.
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Mullins E, Bresson J, Dalmay T, Dewhurst IC, Epstein MM, George Firbank L, Guerche P, Hejatko J, Naegeli H, Nogué F, Rostoks N, Sánchez Serrano JJ, Savoini G, Veromann E, Veronesi F, Fernandez Dumont A, Moreno FJ. Scientific Opinion on development needs for the allergenicity and protein safety assessment of food and feed products derived from biotechnology. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07044. [PMID: 35106091 PMCID: PMC8787593 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion addresses the formulation of specific development needs, including research requirements for allergenicity assessment and protein safety, in general, which is urgently needed in a world that demands more sustainable food systems. Current allergenicity risk assessment strategies are based on the principles and guidelines of the Codex Alimentarius for the safety assessment of foods derived from 'modern' biotechnology initially published in 2003. The core approach for the safety assessment is based on a 'weight-of-evidence' approach because no single piece of information or experimental method provides sufficient evidence to predict allergenicity. Although the Codex Alimentarius and EFSA guidance documents successfully addressed allergenicity assessments of single/stacked event GM applications, experience gained and new developments in the field call for a modernisation of some key elements of the risk assessment. These should include the consideration of clinical relevance, route of exposure and potential threshold values of food allergens, the update of in silico tools used with more targeted databases and better integration and standardisation of test materials and in vitro/in vivo protocols. Furthermore, more complex future products will likely challenge the overall practical implementation of current guidelines, which were mainly targeted to assess a few newly expressed proteins. Therefore, it is timely to review and clarify the main purpose of the allergenicity risk assessment and the vital role it plays in protecting consumers' health. A roadmap to (re)define the allergenicity safety objectives and risk assessment needs will be required to inform a series of key questions for risk assessors and risk managers such as 'what is the purpose of the allergenicity risk assessment?' or 'what level of confidence is necessary for the predictions?'.
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Zhang X, Hou C, Liu S, Liu R, Yin X, Liu X, Ma H, Wen J, Zhou R, Yin N, Jian Y, Liu S, Wang J. Effects of transgenic Bacillus Thuringiensis maize (2A-7) on the growth and development in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 158:112694. [PMID: 34813927 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of genetically modified insect-resistant maize (2A-7) on the growth and development in developing rats. Rats were fed a diet formulated with 2A-7 maize and were compared with rats fed a diet formulated with non-transgenic maize (CK group) and rats fed AIN-93G diet (BC group). 2A-7 maize was formulated into diets at ratios of 82.4% (H group) and 20.6% (L group); non-transgenic maize was formulated into diets at a ratio of 82.4%. From the first day of pregnancy, adult rats were divided into four groups and fed with the above four diets, respectively. Weaning on postnatal day 21, the diets of offspring were consistent with their parents. The results showed that body weight, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ weight, organ coefficients and allergenicity of offspring fed with 2A-7 maize were comparable with those in the CK and BC groups. In physiological and behavioral development experiments, there was no statistically significant difference among groups. Although mCry1Ab proteins were detected in organs and serum, no histopathological changes were observed among groups. In conclusion, A-7 maize cause no treatment-related adverse effects on offspring, indicating that 2A-7 maize is safe for developing rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Chao Hou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Siqi Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Xueqian Yin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Xinran Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Huijuan Ma
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Ruoyu Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Ning Yin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuanzhi Jian
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Shan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment of Ministry of Health, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, 100021, Beijing, China.
| | - Junbo Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Safety Toxicology Research and Evaluation, 100191, Beijing, China.
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Al-Harbi A, Lary S, Edwards MG, Qusti S, Cockburn A, Poulsen M, Gatehouse AMR. A proteomic-based approach to study underlying molecular responses of the small intestine of Wistar rats to genetically modified corn (MON810). Transgenic Res 2019; 28:479-498. [PMID: 31172414 PMCID: PMC6848250 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-019-00157-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A genetically modified (GM) commercial corn variety, MON810, resistant to European corn borer, has been shown to be non-toxic to mammals in a number of rodent feeding studies carried out in accordance with OECD Guidelines. Insect resistance results from expression of the Cry1Ab gene encoding an insecticidal Bt protein that causes lysis and cell death in susceptible insect larvae by binding to midgut epithelial cells, which is a key determinant of Cry toxin species specificity. Whilst whole animal studies are still recognised as the 'gold standard' for safety assessment, they only provide indirect evidence for changes at the cellular/organ/tissue level. In contrast, omics-based technologies enable mechanistic understanding of toxicological or nutritional events at the cellular/receptor level. To address this important knowledge-gap and to gain insights into the underlying molecular responses in rat to MON810, differential gene expression in the epithelial cells of the small intestine of rats fed formulated diets containing MON810, its near isogenic line, two conventional corn varieties, and a commercial (Purina™) corn-based control diet were investigated using comparative proteomic profiling. Pairwise and five-way comparisons showed that the majority of proteins that were differentially expressed in the small intestine epithelial cells in response to consumption of the different diets in both 7-day and 28-day studies were related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and protein biosynthesis. Irrespective of the diet, a limited number of stress-related proteins were shown to be differentially expressed. However these stress-related proteins differed between diets. No adverse clinical or behavioural effects, or biomarkers of adverse health, were observed in rats fed GM corn compared to the other corn diets. These findings suggest that MON810 has negligible effects on the small intestine of rats at the cellular level compared with the well-documented toxicity observed in susceptible insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Al-Harbi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 42805, Jeddah, 21551, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahira Lary
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 42805, Jeddah, 21551, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Martin G Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Safaa Qusti
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 42805, Jeddah, 21551, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Andrew Cockburn
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Morten Poulsen
- The National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Angharad M R Gatehouse
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
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Relationship between faecal microbiota and plasma metabolome in rats fed NK603 and MON810 GM maize from the GMO90+ study. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 131:110547. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.05.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Finamore A, Roselli M, Donini L, Brasili DE, Rami R, Carnevali P, Mistura L, Pinto A, Giusti A, Mengheri E. Supplementation with Bifidobacterium longum Bar33 and Lactobacillus helveticus Bar13 mixture improves immunity in elderly humans (over 75 years) and aged mice. Nutrition 2019; 63-64:184-192. [PMID: 31029046 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aging induces several physiologic and immune changes. The usefulness of probiotics in ameliorating age-related disorders remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Bifidobacterium longum Bar33 and Lactobacillus helveticus Bar13 mixture in improving the physiologic status and immunity of older adults (over 75 years). Furthermore, the possible role of such mixture in ameliorating gut immunity in aged mice was investigated. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 98 adults (84.6 ± 7.8 y), supplemented for 30 d with a biscuit containing a probiotic mixture of B. longum Bar33 and L. helveticus Bar13 (1:1), or no probiotics, as placebo. Blood was collected for analysis of biochemical parameters, lymphocyte subpopulations, natural killer activity, and cytokine release. Aged Balb/c mice received the same probiotic mixture or placebo daily for 28 d, then blood and intestinal lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed. RESULTS The probiotic mixture ameliorated immune response in older adults by increasing naive, activated memory, regulatory T cells, B cells, and natural killer activity and decreasing memory T cells compared with placebo (P < 0.05). The biochemical parameters did not change after probiotic supplementation. In the gut of old mice, the two probiotics modulated cells crucial for gut immune homeostasis by increasing regulatory T (Treg and Tr1) and decreasing γδ T cells compared with control mice (P < 0.05). In addition, B cells increased in the gut and blood of probiotic-treated mice. CONCLUSION Results from the present study data indicated that B. longum Bar33 and L. helveticus Bar13 improve immune function at intestinal and peripheral sites in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rita Rami
- CREA Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Carnevali
- R&D Advanced Research Microbiology, Barilla G&R f.lli SpA, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Pinto
- Sapienza University, Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - AnnaMaria Giusti
- Sapienza University, Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Mengheri
- CREA Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Rome, Italy
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Immune analysis of cry1Ab-genetically modified potato by in-silico analysis and animal mode l. Food Sci Biotechnol 2018; 26:1437-1445. [PMID: 30263680 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-017-0181-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The safety of feeding transgenic potato (Solanum tuberosum), resistant to the potato tuber moth, to Wistar rats was examined from an immunological perspective. The genetically modified potato (GMP) was harbouring cry1Ab and nptII genes as target and selectable marker genes, respectively. In-silico analysis reconfirmed that Cry1Ab and NPTII protein sequences have no significant homology to known toxins or known allergens. The Wistar rats were fed a diet containing 20% GMP or its parental control, non-GMP (NGMP), for 90 days. The consumption of GMP food did not affect the growth rate, food intake, food efficiency, and general health status of the rats. There were no significant differences in the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, IgM, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IFN-γ between GMP and NGMP-fed rats. Based on such data, it is concluded that the transgenic potato had no adverse effect on immunity functions of Wistar rats.
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Santos-Vigil KI, Ilhuicatzi-Alvarado D, García-Hernández AL, Herrera-García JS, Moreno-Fierros L. Study of the allergenic potential of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac toxin following intra-gastric administration in a murine model of food-allergy. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 61:185-196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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de Santis B, Stockhofe N, Wal JM, Weesendorp E, Lallès JP, van Dijk J, Kok E, De Giacomo M, Einspanier R, Onori R, Brera C, Bikker P, van der Meulen J, Kleter G. Case studies on genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Potential risk scenarios and associated health indicators. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 117:36-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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13
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Humoral and cellular immune response in Wistar Han RCC rats fed two genetically modified maize MON810 varieties for 90 days (EU 7th Framework Programme project GRACE). Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:2385-2399. [PMID: 29855658 PMCID: PMC6015625 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2230-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The genetically modified maize event MON810 expresses a Bacillus thuringiensis-derived gene, which encodes the insecticidal protein Cry1Ab to control some lepidopteran insect pests such as the European corn borer. It has been claimed that the immune system may be affected following the oral/intragastric administration of the MON810 maize in various different animal species. In the frame of the EU-funded project GRACE, two 90-day feeding trials, the so-called studies D and E, were performed to analyze the humoral and cellular immune responses of male and female Wistar Han RCC rats fed the MON810 maize. A MON810 maize variety of Monsanto was used in the study D and a MON810 maize variety of Pioneer Hi-Bred was used in the study E. The total as well as the maize protein- and Cry1Ab-serum-specific IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE levels, the proliferative activity of the lymphocytes, the phagocytic activity of the granulocytes and monocytes, the respiratory burst of the phagocytes, a phenotypic analysis of spleen, thymus and lymph node cells as well as the in vitro production of cytokines by spleen cells were analyzed. No specific Cry1Ab immune response was observed in MON810 rats, and anti-maize protein antibody responses were similar in MON810 and control rats. Single parameters were sporadically altered in rats fed the MON810 maize when compared to control rats, but these alterations are considered to be of no immunotoxicological significance.
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14
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Sánchez MA, Parrott WA. Characterization of scientific studies usually cited as evidence of adverse effects of GM food/feed. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2017; 15:1227-1234. [PMID: 28710840 PMCID: PMC5595713 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
GM crops are the most studied crops in history. Approximately 5% of the safety studies on them show adverse effects that are a cause for concern and tend to be featured in media reports. Although these reports are based on just a handful of GM events, they are used to cast doubt on all GM crops. Furthermore, they tend to come from just a few laboratories and are published in less important journals. Importantly, a close examination of these reports invariably shows methodological flaws that invalidate any conclusions of adverse effects. Twenty years after commercial cultivation of GM crops began, a bona fide report of an adverse health effect due to a commercialized modification in a crop has yet to be reported.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wayne A. Parrott
- Department of Crop and Soil SciencesUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
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Latham JR, Love M, Hilbeck A. The distinct properties of natural and GM cry insecticidal proteins. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2017; 33:62-96. [PMID: 28901209 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2017.1357295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The Cry toxins are a family of crystal-forming proteins produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. Their mode of action is thought to be to create pores that disrupt the gut epithelial membranes of juvenile insects. These pores allow pathogen entry into the hemocoel, thereby killing the insect. Genes encoding a spectrum of Cry toxins, including Cry mutants, Cry chimaeras and other Cry derivatives, are used commercially to enhance insect resistance in genetically modified (GM) crops. In most countries of the world, such GM crops are regulated and must be assessed for human and environmental safety. However, such risk assessments often do not test the GM crop or its tissues directly. Instead, assessments rely primarily on historical information from naturally occurring Cry proteins and on data collected on Cry proteins (called 'surrogates') purified from laboratory strains of bacteria engineered to express Cry protein. However, neither surrogates nor naturally occurring Cry proteins are identical to the proteins to which humans or other nontarget organisms are exposed by the production and consumption of GM plants. To-date there has been no systematic survey of these differences. This review fills this knowledge gap with respect to the most commonly grown GM Cry-containing crops approved for international use. Having described the specific differences between natural, surrogate and GM Cry proteins this review assesses these differences for their potential to undermine the reliability of risk assessments. Lastly, we make specific recommendations for improving risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angelika Hilbeck
- c Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Institute of Integrative Biology , Universitätstrasse , Zurich , Switzerland
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Then C, Bauer-Panskus A. Possible health impacts of Bt toxins and residues from spraying with complementary herbicides in genetically engineered soybeans and risk assessment as performed by the European Food Safety Authority EFSA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2017; 29:1. [PMID: 28133586 PMCID: PMC5236067 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-016-0099-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MON89788 was the first genetically engineered soybean worldwide to express a Bt toxin. Under the brand name Intacta, Monsanto subsequently engineered a stacked trait soybean using MON89788 and MON87701-this stacked soybean expresses an insecticidal toxin and is, in addition, tolerant to glyphosate. After undergoing risk assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the stacked event was authorised for import into the EU in June 2012, including for use in food and feed. This review discusses the health risks associated with Bt toxins present in these genetically engineered plants and the residues left from spraying with the complementary herbicide. RESULTS We have compared the opinion published by EFSA [1] with findings from other publications in the scientific literature. It is evident that there are several issues that EFSA did not consider in detail and which will need further assessment: (1) There are potential combinatorial effects between plant components and other impact factors that might enhance toxicity. (2) It is known that Bt toxins have immunogenic properties; since soybeans naturally contain many allergens, these immunogenic properties raise specific questions. (3) Fully evaluated and reliable protocols for measuring the Bt concentration in the plants are needed, in addition to a comprehensive set of data on gene expression under varying environmental conditions. (4) Specific attention should be paid to the herbicide residues and their interaction with Bt toxins. CONCLUSIONS The case of the Intacta soybeans highlights several regulatory problems with Bt soybean plants in the EU. Moreover, many of the issues raised also concern other genetically engineered plants that express insecticidal proteins, or are engineered to be resistant to herbicides, or have those two types of traits combined in stacked events. It remains a matter of debate whether the standards currently applied by the risk assessor, EFSA, and the risk manager, the EU Commission, meet the standards for risk analysis defined in EU regulations such as 1829/2003 and Directive 2001/18. While this publication cannot provide a final conclusion, it allows the development of some robust hypotheses that should be investigated further before such plants can be considered to be safe for health and the environment. In general, the concept of comparative risk assessment needs some major revision. Priority should be given to developing more targeted approaches. As shown in the case of Intacta, these approaches should include: (i) systematic investigation of interactions between the plant genome and environmental stressors as well as their impact on gene expression and plant composition; (ii) detailed investigations of the toxicity of Bt toxins; (iii) assessment of combinatorial effects taking into account long-term effects and the residues from spraying with complementary herbicides; (iv) investigation into the impact on the immune and hormonal systems and (v) investigation of the impact on the intestinal microbiome after consumption. Further and in general, stacked events displaying a high degree of complexity due to possible interactions should not undergo a lower level of risk assessment than the parental plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Then
- Testbiotech, Institute for Independent Impact Assessment in Biotechnology, Frohschammerstr. 14, 80807 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Bauer-Panskus
- Testbiotech, Institute for Independent Impact Assessment in Biotechnology, Frohschammerstr. 14, 80807 Munich, Germany
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Koch MS, DeSesso JM, Williams AL, Michalek S, Hammond B. Adaptation of the ToxRTool to Assess the Reliability of Toxicology Studies Conducted with Genetically Modified Crops and Implications for Future Safety Testing. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2016; 56:512-26. [PMID: 25208336 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2013.788994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
To determine the reliability of food safety studies carried out in rodents with genetically modified (GM) crops, a Food Safety Study Reliability Tool (FSSRTool) was adapted from the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods' (ECVAM) ToxRTool. Reliability was defined as the inherent quality of the study with regard to use of standardized testing methodology, full documentation of experimental procedures and results, and the plausibility of the findings. Codex guidelines for GM crop safety evaluations indicate toxicology studies are not needed when comparability of the GM crop to its conventional counterpart has been demonstrated. This guidance notwithstanding, animal feeding studies have routinely been conducted with GM crops, but their conclusions on safety are not always consistent. To accurately evaluate potential risks from GM crops, risk assessors need clearly interpretable results from reliable studies. The development of the FSSRTool, which provides the user with a means of assessing the reliability of a toxicology study to inform risk assessment, is discussed. Its application to the body of literature on GM crop food safety studies demonstrates that reliable studies report no toxicologically relevant differences between rodents fed GM crops or their non-GM comparators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Koch
- a Monsanto Company, Product Safety Center , St. Louis , Missouri , USA
| | | | | | - Suzanne Michalek
- c Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham , Alabama , USA
| | - Bruce Hammond
- a Monsanto Company, Product Safety Center , St. Louis , Missouri , USA
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Tan X, Zhou X, Tang Y, Lv J, Zhang L, Sun L, Yang Y, Miao Y, Jiang H, Chen G, Huang Z, Wang X. Immunotoxicological Evaluation of Genetically Modified Rice Expressing Cry1Ab/Ac Protein (TT51-1) by a 6-Month Feeding Study on Cynomolgus Monkeys. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163879. [PMID: 27684490 PMCID: PMC5042482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was performed to evaluate the food safety of TT51-1, a new type of genetically modified rice that expresses the Cry1Ab/Ac protein (Bt toxin) and is highly resistant to most lepidopteran pests. Sixteen male and 16 female cynomolgus monkeys were randomly divided into four groups: conventional rice (non-genetically modified rice, non-GM rice), positive control, 17.5% genetically modified rice (GM rice) and 70% GM rice. Monkeys in the non-GM rice, positive control, and GM rice groups were fed on diets containing 70% non-GM rice, 17.5% GM rice or 70% GM rice, respectively, for 182 days, whereas animals in the positive group were intravenously injected with cyclophosphamide every other day for a total of four injections before the last treatment. Six months of treatment did not yield abnormal observations. Specifically, the following parameters did not significantly differ between the non-GM rice group and GM rice groups: body weight, food consumption, electrocardiogram, hematology, immuno-phenotyping of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, mitogen-induced peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation, splenocyte proliferation, KLH-T cell-dependent antibody response, organ weights and ratios, and histological appearance (p>0.05). Animals from the GM rice group differed from animals in the non-GM rice group (p<0.05) in several parameters: specifically, their body temperatures and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were higher, whereas their levels of serum K+, Cl- and cytokines (IL-2, IL-4 and IL-5) were lower. Because dose- or time-dependent changes were not observed in this study and animals appeared histologically normal, the aforementioned differences were not considered to be adverse or related to the treatment with GM rice. In conclusion, a 6-month feeding study of TT51-1 did not show adverse immunotoxicological effects on cynomolgus monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Tan
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Center of Safety Evaluation on New Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Sun
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanwei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yufa Miao
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gaofeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Center of Safety Evaluation on New Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiying Huang
- Center of Safety Evaluation on New Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Center of Safety Evaluation on New Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
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Chen L, Sun Z, Liu Q, Zhong R, Tan S, Yang X, Zhang H. Long-term toxicity study on genetically modified corn with cry1Ac gene in a Wuzhishan miniature pig model. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2016; 96:4207-4214. [PMID: 26777397 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of the present study was to investigate the chronic effect of transgenic maize lines by the insertion of the cry1Ac gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on the growth performance, immune response and health using a Wuzhishan miniature pig model through a 196-day feeding study. RESULTS Based on the gender and weight, 72 Wuzhishan miniature pigs were randomly assigned one of the diets containing 65% non-transgenic isogenic corn or Bt corn at three stages of growth (day 0-69, 70-134 and 135-196). The potential toxicological effects of transgenic corn on pigs were explored. No difference between the diet treatments for growth performance and haematology parameters at any stages of growth. Although subtle differences in serum content of alanine aminotransferase, relative kidney weight and some immune response were observed between the Bt group and isogenic group, they were not considered as diet treatment-related. CONCLUSION Long-term feeding Bt corn carrying cry1Ac genes to Wuzhishan miniature pigs did not indicate adverse effects on the growth, immune response and health indicators at any stages of growth. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhe Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Quanwei Liu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571100, China
| | - Ruqing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuyi Tan
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571100, China
| | - Xiaoguang Yang
- National Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
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Lin HT, Lee WC, Tsai YT, Wu JH, Yen GC, Yeh SD, Cheng YH, Chang SC, Liao JW. Subchronic Immunotoxicity Assessment of Genetically Modified Virus-Resistant Papaya in Rats. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2016; 64:5935-5940. [PMID: 27396727 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b02242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Papaya is an important fruit that provides a variety of vitamins with nutritional value and also holds some pharmacological properties, including immunomodulation. Genetically modified (GM) papaya plants resistant to Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) infection have been generated by cloning the coat protein gene of the PRSV which can be used as a valuable strategy to fight PRSV infection and to increase papaya production. In order to assess the safety of GM papaya as a food, this subchronic study was conducted to assess the immunomodulatory responses of the GM papaya line 823-2210, when compared with its parent plant of non-GM papaya, Tainung-2 (TN-2), in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Both non-GM and GM 823-2210 papaya fruits at low (1 g/kg bw) and high (2 g/kg bw) dosages were administered via daily oral gavage to male and female rats consecutively for 90 days. Immunophenotyping, mitogen-induced splenic cell proliferation, antigen-specific antibody response, and histopathology of the spleen and thymus were evaluated at the end of the experiment. Results of immunotoxicity assays revealed no consistent difference between rats fed for 90 days with GM 823-2210 papaya fruits, as opposed to those fed non-GM TN-2 papaya fruits, suggesting that with regard to immunomodulatory responses, GM 823-2210 papaya fruits maintain substantial equivalence to fruits of their non-GM TN-2 parent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Tang Lin
- Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare , Taipei City115, Taiwan, Republic of China
- College of Bioresources, National I-Lan University , I-Lan 260, Taiwan 260, Republic of China
| | - Wei-Cheng Lee
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung 402, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ting Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung 402, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jhaol-Huei Wu
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung 402, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Gow-Chin Yen
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung 402, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shyi-Dong Yeh
- Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung 402, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ying-Huey Cheng
- National Plant Genetic Resources Center, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute , Taichung 413, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Chieh Chang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung 402, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jiunn-Wang Liao
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung 402, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Andreassen M, Bøhn T, Wikmark OG, Bodin J, Traavik T, Løvik M, Nygaard UC. Investigations of immunogenic, allergenic and adjuvant properties of Cry1Ab protein after intragastric exposure in a food allergy model in mice. BMC Immunol 2016; 17:10. [PMID: 27141950 PMCID: PMC4855866 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-016-0148-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In genetically modified (GM) crops there is a risk that the inserted genes may introduce new allergens and/or adjuvants into the food and feed chain. The MON810 maize, expressing the insecticidal Cry1Ab toxin, is grown in many countries worldwide. In animal models, intranasal and intraperitoneal immunisations with the purified Cry1Ab proteins have induced immune responses, and feeding trials with Cry1Ab-containing feed have revealed some altered immune responses. Previous investigations have primarily measured antibody responses to the protein, while investigations of clinical food allergy symptoms, or allergy promotion (adjuvant effect) associated with the Cry1Ab protein are largely missing. We aimed to investigate immunogenic, allergenic and adjuvant properties of purified Cry1Ab toxin (trypCry1Ab, i.e., trypsin activated Cry1Ab) in a mouse model of food allergy. Method Female C3H/HeJ mice were immunized by intragastric gavage of 10 μg purified, trypsin activated Cry1Ab toxin (trypCry1Ab) alone or together with the food allergen lupin. Cholera toxin was added as a positive control for adjuvant effect to break oral tolerance. Clinical symptoms (anaphylaxis) as well as humoral and cellular responses were assessed. Results In contrast to results from previous airway investigations, we observed no indication of immunogenic properties of trypCry1Ab protein after repeated intragastric exposures to one dose, with or without CT as adjuvant. Moreover, the results indicated that trypCry1Ab given by the intragastric route was not able to promote allergic responses or anaphylactic reactions against the co-administered allergen lupin at the given dose. Conclusion The study suggests no immunogenic, allergenic or adjuvant capacity of the given dose of trypCry1Ab protein after intragastric exposure of prime aged mice. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12865-016-0148-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Andreassen
- GenØk - Centre for biosafety, Tromsø, Norway. .,Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. .,Present address: Department of Food, Water and Cosmetics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, 0403, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Thomas Bøhn
- GenØk - Centre for biosafety, Tromsø, Norway.,UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Odd-Gunnar Wikmark
- GenØk - Centre for biosafety, Tromsø, Norway.,North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | | | - Terje Traavik
- GenØk - Centre for biosafety, Tromsø, Norway.,UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Martinus Løvik
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Joshi SS, Barnett B, Doerrer NG, Glenn K, Herman RA, Herouet-Guicheney C, Hunst P, Kough J, Ladics GS, McClain S, Papineni S, Poulsen LK, Rascle JB, Tao AL, van Ree R, Ward J, Bowman CC. Assessment of potential adjuvanticity of Cry proteins. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 79:149-155. [PMID: 27105772 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops have achieved success in the marketplace and their benefits extend beyond the overall increase in harvest yields to include lowered use of insecticides and decreased carbon dioxide emissions. The most widely grown GM crops contain gene/s for targeted insect protection, herbicide tolerance, or both. Plant expression of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystal (Cry) insecticidal proteins have been the primary way to impart insect resistance in GM crops. Although deemed safe by regulatory agencies globally, previous studies have been the basis for discussions around the potential immuno-adjuvant effects of Cry proteins. These studies had limitations in study design. The studies used animal models with extremely high doses of Cry proteins, which when given using the ig route were co-administered with an adjuvant. Although the presumption exists that Cry proteins may have immunostimulatory activity and therefore an adjuvanticity risk, the evidence shows that Cry proteins are expressed at very low levels in GM crops and are unlikely to function as adjuvants. This conclusion is based on critical review of the published literature on the effects of immunomodulation by Cry proteins, the history of safe use of Cry proteins in foods, safety of the Bt donor organisms, and pre-market weight-of-evidence-based safety assessments for GM crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh S Joshi
- Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63167, USA.
| | - Brian Barnett
- BASF Plant Science, 26 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Nancy G Doerrer
- ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, 1156 Fifteenth St., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005, USA.
| | - Kevin Glenn
- Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63167, USA.
| | - Rod A Herman
- Dow AgroSciences, 9330 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA.
| | | | - Penny Hunst
- Bayer CropScience, 2 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - John Kough
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs, Ariel Rios Building, MC 7511P, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460, USA.
| | - Gregory S Ladics
- DuPont Haskell Global Centers for Health and Environmental Sciences, 1090 Elkton Road, Newark, DE 19711, USA.
| | - Scott McClain
- Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, 3054 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Sabitha Papineni
- Dow AgroSciences, 9330 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA.
| | - Lars K Poulsen
- Allergy Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital at Gentofte, Niels Andersens Vej 65, Dept. 22, 1st Floor, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark.
| | - Jean-Baptiste Rascle
- Bayer SAS, Bayer CropScience, 355 Rue Dostoïevski, 06903 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France.
| | - Ai-Lin Tao
- Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgang Road East, Guangzhou 510260, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ronald van Ree
- Departments of Experimental Immunology and Otorhinolaryngology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Room K0-130, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Jason Ward
- Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63167, USA.
| | - Christal C Bowman
- Bayer CropScience, 2 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Rubio-Infante N, Moreno-Fierros L. An overview of the safety and biological effects of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins in mammals. J Appl Toxicol 2015; 36:630-48. [PMID: 26537666 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Crystal proteins (Cry) produced during the growth and sporulation phases of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium are known as delta endotoxins. These toxins are being used worldwide as bioinsecticides to control pests in agriculture, and some Cry toxins are used against mosquitoes to control vector transmission. This review summarizes the relevant information currently available regarding the biosafety and biological effects that Bt and its insecticidal Cry proteins elicit in mammals. This work was performed because of concerns regarding the possible health impact of Cry toxins on vertebrates, particularly because Bt toxins might be associated with immune-activating or allergic responses. The controversial data published to date are discussed in this review considering earlier toxicological studies of B. thuringiensis, spores, toxins and Bt crops. We discussed the experimental studies performed in humans, mice, rats and sheep as well as in diverse mammalian cell lines. Although the term 'toxic' is not appropriate for defining the effects these toxins have on mammals, they cannot be considered innocuous, as they have some physiological effects that may become pathological; thus, trials that are more comprehensive are necessary to determine their effects on mammals because knowledge in this field remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Rubio-Infante
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, 54090, Estado de México, México
| | - Leticia Moreno-Fierros
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, 54090, Estado de México, México
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25
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Andreassen M, Bøhn T, Wikmark OG, Van den Berg J, Løvik M, Traavik T, Nygaard UC. Cry1Ab Protein fromBacillus thuringiensisand MON810cry1Ab-transgenic Maize Exerts No Adjuvant Effect After Airway Exposure. Scand J Immunol 2015; 81:192-200. [DOI: 10.1111/sji.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Andreassen
- GenØk - Centre for Biosafety; Tromsø Norway
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health; Oslo Norway
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway; Tromsø Norway
| | - T. Bøhn
- GenØk - Centre for Biosafety; Tromsø Norway
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway; Tromsø Norway
| | | | | | - M. Løvik
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Trondheim Norway
| | - T. Traavik
- GenØk - Centre for Biosafety; Tromsø Norway
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway; Tromsø Norway
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Andreassen M, Rocca E, Bøhn T, Wikmark OG, van den Berg J, Løvik M, Traavik T, Nygaard UC. Humoral and cellular immune responses in mice after airway administration ofBacillus thuringiensisCry1Ab and MON810cry1Ab-transgenic maize. FOOD AGR IMMUNOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/09540105.2014.988128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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No adjuvant effect of Bacillus thuringiensis-maize on allergic responses in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103979. [PMID: 25084284 PMCID: PMC4118972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) foods are evaluated carefully for their ability to induce allergic disease. However, few studies have tested the capacity of a GM food to act as an adjuvant, i.e. influencing allergic responses to other unrelated allergens at acute onset and in individuals with pre-existing allergy. We sought to evaluate the effect of short-term feeding of GM Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-maize (MON810) on the initiation and relapse of allergic asthma in mice. BALB/c mice were provided a diet containing 33% GM or non-GM maize for up to 34 days either before ovalbumin (OVA)-induced experimental allergic asthma or disease relapse in mice with pre-existing allergy. We observed that GM-maize feeding did not affect OVA-induced eosinophilic airway and lung inflammation, mucus hypersecretion or OVA-specific antibody production at initiation or relapse of allergic asthma. There was no adjuvant effect upon GM-maize consumption on the onset or severity of allergic responses in a mouse model of allergic asthma.
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Gu J, Bakke AM, Valen EC, Lein I, Krogdahl Å. Bt-maize (MON810) and non-GM soybean meal in diets for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) juveniles--impact on survival, growth performance, development, digestive function, and transcriptional expression of intestinal immune and stress responses. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99932. [PMID: 24923786 PMCID: PMC4055707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Responses in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) juveniles (fry) fed diets containing genetically modified maize (Bt-maize, MON810) expressing Cry1Ab protein from first-feeding were investigated during a 99-day feeding trial. Four experimental diets were made; each diet contained ∼20% maize, either Bt-maize or its near-isogenic maternal line (non-GM maize). One pair was fishmeal-based while the other pair included standard (extracted) soybean meal (SBM; 16.7% inclusion level), with the intention of investigating responses to the maize varieties in healthy fish as well as in immunologically challenged fish with SBM-induced distal intestinal inflammation, respectively. Three replicate tanks of fry (0.17±0.01 g; initial mean weight ± SEM) were fed one of the four diets and samples were taken on days 15, 36, 48 and 99. Survival, growth performance, whole body composition, digestive function, morphology of intestine, liver and skeleton, and mRNA expression of some immune and stress response parameters in the distal intestine were evaluated. After 99 days of feeding, survival was enhanced and the intended SBM-induced inflammatory response in the distal intestine of the two groups of SBM-fed fish was absent, indicating that the juvenile salmon were tolerant to SBM. Mortality, growth performance and body composition were similar in fish fed the two maize varieties. The Bt-maize fed fish, however, displayed minor but significantly decreased digestive enzyme activities of leucine aminopeptidase and maltase, as well as decreased concentration of gut bile salts, but significantly increased amylase activity at some sampling points. Histomorphological, radiographic and mRNA expression evaluations did not reveal any biologically relevant effects of Bt-maize in the gastrointestinal tract, liver or skeleton. The results suggest that the Cry1Ab protein or other compositional differences in GM Bt-maize may cause minor alterations in intestinal responses in juvenile salmon, but without affecting overall survival, growth performance, development or health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinni Gu
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, NMBU School of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Marie Bakke
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, NMBU School of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | - Elin C. Valen
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, NMBU School of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Åshild Krogdahl
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, NMBU School of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
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Song Y, Liang C, Wang W, Fang J, Sun N, Jia X, Li N. Immunotoxicological evaluation of corn genetically modified with Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ah gene by a 30-day feeding study in BALB/c mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e78566. [PMID: 24520311 PMCID: PMC3919699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was to investigate the immunotoxicological potential of corn genetically modified (GM) with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ah gene in BALB/c mice. Female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: the negative control group, the parental corn group, the GM corn group and the positive control group with 10 mice per group. Mice in the GM corn group and the parental corn group were fed with diets containing 70% corresponding corn for 30 days. Mice in the negative control group and the positive control group were fed with AIN93G diet, administered with saline or 200 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide (CY) via intraperitoneal injection 24 h before the termination of the study, respectively. At the end of the study, the immunotoxicological effects of the GM corn were evaluated through immunopathology parameters including body and organ weights, hematology and clinical chemistry parameters, histological examination, peripheral blood lymphocytes phenotype; humoral immunity including antibody plaque-forming cell, serum immunoglobulin, cytokine and half hemolysis value; cellular immunity such as mitogen-induced splenocyte proliferation, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte reaction, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction; non-specific immunity including phagocytic activities of phagocytes, natural killer cell activity. A single dose of cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg bw) was found to have significant adverse effects on immunopathology, cellular immunity, and humoral immunity in mice. The corn genetically modified with Bt Cry1Ah gene is considered consistent with the parental corn in terms of immunopathology, humoral immunity, cellular immunity and non-specific immunity. No adverse immunotoxicological effects of GM corn with Bt Cry1Ah gene were found when feeding mice for 30 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Song
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment of Ministry of Health, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunlai Liang
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment of Ministry of Health, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment of Ministry of Health, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Fang
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment of Ministry of Health, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Nana Sun
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment of Ministry of Health, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xudong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment of Ministry of Health, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment of Ministry of Health, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Zhang M, Zhuo Q, Tian Y, Piao J, Yang X. Long-term toxicity study on transgenic rice with Cry1Ac and sck genes. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 63:76-83. [PMID: 24200857 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, we evaluated the chronic effects of the transgenic insect-resistant rice carrying Cry1Ac and sck genes on Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats through a 78-week feeding study. Based on the gender and weight, 180 SD rats were randomly and evenly assigned into three groups. GM rice and non-GM rice were separately formulated into diets at high levels. AIN-93 diet was used as a nutritional control. Body weight, food consumption, hematology and serum chemistry were monitored regularly. Rats were sacrificed for organ weight measurement and pathological examination at 52 weeks and 78 weeks. Body weight, food consumption, mortality rates, tumor incidences and pathological findings showed no significant difference among the three groups. Although certain differences in some hematology, serum chemistry parameters and relative organ weights were observed between GM rice group and control groups, they were not considered as treatment-related. Taken together, long-term intake of transgenic rice carrying Cry1Ac and sck genes at a high level exerts no unintended adverse effects on rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition MOH, National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, China CDC, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Qin Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition MOH, National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, China CDC, Beijing 100050, PR China.
| | - Yuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition MOH, National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, China CDC, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Jianhua Piao
- Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition MOH, National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, China CDC, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Xiaoguang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition MOH, National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, China CDC, Beijing 100050, PR China.
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Hammond B, Kough J, Herouet-Guicheney C, Jez JM. Toxicological evaluation of proteins introduced into food crops. Crit Rev Toxicol 2013; 43 Suppl 2:25-42. [PMID: 24164515 PMCID: PMC3835160 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2013.842956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This manuscript focuses on the toxicological evaluation of proteins introduced into GM crops to impart desired traits. In many cases, introduced proteins can be shown to have a history of safe use. Where modifications have been made to proteins, experience has shown that it is highly unlikely that modification of amino acid sequences can make a non-toxic protein toxic. Moreover, if the modified protein still retains its biological function, and this function is found in related proteins that have a history of safe use (HOSU) in food, and the exposure level is similar to functionally related proteins, then the modified protein could also be considered to be "as-safe-as" those that have a HOSU. Within nature, there can be considerable evolutionary changes in the amino acid sequence of proteins within the same family, yet these proteins share the same biological function. In general, food crops such as maize, soy, rice, canola etc. are subjected to a variety of processing conditions to generate different food products. Processing conditions such as cooking, modification of pH conditions, and mechanical shearing can often denature proteins in these crops resulting in a loss of functional activity. These same processing conditions can also markedly lower human dietary exposure to (functionally active) proteins. Safety testing of an introduced protein could be indicated if its biological function was not adequately characterized and/or it was shown to be structurally/functionally related to proteins that are known to be toxic to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Kough
- Office of Pesticide Programs, Microbial Pesticides Branch, US Environmental Protection AgencyWashington, DCUSA
| | | | - Joseph M. Jez
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. LouisSt. Louis, MOUSA
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Sequence-based analysis of the intestinal Microbiota of sows and their offspring fed genetically modified maize expressing a truncated form of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab protein (Bt Maize). Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:7735-44. [PMID: 24096421 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02937-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim was to investigate transgenerational effects of feeding genetically modified (GM) maize expressing a truncated form of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab protein (Bt maize) to sows and their offspring on maternal and offspring intestinal microbiota. Sows were assigned to either non-GM or GM maize dietary treatments during gestation and lactation. At weaning, offspring were assigned within sow treatment to non-GM or GM maize diets for 115 days, as follows: (i) non-GM maize-fed sow/non-GM maize-fed offspring (non-GM/non-GM), (ii) non-GM maize-fed sow/GM maize-fed offspring (non-GM/GM), (iii) GM maize-fed sow/non-GM maize-fed offspring (GM/non-GM), and (iv) GM maize-fed sow/GM maize-fed offspring (GM/GM). Offspring of GM maize-fed sows had higher counts of fecal total anaerobes and Enterobacteriaceae at days 70 and 100 postweaning, respectively. At day 115 postweaning, GM/non-GM offspring had lower ileal Enterobacteriaceae counts than non-GM/non-GM or GM/GM offspring and lower ileal total anaerobes than pigs on the other treatments. GM maize-fed offspring also had higher ileal total anaerobe counts than non-GM maize-fed offspring, and cecal total anaerobes were lower in non-GM/GM and GM/non-GM offspring than in those from the non-GM/non-GM treatment. The only differences observed for major bacterial phyla using 16S rRNA gene sequencing were that fecal Proteobacteria were less abundant in GM maize-fed sows prior to farrowing and in offspring at weaning, with fecal Firmicutes more abundant in offspring. While other differences occurred, they were not observed consistently in offspring, were mostly encountered for low-abundance, low-frequency bacterial taxa, and were not associated with pathology. Therefore, their biological relevance is questionable. This confirms the lack of adverse effects of GM maize on the intestinal microbiota of pigs, even following transgenerational consumption.
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Bondzio A, Lodemann U, Weise C, Einspanier R. Cry1Ab treatment has no effects on viability of cultured porcine intestinal cells, but triggers Hsp70 expression. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67079. [PMID: 23861753 PMCID: PMC3701575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro testing can contribute to reduce the risk that the use of genetically modified (GM) crops and their proteins show unintended toxic effects. Here we introduce a porcine intestinal cell culture (IPEC-J2) as appropriate in vitro model and tested the possible toxic potential of Cry1Ab protein, commonly expressed in GM-maize. For comprehensive risk assessment we used WST-1 conversion and ATP content as metabolic markers for proliferation, lactate dehydrogenase release as indicator for cells with compromised membrane and transepithelial electrical resistance as parameter indicating membrane barrier function. The results were compared to the effects of valinomycin, a potassium ionophore, known to induce cytotoxic effects in most mammalian cell types. Whereas no toxicity was observed after Cry1Ab treatment, valinomycin induced a decrease in IPEC-J2 viability. This was confirmed by dynamic monitoring of cellular responses. Additionally, two dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis was performed. Only three proteins were differentially expressed. The functions of these proteins were associated with responses to stress. The up-regulation of heat shock protein Hsp70 was verified by Western blotting as well as by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and may be related to a protective function. These findings suggest that the combination of in vitro testing and proteomic analysis may serve as a promising tool for mechanism based safety assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Bondzio
- Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Ma Q, Gao C, Zhang J, Zhao L, Hao W, Ji C. Detection of transgenic and endogenous plant DNA fragments and proteins in the digesta, blood, tissues, and eggs of laying hens fed with phytase transgenic corn. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61138. [PMID: 23577200 PMCID: PMC3620109 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The trials were conducted to assess the effects of long-term feeding with phytase transgenic corn (PTC) to hens on laying performance and egg quality, and investigate the fate of transgenic DNA and protein in digesta, blood, tissues, and eggs. Fifty-week old laying hens (n = 144) were fed with a diet containing 62.4% PTC or non-transgenic isogenic control corn (CC) for 16 weeks. We observed that feeding PTC to laying hens had no adverse effect on laying performance or egg quality (P>0.05) except on yolk color (P<0.05). Transgenic phyA2 gene and protein were rapidly degraded in the digestive tract and were not detected in blood, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, breast muscle, and eggs of laying hens fed with diet containing PTC. It was concluded that performance of hens fed diets containing PTC, as measured by egg production and egg quality, was similar to that of hens fed diets formulated with CC. There was no evidence of phyA2 gene or protein translocation to the blood, tissues, and eggs of laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiugang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Chunqi Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jianyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lihong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wenbo Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Cheng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
- * E-mail:
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Effect of feeding genetically modified Bt MON810 maize to ∼40-day-old pigs for 110 days on growth and health indicators. Animal 2013; 6:1609-19. [PMID: 23031560 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731112000249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 72 male weaned pigs were used in a 110-day study to investigate the effect of feeding genetically modified (GM) Bt MON810 maize on selected growth and health indicators. It was hypothesised that in pigs fed Bt maize, growth and health are not impacted compared with pigs fed isogenic maize-based diets. Following a 12-day basal period, pigs (10.7 ± 1.9 kg body weight (BW); ∼40 days old) were blocked by weight and ancestry and randomly assigned to treatments: (1) non-GM maize diet for 110 days (non-GM), (2) GM maize diet for 110 days (GM), (3) non-GM maize diet for 30 days followed by GM maize diet up to day 110 (non-GM/GM) and (4) GM maize diet for 30 days followed by non-GM maize diet up to day 110 (GM/non-GM). BW and daily feed intake were recorded on days 0, 30, 60 and 110 (n = 15). Body composition was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (n = 10) on day 80. Following slaughter on day 110, organs and intestines were weighed and sampled for histological analysis and urine was collected for biochemical analysis (n = 10). Serum biochemistry analysis was performed on days 0, 30, 60, 100 and 110. Growth performance and serum biochemistry were analysed as repeated measures with time and treatment as main factors. The slice option of SAS was used to determine treatment differences at individual time points. There was no effect of feeding GM maize on overall growth, body composition, organ and intestinal weight and histology or serum biochemistry on days 60 and 100 and on urine biochemistry on day 110. A treatment × time interaction was observed for serum urea (SU; P < 0.05), creatinine (SC; P < 0.05) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; P < 0.05). On day 30, SU was lower for the non-GM/GM treatment compared with the non-GM, GM and GM/non-GM treatments (P < 0.05). On day 110, SC was higher for the non-GM/GM and GM/non-GM treatments compared with non-GM and GM treatments (P < 0.05). Overall, serum total protein was lower for the GM/non-GM treatment compared with the non-GM/GM treatment (P < 0.05). The magnitude of change observed in some serum biochemical parameters did not indicate organ dysfunction and the changes were not accompanied by histological lesions. Long-term feeding of GM maize to pigs did not adversely affect growth or the selected health indicators investigated.
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Mezzomo BP, Miranda-Vilela AL, de Souza Freire I, Barbosa LCP, Portilho FA, Lacava ZGM, Grisolia CK. WITHDRAWN: Effects of oral administration of Bacillus thuringiensis as spore-crystal strains Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac or Cry2Aa on hematologic and genotoxic endpoints of Swiss albino mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2012:S0278-6915(12)00777-6. [PMID: 23146696 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bélin Poletto Mezzomo
- Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Laboratório de Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brası´lia, Brası´lia/DF, Brazil
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Effects of feeding Bt maize to sows during gestation and lactation on maternal and offspring immunity and fate of transgenic material. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47851. [PMID: 23091650 PMCID: PMC3473024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to determine the effect of feeding transgenic maize to sows during gestation and lactation on maternal and offspring immunity and to assess the fate of transgenic material. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS On the day of insemination, sows were assigned to one of two treatments (n = 12/treatment); 1) non-Bt control maize diet or 2) Bt-MON810 maize diet, which were fed for ~143 days throughout gestation and lactation. Immune function was assessed by leukocyte phenotyping, haematology and Cry1Ab-specific antibody presence in blood on days 0, 28 and 110 of gestation and at the end of lactation. Peripheral-blood mononuclear cell cytokine production was investigated on days 28 and 110 of gestation. Haematological analysis was performed on offspring at birth (n = 12/treatment). Presence of the cry1Ab transgene was assessed in sows' blood and faeces on day 110 of gestation and in blood and tissues of offspring at birth. Cry1Ab protein presence was assessed in sows' blood during gestation and lactation and in tissues of offspring at birth. Blood monocyte count and percentage were higher (P<0.05), while granulocyte percentage was lower (P<0.05) in Bt maize-fed sows on day 110 of gestation. Leukocyte count and granulocyte count and percentage were lower (P<0.05), while lymphocyte percentage was higher (P<0.05) in offspring of Bt maize-fed sows. Bt maize-fed sows had a lower percentage of monocytes on day 28 of lactation and of CD4(+)CD8(+) lymphocytes on day 110 of gestation, day 28 of lactation and overall (P<0.05). Cytokine production was similar between treatments. Transgenic material or Cry1Ab-specific antibodies were not detected in sows or offspring. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Treatment differences observed following feeding of Bt maize to sows did not indicate inflammation or allergy and are unlikely to be of major importance. These results provide additional data for Bt maize safety assessment.
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Do genetically modified crops affect animal reproduction? A review of the ongoing debate. Animal 2012; 5:1048-59. [PMID: 22440100 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731110002776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, genetically modified (GM) crops aimed at producing food/feed that became part of the regular agriculture in many areas of the world. However, we are uncertain whether GM food and feed can exert potential adverse effects on humans or animals. Of importance, the reproductive toxicology of GM crops has been studied using a number of methods, and by feeding GM crops to a number species of animals to ensure the safety assessment of GM food and feed. It appears that there are no adverse effects of GM crops on many species of animals in acute and short-term feeding studies, but serious debates of effects of long-term and multigenerational feeding studies remain. The aims of this review are to focus on the latest (last 3 to 4 years) findings and debates on reproduction of male and female animals after feeding daily diets containing the GM crops, and to present the possible mechanism(s) to explain their influences.
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Scientific Opinion on a request from the European Commission related to the safeguard clause notified by Greece on genetically modified maize MON 810 according to Article 23 of Directive 2001/18/EC. EFSA J 2012. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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40
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Guertler P, Brandl C, Meyer HHD, Tichopad A. Feeding genetically modified maize (MON810) to dairy cows: comparison of gene expression pattern of markers for apoptosis, inflammation and cell cycle. J Verbrauch Lebensm 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00003-012-0778-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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41
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Walsh MC, Buzoianu SG, Rea MC, O’Donovan O, Gelencsér E, Ujhelyi G, Ross RP, Gardiner GE, Lawlor PG. Effects of feeding Bt MON810 maize to pigs for 110 days on peripheral immune response and digestive fate of the cry1Ab gene and truncated Bt toxin. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36141. [PMID: 22574138 PMCID: PMC3345032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of this study was to evaluate potential long-term (110 days) and age-specific effects of feeding genetically modified Bt maize on peripheral immune response in pigs and to determine the digestive fate of the cry1Ab gene and truncated Bt toxin. Methodology/Principal Findings Forty day old pigs (n = 40) were fed one of the following treatments: 1) isogenic maize-based diet for 110 days (isogenic); 2) Bt maize-based diet (MON810) for 110 days (Bt); 3) Isogenic maize-based diet for 30 days followed by Bt maize-based diet for 80 days (isogenic/Bt); and 4) Bt maize-based diet (MON810) for 30 days followed by isogenic maize-based diet for 80 days (Bt/isogenic). Blood samples were collected during the study for haematological analysis, measurement of cytokine and Cry1Ab-specific antibody production, immune cell phenotyping and cry1Ab gene and truncated Bt toxin detection. Pigs were sacrificed on day 110 and digesta and organ samples were taken for detection of the cry1Ab gene and the truncated Bt toxin. On day 100, lymphocyte counts were higher (P<0.05) in pigs fed Bt/isogenic than pigs fed Bt or isogenic. Erythrocyte counts on day 100 were lower in pigs fed Bt or isogenic/Bt than pigs fed Bt/isogenic (P<0.05). Neither the truncated Bt toxin nor the cry1Ab gene were detected in the organs or blood of pigs fed Bt maize. The cry1Ab gene was detected in stomach digesta and at low frequency in the ileum but not in the distal gastrointestinal tract (GIT), while the Bt toxin fragments were detected at all sites in the GIT. Conclusions/Significance Perturbations in peripheral immune response were thought not to be age-specific and were not indicative of Th 2 type allergenic or Th 1 type inflammatory responses. There was no evidence of cry1Ab gene or Bt toxin translocation to organs or blood following long-term feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. Walsh
- Teagasc, Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Stefan G. Buzoianu
- Teagasc, Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
- Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Mary C. Rea
- Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Orla O’Donovan
- Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | | | | | - R. Paul Ross
- Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Gillian E. Gardiner
- Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Peadar G. Lawlor
- Teagasc, Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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Buzoianu SG, Walsh MC, Rea MC, O’Sullivan O, Crispie F, Cotter PD, Ross RP, Gardiner GE, Lawlor PG. The effect of feeding Bt MON810 maize to pigs for 110 days on intestinal microbiota. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33668. [PMID: 22574106 PMCID: PMC3344822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the effects of feeding Bt MON810 maize to pigs for 110 days on the intestinal microbiota. Methodology/Principal Findings Forty male pigs (∼40 days old) were blocked by weight and litter ancestry and assigned to one of four treatments; 1) Isogenic maize-based diet for 110 days (Isogenic); 2) Bt maize-based diet (MON810) for 110 days (Bt); 3) Isogenic maize-based diet for 30 days followed by a Bt maize-based diet for 80 days (Isogenic/Bt); 4) Bt maize-based diet for 30 days followed by an isogenic maize-based diet for 80 days (Bt/Isogenic). Enterobacteriaceae, Lactobacillus and total anaerobes were enumerated in the feces using culture-based methods on days 0, 30, 60 and 100 of the study and in ileal and cecal digesta on day 110. No differences were found between treatments for any of these counts at any time point. The relative abundance of cecal bacteria was also determined using high-throughput 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. No differences were observed in any bacterial taxa between treatments, with the exception of the genus Holdemania which was more abundant in the cecum of pigs fed the isogenic/Bt treatment compared to pigs fed the Bt treatment (0.012 vs 0.003%; P≤0.05). Conclusions/Significance Feeding pigs a Bt maize-based diet for 110 days did not affect counts of any of the culturable bacteria enumerated in the feces, ileum or cecum. Neither did it influence the composition of the cecal microbiota, with the exception of a minor increase in the genus Holdemania. As the role of Holdemania in the intestine is still under investigation and no health abnormalities were observed, this change is not likely to be of clinical significance. These results indicate that feeding Bt maize to pigs in the context of its influence on the porcine intestinal microbiota is safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan G. Buzoianu
- Teagasc, Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Maria C. Walsh
- Teagasc, Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Mary C. Rea
- Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Fiona Crispie
- Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul D. Cotter
- Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - R. Paul Ross
- Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gillian E. Gardiner
- Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
- * E-mail:
| | - Peadar G. Lawlor
- Teagasc, Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
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Fate of transgenic DNA from orally administered Bt MON810 maize and effects on immune response and growth in pigs. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27177. [PMID: 22132091 PMCID: PMC3223173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the effect of short-term feeding of genetically modified (GM: Bt MON810) maize on immune responses and growth in weanling pigs and determined the fate of the transgenic DNA and protein in-vivo. Pigs were fed a diet containing 38.9% GM or non-GM isogenic parent line maize for 31 days. We observed that IL-12 and IFNγ production from mitogenic stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells decreased (P<0.10) following 31 days of GM maize exposure. While Cry1Ab-specific IgG and IgA were not detected in the plasma of GM maize-fed pigs, the detection of the cry1Ab gene and protein was limited to the gastrointestinal digesta and was not found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, muscle, heart or blood. Feeding GM maize to weanling pigs had no effect on growth performance or body weight. IL-6 and IL-4 production from isolated splenocytes were increased (P<0.05) in response to feeding GM maize while the proportion of CD4+ T cells in the spleen decreased. In the ileum, the proportion of B cells and macrophages decreased while the proportion of CD4+ T cells increased in GM maize-fed pigs. IL-8 and IL-4 production from isolated intraepithelial and lamina propria lymphocytes were also increased (P<0.05) in response to feeding GM maize. In conclusion, there was no evidence of cry1Ab gene or protein translocation to the organs and blood of weaning pigs. The growth of pigs was not affected by feeding GM maize. Alterations in immune responses were detected; however, their biologic relevance is questionable.
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Effects of short-term feeding of Bt MON810 maize on growth performance, organ morphology and function in pigs. Br J Nutr 2011; 107:364-71. [PMID: 21733303 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114511003011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Male weanling pigs (n 32) with a mean initial body weight of 7·5 kg and a mean weaning age of 28 d were used in a 31 d study to investigate the effects of feeding GM (Bt MON810) maize on growth performance, intestinal histology and organ weight and function. At weaning, the pigs were fed a non-GM starter diet during a 6 d acclimatisation period. The pigs were then blocked by weight and litter ancestry and assigned to diets containing 38·9 % GM (Bt MON810) or non-GM isogenic parent line maize for 31 d. Body weight and feed disappearance were recorded on a weekly basis (n 16/treatment), and the pigs (n 10/treatment) were killed on day 31 for the collection of organ, tissue and blood samples. GM maize-fed pigs consumed more feed than the control pigs during the 31 d study (P < 0·05) and were less efficient at converting feed to gain during days 14-30 (P < 0·01). The kidneys of the pigs fed GM maize tended to be heavier than those of control pigs (P = 0·06); however, no histopathological changes or alterations in blood biochemistry were evident. Small intestinal morphology was not different between treatments. However, duodenal villi of GM maize-fed pigs tended to have fewer goblet cells/μm of villus compared with control pigs (P = 0·10). In conclusion, short-term feeding of Bt MON810 maize to weaned pigs resulted in increased feed consumption, less efficient conversion of feed to gain and a decrease in goblet cells/μm of duodenal villus. There was also a tendency for an increase in kidney weight, but this was not associated with changes in histopathology or blood biochemistry. The biological significance of these findings is currently being clarified in long-term exposure studies in pigs.
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Yu HL, Li YH, Wu KM. Risk assessment and ecological effects of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis crops on non-target organisms. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2011; 53:520-38. [PMID: 21564541 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7909.2011.01047.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The application of recombinant DNA technology has resulted in many insect-resistant varieties by genetic engineering (GE). Crops expressing Cry toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been planted worldwide, and are an effective tool for pest control. However, one ecological concern regarding the potential effects of insect-resistant GE plants on non-target organisms (NTOs) has been continually debated. In the present study, we briefly summarize the data regarding the development and commercial use of transgenic Bt varieties, elaborate on the procedure and methods for assessing the non-target effects of insect-resistant GE plants, and synthetically analyze the related research results, mostly those published between 2005 and 2010. A mass of laboratory and field studies have shown that the currently available Bt crops have no direct detrimental effects on NTOs due to their narrow spectrum of activity, and Bt crops are increasing the abundance of some beneficial insects and improving the natural control of specific pests. The use of Bt crops, such as Bt maize and Bt cotton, results in significant reductions of insecticide application and clear benefits on the environment and farmer health. Consequently, Bt crops can be a useful component of integrated pest management systems to protect the crop from targeted pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Lin Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Adel-Patient K, Guimaraes VD, Paris A, Drumare MF, Ah-Leung S, Lamourette P, Nevers MC, Canlet C, Molina J, Bernard H, Créminon C, Wal JM. Immunological and metabolomic impacts of administration of Cry1Ab protein and MON 810 maize in mouse. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16346. [PMID: 21298004 PMCID: PMC3029317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated the immunological and metabolomic impacts of Cry1Ab administration to mice, either as a purified protein or as the Cry1Ab-expressing genetically modified (GM) MON810 maize. Humoral and cellular specific immune responses induced in BALB/cJ mice after intra-gastric (i.g.) or intra-peritoneal (i.p.) administration of purified Cry1Ab were analyzed and compared with those induced by proteins of various immunogenic and allergic potencies. Possible unintended effects of the genetic modification on the pattern of expression of maize natural allergens were studied using IgE-immunoblot and sera from maize-allergic patients. Mice were experimentally sensitized (i.g. or i.p. route) with protein extracts from GM or non-GM maize, and then anti-maize proteins and anti-Cry1Ab–induced immune responses were analyzed. In parallel, longitudinal metabolomic studies were performed on the urine of mice treated via the i.g. route. Weak immune responses were observed after i.g. administration of the different proteins. Using the i.p. route, a clear Th2 response was observed with the known allergenic proteins, whereas a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response was observed with immunogenic protein not known to be allergenic and with Cry1Ab. This then reflects protein immunogenicity in the BALB/c Th2-biased mouse strain rather than allergenicity. No difference in natural maize allergen profiles was evidenced between MON810 and its non-GM comparator. Immune responses against maize proteins were quantitatively equivalent in mice treated with MON810 vs the non-GM counterpart and no anti-Cry1Ab–specific immune response was detected in mice that received MON810. Metabolomic studies showed a slight “cultivar” effect, which represented less than 1% of the initial metabolic information. Our results confirm the immunogenicity of purified Cry1Ab without evidence of allergenic potential. Immunological and metabolomic studies revealed slight differences in mouse metabolic profiles after i.g. administration of MON810 vs its non-GM counterpart, but no significant unintended effect of the genetic modification on immune responses was seen.
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de Vendômois JS, Cellier D, Vélot C, Clair E, Mesnage R, Séralini GE. Debate on GMOs health risks after statistical findings in regulatory tests. Int J Biol Sci 2010; 6:590-8. [PMID: 20941377 PMCID: PMC2952409 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.6.590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We summarize the major points of international debate on health risk studies for the main commercialized edible GMOs. These GMOs are soy, maize and oilseed rape designed to contain new pesticide residues since they have been modified to be herbicide-tolerant (mostly to Roundup) or to produce mutated Bt toxins. The debated alimentary chronic risks may come from unpredictable insertional mutagenesis effects, metabolic effects, or from the new pesticide residues. The most detailed regulatory tests on the GMOs are three-month long feeding trials of laboratory rats, which are biochemically assessed. The tests are not compulsory, and are not independently conducted. The test data and the corresponding results are kept in secret by the companies. Our previous analyses of regulatory raw data at these levels, taking the representative examples of three GM maize NK 603, MON 810, and MON 863 led us to conclude that hepatorenal toxicities were possible, and that longer testing was necessary. Our study was criticized by the company developing the GMOs in question and the regulatory bodies, mainly on the divergent biological interpretations of statistically significant biochemical and physiological effects. We present the scientific reasons for the crucially different biological interpretations and also highlight the shortcomings in the experimental protocols designed by the company. The debate implies an enormous responsibility towards public health and is essential due to nonexistent traceability or epidemiological studies in the GMO-producing countries.
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Abstract
Numerous genes are involved in innate and adaptive immunity and these have been modified over millions of years. During this evolution, the mucosal immune system has developed two anti-inflammatory strategies: immune exclusion by the use of secretory antibodies to control epithelial colonization of microorganisms and to inhibit the penetration of potentially harmful agents; and immunosuppression to counteract local and peripheral hypersensitivity against innocuous antigens, such as food proteins. The latter strategy is called oral tolerance when induced via the gut. Homeostatic mechanisms also dampen immune responses to commensal bacteria. The mucosal epithelial barrier and immunoregulatory network are poorly developed in newborns. The perinatal period is, therefore, critical with regard to the induction of food allergy. The development of immune homeostasis depends on windows of opportunity during which innate and adaptive immunity are coordinated by antigen-presenting cells. The function of these cells is not only orchestrated by microbial products but also by dietary constituents, including vitamin A and lipids, such as polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. These factors may in various ways exert beneficial effects on the immunophenotype of the infant. The same is true for breast milk, which provides immune-inducing factors and secretory immunoglobulin A, which reinforces the gut epithelial barrier. It is not easy to dissect the immunoregulatory network and identify variables that lead to food allergy. This Review discusses efforts to this end and outlines the scientific basis for future food allergy prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Brandtzaeg
- Laboratory for Immunohistochemistry and Immunopathology (LIIPAT), Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR), University of Oslo and Department and Institute of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, N-0027 Oslo, Norway.
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Suzuki H. Differences in intraepithelial lymphocytes in the proximal, middle, distal parts of small intestine, cecum, and colon of mice. Immunol Invest 2010; 38:780-96. [PMID: 19860588 DOI: 10.3109/08820130903258800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported the regional differences in the intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) present in the small intestine of mice. In this study, we further investigated these differences on the basis of our previous findings and studied the entire intestine, including the cecum and colon. Most of the significant differences in phenotypic compositions were found between the small and large intestines, although some differences were found among the different parts of the small and large intestines. In particular, the composition of the subsets in alphabeta T cells and gammadelta T cells clearly differed between the small and large intestines. For example, in alphabeta T cells, the percentages of double negative (DN) and CD8alphaalpha(+) cells were higher in the large intestine, that of CD8alphabeta(+) cells was higher in the small intestine, and those of CD4(+) and CD4(+) CD8alphaalpha(+) double positive (DP) cells were higher in the distal part of the small intestine. In gammadelta T cells, the percentage of CD8alphaalpha(+) cells was higher in the small intestine and that of DN cells was higher in the large intestine. These results indicate that the differences between IELs in the small and large intestines are discontinuous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hodaka Suzuki
- Division of Biomedical Food Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.
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Ecological risk assessment of genetically modified crops based on cellular automata modeling. Biotechnol Adv 2009; 27:1132-1136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2009.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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