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Ahmad MF, Ahmad FA, Alsayegh AA, Zeyaullah M, AlShahrani AM, Muzammil K, Saati AA, Wahab S, Elbendary EY, Kambal N, Abdelrahman MH, Hussain S. Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29128. [PMID: 38623208 PMCID: PMC11016626 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pesticides are chemical constituents used to prevent or control pests, including insects, rodents, fungi, weeds, and other unwanted organisms. Despite their advantages in crop production and disease management, the use of pesticides poses significant hazards to the environment and public health. Pesticide elements have now perpetually entered our atmosphere and subsequently contaminated water, food, and soil, leading to health threats ranging from acute to chronic toxicities. Pesticides can cause acute toxicity if a high dose is inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with the skin or eyes, while prolonged or recurrent exposure to pesticides leads to chronic toxicity. Pesticides produce different types of toxicity, for instance, neurotoxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and endocrine disruption. The toxicity of a pesticide formulation may depend on the specific active ingredient and the presence of synergistic or inert compounds that can enhance or modify its toxicity. Safety concerns are the need of the hour to control contemporary pesticide-induced health hazards. The effectiveness and implementation of the current legislature in providing ample protection for human health and the environment are key concerns. This review explored a comprehensive summary of pesticides regarding their updated impacts on human health and advanced safety concerns with legislation. Implementing regulations, proper training, and education can help mitigate the negative impacts of pesticide use and promote safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Faruque Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad
- Department of Basic and Applied Science, School of Engineering and Science, G.D Goenka University, Gururgram, Haryana, 122103, India
| | - Abdulrahman A. Alsayegh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Zeyaullah
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushayt Campus, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. AlShahrani
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushayt Campus, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khursheed Muzammil
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushayt Campus, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Ali Saati
- Department of Community Medicine & Pilgrims Healthcare, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadma Wahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab Y. Elbendary
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahla Kambal
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed H. Abdelrahman
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sohail Hussain
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
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Singh R, Shukla A, Kaur G, Girdhar M, Malik T, Mohan A. Systemic Analysis of Glyphosate Impact on Environment and Human Health. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:6165-6183. [PMID: 38371781 PMCID: PMC10870391 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
With a growing global population, agricultural scientists are focusing on crop production management and the creation of new strategies for a higher agricultural output. However, the growth of undesirable plants besides the primary crop poses a significant challenge in agriculture, necessitating the massive application of herbicides to eradicate this problem. Several synthetic herbicides are widely utilized, with glyphosate emerging as a potential molecule for solving this emerging issue; however, it has several environmental and health consequences. Several weed species have evolved resistance to this herbicide, therefore lowering agricultural yield. The persistence of glyphosate residue in the environment, such as in water and soil systems, is due to the misuse of glyphosate in agricultural regions, which causes its percolation into groundwater via the vertical soil profile. As a result, it endangers many nontarget organisms existing in the natural environment, which comprises both soil and water. The current Review aims to provide a systemic analysis of glyphosate, its various effects on the environment, its subsequent impact on human health and animals, which will lead us toward a better understanding of the issues about herbicide usage and aid in managing it wisely, as in the near the future glyphosate market is aiming for a positive forecast until 2035.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reenu Singh
- School
of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely
Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Akanksha Shukla
- School
of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely
Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Gurdeep Kaur
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Physical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Madhuri Girdhar
- School
of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely
Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Tabarak Malik
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma 00000, Ethiopia
| | - Anand Mohan
- School
of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely
Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
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Mazuryk J, Klepacka K, Kutner W, Sharma PS. Glyphosate: Impact on the microbiota-gut-brain axis and the immune-nervous system, and clinical cases of multiorgan toxicity. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115965. [PMID: 38244513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Glyphosate (GLP) and GLP-based herbicides (GBHs), such as polyethoxylated tallow amine-based GLP surfactants (GLP-SH), developed in the late 70', have become the most popular and controversial agrochemicals ever produced. Nowadays, GBHs have reached 350 million hectares of crops in over 140 countries, with an annual turnover of 5 billion and 11 billion USD in the U.S.A. and worldwide, respectively. Because of the highly efficient inhibitory activity of GLP targeted to the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase pathway, present in plants and several bacterial strains, the GLP-resistant crop-based genetic agricultural revolution has decreased famine and improved the costs and quality of living in developing countries. However, this progress has come at the cost of the 50-year GBH overuse, leading to environmental pollution, animal intoxication, bacterial resistance, and sustained occupational exposure of the herbicide farm and companies' workers. According to preclinical and clinical studies covered in the present review, poisoning with GLP, GLP-SH, and GBHs devastatingly affects gut microbiota and the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis, leading to dysbiosis and gastrointestinal (GI) ailments, as well as immunosuppression and inappropriate immunostimulation, cholinergic neurotransmission dysregulation, neuroendocrinal system disarray, and neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral alterations. Herein, we mainly focus on the contribution of gut microbiota (GM) to neurological impairments, e.g., stroke and neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. The current review provides a comprehensive introduction to GLP's microbiological and neurochemical activities, including deviation of the intestinal Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, excitotoxicity, and mind-altering processes. Besides, it summarizes and critically discusses recent preclinical studies and clinical case reports concerning the harmful impacts of GBHs on the GI tract, MGB axis, and nervous system. Finally, an insightful comparison of toxic effects caused by GLP, GBH-SH, and GBHs is presented. To this end, we propose a first-to-date survey of clinical case reports on intoxications with these herbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Mazuryk
- Department of Electrode Processes, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland; Bio & Soft Matter, Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Université catholique de Louvain, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Katarzyna Klepacka
- Functional Polymers Research Team, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland; ENSEMBLE(3) sp. z o. o., 01-919 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Kutner
- Department of Electrode Processes, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland; Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. School of Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piyush Sindhu Sharma
- Functional Polymers Research Team, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
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Villeneuve PJ, Harris SA. Re: exposure to phenoxyacetic acids and glyphosate as risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Leuk Lymphoma 2024; 65:138-140. [PMID: 37904527 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2275529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Villeneuve
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelley A Harris
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Acquavella J. Epidemiologic studies of glyphosate and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A review with consideration of exposure frequency, systemic dose, and study quality. GLOBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 5:100101. [PMID: 37638378 PMCID: PMC10445963 DOI: 10.1016/j.gloepi.2023.100101] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
I reviewed the epidemiologic literature for glyphosate and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in the context of the frequency of exposure in each epidemiologic study, systemic dose from biomonitoring studies of applicators, and aspects of study quality. Nine studies were identified, 7 case control and 2 cohort, by a literature search and a review of reference lists from published studies and recent regulatory evaluations. All but one study involved exposure scenarios that were so infrequent that they are not credible for cancer causation. Most studies failed to address potential confounding from other pesticides. Only one study - the US Agricultural Health Study (AHS) - included individuals with relatively frequent exposure to glyphosate and involved comprehensive statistical analyses to address potential confounding by personal factors and other pesticide exposures. The AHS did not find an association between glyphosate and NHL, even among the most frequently exposed participants (≥ 109 days of use) (RR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.60, 1.06). These findings are consistent with observations that glyphosate systemic doses from agricultural applications are many orders of magnitude less than daily lifetime doses considered by regulatory agencies to impart no excess risk of deleterious health effects, even for sensitive subpopulations.
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Bitencourt de Morais Valentim JM, Fagundes TR, Okamoto Ferreira M, Lonardoni Micheletti P, Broto Oliveira GE, Cremer Souza M, Geovana Leite Vacario B, da Silva JC, Scandolara TB, Gaboardi SC, Zanetti Pessoa Candiotto L, Mara Serpeloni J, Rodrigues Ferreira Seiva F, Panis C. Monitoring residues of pesticides in food in Brazil: A multiscale analysis of the main contaminants, dietary cancer risk estimative and mechanisms associated. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1130893. [PMID: 36908412 PMCID: PMC9992878 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1130893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pesticides pose a risk for cancer development and progression. People are continuously exposed to such substances by several routes, including daily intake of contaminated food and water, especially in countries that are highly pesticide consumers and have very permissive legislation about pesticide contamination as Brazil. This work investigated the relationship among pesticides, food contamination, and dietary cancer risk. Methods Analyzed two social reports from the Brazilian Government: the Program for Analysis of Residues of Pesticides in Food (PARA) and The National Program for Control of Waste and Contaminants (PNCRC). Results and discussion First, we characterized the main pesticide residues detected over the maximum limits allowed by legislation or those prohibited for use in food samples analyzed across the country. Based on this list, we estimated the dietary cancer risks for some of the selected pesticides. Finally, we searched for data about dietary cancer risks and carcinogenic mechanisms of each pesticide. We also provided a critical analysis concerning the pesticide scenario in Brazil, aiming to discuss the food contamination levels observed from a geographical, political, and public health perspective. Exposures to pesticides in Brazil violate a range of human rights when food and water for human consumption are contaminated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatiane Renata Fagundes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná (UENP), Jacarezinho, Brazil
| | - Mariane Okamoto Ferreira
- Center of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE), Blumenau, Brazil
| | | | | | - Milena Cremer Souza
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Shaiane Carla Gaboardi
- Center of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE), Blumenau, Brazil
- Instituto Federal Catarinense, Blumenau, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Mara Serpeloni
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
| | - Fábio Rodrigues Ferreira Seiva
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná (UENP), Jacarezinho, Brazil
| | - Carolina Panis
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
- Center of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE), Blumenau, Brazil
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Urban VS, Cegledi A, Mikala G. Multiple myeloma, a quintessential malignant disease of aging: a geroscience perspective on pathogenesis and treatment. GeroScience 2022; 45:727-746. [PMID: 36508077 PMCID: PMC9742673 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00698-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy, which is predominantly a disease of older adults (the median age at diagnosis is 70 years). The slow progression from asymptomatic stages and the late-onset of MM suggest fundamental differences compared to many other hematopoietic system-related malignancies. The concept discussed in this review is that age-related changes at the level of terminally differentiated plasma cells act as the main risk factors for the development of MM. Epigenetic and genetic changes that characterize both MM development and normal aging are highlighted. The relationships between cellular aging processes, genetic mosaicism in plasma cells, and risk for MM and the stochastic processes contributing to clonal selection and expansion of mutated plasma cells are investigated. In line with the DNA damage accumulation theory of aging, in this review, the evolution of monoclonal gammopathy to symptomatic MM is considered. Therapeutic consequences of age-dependent comorbidities that lead to frailty and have fundamental influence on treatment outcome are described. The importance of considering geriatric states when planning the life-long treatment course of an elderly MM patient in order to achieve maximal therapeutic benefit is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika S. Urban
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Cegledi
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, South Pest Central Hospital–National Institute for Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabor Mikala
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, South Pest Central Hospital-National Institute for Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary.
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Campbell G, Mannetje A, Keer S, Eaglesham G, Wang X, Lin CY, Hobson P, Toms LM, Douwes J, Thomas KV, Mueller JF, Kaserzon S. Characterization of glyphosate and AMPA concentrations in the urine of Australian and New Zealand populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157585. [PMID: 35882334 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate is the most used herbicide globally, but our understanding of human exposure and how different uses affect exposure is not well understood. The aim of this study was to obtain the first data on glyphosate and its primary degradation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) concentrations in pooled and individual urine from the Australia and New Zealand region using a sensitive direct injection method and compare results with studies from elsewhere. Pooled urine samples from the Australian general population (n = 125 pools representing >1875 individuals) and individual urine samples (n = 27) from occupationally exposed New Zealand farmers were analysed by LC-MS/MS. Glyphosate was detected above the LOD (0.20-1.25 μg/L) in 8 % of the Australian population pooled urine samples with most detections in the 45-60 years age group. Furthermore, glyphosate (0.85 to 153 μg/L) and AMPA (0.50 to 3.35 μg/L) were detected in 96 % and 33 % of farmers, respectively. The maximum glyphosate urine concentration was 1.7 times above the recommended acceptable daily intake (ADI), when assuming a urinary excretion rate of 1 %. The pooled sampling and analysis approach proved effective for rapid large-scale screening of populations and could be used to determine where targeted and more specific individual sampling may be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth Campbell
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Andrea Mannetje
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Samuel Keer
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Geoff Eaglesham
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Chun-Yin Lin
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Peter Hobson
- Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Leisa-Maree Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Sarit Kaserzon
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
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Validation of a simple method for the determination of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in human urine by UPLC-MS/MS. Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.106760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Weisenburger DD. A Review and Update with Perspective of Evidence that the Herbicide Glyphosate (Roundup) is a Cause of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2021; 21:621-630. [PMID: 34052177 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate-based formulations (GBFs), such as Roundup, are the most heavily used herbicides in the world. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that glyphosate and GBFs are probably carcinogenic to humans (group 2A), mainly for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, this finding has been controversial, and most pesticide regulatory agencies have not followed their lead. The purpose of this review was to examine the scientific literature linking exposure to glyphosate and GBFs to the development of NHL, with emphasis on new findings since publication of the IARC report. The epidemiologic studies provide ample evidence for an association between exposure to GBFs and an increased risk of NHL. Animal studies have shown that glyphosate is carcinogenic in rodents and causes NHL in mice. Mechanistic studies have demonstrated that glyphosate and GBFs are genotoxic to human lymphocytes, the normal cell of origin of NHL, both in vitro and in vivo. Genotoxic and other biological effects have also been shown in various animal and cell models with these agents even at low doses. A novel mechanism underlying the specificity of glyphosate for NHL, that is upregulation of the B-cell genome mutator enzyme activation-induced cytidine deaminase, has recently been demonstrated. These findings were evaluated holistically using the guidelines for evaluation of general causation set forth by Bradford Hill. This evaluation provides coherent and compelling evidence that glyphosate and GBFs are a cause of NHL in humans exposed to these agents. These findings should prompt new reviews by pesticide regulatory agencies around the world.
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Soskolne CL, Kramer S, Ramos-Bonilla JP, Mandrioli D, Sass J, Gochfeld M, Cranor CF, Advani S, Bero LA. Toolkit for detecting misused epidemiological methods. Environ Health 2021; 20:90. [PMID: 34412643 PMCID: PMC8375462 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00771-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical knowledge of what we know about health and disease, risk factors, causation, prevention, and treatment, derives from epidemiology. Unfortunately, its methods and language can be misused and improperly applied. A repertoire of methods, techniques, arguments, and tactics are used by some people to manipulate science, usually in the service of powerful interests, and particularly those with a financial stake related to toxic agents. Such interests work to foment uncertainty, cast doubt, and mislead decision makers by seeding confusion about cause-and-effect relating to population health. We have compiled a toolkit of the methods used by those whose interests are not aligned with the public health sciences. Professional epidemiologists, as well as those who rely on their work, will thereby be more readily equipped to detect bias and flaws resulting from financial conflict-of-interest, improper study design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation, bringing greater clarity-not only to the advancement of knowledge, but, more immediately, to policy debates. METHODS The summary of techniques used to manipulate epidemiological findings, compiled as part of the 2020 Position Statement of the International Network for Epidemiology in Policy (INEP) entitled Conflict-of-Interest and Disclosure in Epidemiology, has been expanded and further elucidated in this commentary. RESULTS Some level of uncertainty is inherent in science. However, corrupted and incomplete literature contributes to confuse, foment further uncertainty, and cast doubt about the evidence under consideration. Confusion delays scientific advancement and leads to the inability of policymakers to make changes that, if enacted, would-supported by the body of valid evidence-protect, maintain, and improve public health. An accessible toolkit is provided that brings attention to the misuse of the methods of epidemiology. Its usefulness is as a compendium of what those trained in epidemiology, as well as those reviewing epidemiological studies, should identify methodologically when assessing the transparency and validity of any epidemiological inquiry, evaluation, or argument. The problems resulting from financial conflicting interests and the misuse of scientific methods, in conjunction with the strategies that can be used to safeguard public health against them, apply not only to epidemiologists, but also to other public health professionals. CONCLUSIONS This novel toolkit is for use in protecting the public. It is provided to assist public health professionals as gatekeepers of their respective specialty and subspecialty disciplines whose mission includes protecting, maintaining, and improving the public's health. It is intended to serve our roles as educators, reviewers, and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin L Soskolne
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Shira Kramer
- Epidemiology International, Hunt Valley, MD, USA
| | | | - Daniele Mandrioli
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Centre, Ramazzini Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jennifer Sass
- Natural Resources Defense Council, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Gochfeld
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Carl F Cranor
- Departments of Philosophy and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Shailesh Advani
- Terasaki Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa A Bero
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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12
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Maddalon A, Galbiati V, Colosio C, Mandić-Rajčević S, Corsini E. Glyphosate-based herbicides: Evidence of immune-endocrine alteration. Toxicology 2021; 459:152851. [PMID: 34246717 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Glyphosate (G) is the active ingredient of the most widely used herbicide products. It targets the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), which lacks in humans, suggesting to confer a low mammalian toxicity to G-based herbicides (GBHs). Despite this, the use of G is currently under intense debate. Many studies indicating its hazard and toxicity on non-target organisms are emerging, and associations between GBHs and immune-endocrine disturbances have been described. This review aims to investigate, based on recent epidemiological studies and studies performed in vitro and in vivo in animals, the possible association between GBHs and immune-endocrine alterations. Published data suggest that GBHs have endocrine disrupting potentiality targeting sex and thyroid hormones, although its relevance for humans will require further investigations. Evidence of immunotoxicity are limited compared to those on endocrine effects, but overall highlight possible noxious effects, including lung inflammation and rhinitis. An attractive hypothesis could be the one that connects microbiota dysbiosis with possible immune-endocrine outcomes. Indeed, several intestinal microorganisms express the enzyme EPSPS and, studies are emerging that highlight a possible G-induced dysbiosis. Considering the wide use of GBHs in agriculture, further studies investigating their noxious effects at levels relevant for human exposure should be performed. A critical analysis of emerging evidence of G toxicity is required to better characterize its safety profile. In addition, attention should be paid to the differences between G alone and its formulations, which, containing substances able to increase G absorption, may present a different toxicity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Maddalon
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Claudio Colosio
- Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefan Mandić-Rajčević
- Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental and Political Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Burns CJ, Juberg DR. Cancer and occupational exposure to pesticides: an umbrella review. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 94:945-957. [PMID: 33495906 PMCID: PMC8238729 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-020-01638-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The aim was to identify the scope of the epidemiology literature reviewed regarding the risk of cancer as related to occupational exposure to pesticides and to compare regulatory toxicity results where feasible. Methods Review studies of breast, lung, prostate, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and colorectal cancer were identified from the published literature from 2010 to 2020 using a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. Epidemiology observations were first assessed and then compared against carcinogenicity profiles derived from regulatory toxicology studies. Results Several active ingredients were associated with specific cancer but overall, there was neither strong nor consistent epidemiologic data supportive of a positive association between pesticide exposure in occupational settings and cancer. Authors noted common themes related to the heterogeneity of exposure, study design, control for confounders, and the challenge to collect these data reliably and validly with an adequate sample size. Toxicology studies in laboratory animals that assessed carcinogenic potential did not reveal cancer outcomes that were concordant with reported epidemiologic findings. Conclusions Farming and pesticides represent diverse exposures that are difficult to quantify in epidemiologic studies. Going forward, investigators will need creative and novel approaches for exposure assessment. Integration of epidemiologic and toxicological studies with attention to biological plausibility, mode of toxicological action and relevance to humans will increase the ability to better assess associations between pesticides and cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00420-020-01638-y.
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Doherty JD. Bridging the Gap Between Alleged Toxicity and Forcing Chemical Regulation: Science Transparency Demands a Specialized Interagency Peer Review Panel for Chemical Epidemiology. Toxicol Sci 2020; 177:156-157. [PMID: 32856081 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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15
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Spinaci M, Nerozzi C, Tamanini CL, Bucci D, Galeati G. Glyphosate and its formulation Roundup impair pig oocyte maturation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12007. [PMID: 32686734 PMCID: PMC7371730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68813-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate, formulated as glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) including the best-known formulation Roundup, is the world's most widely used herbicide. During the last years, the growing and widespread use of GBHs has raised a great concern about the impact of environmental contamination on animal and human health including potential effect on reproductive systems. Using an in vitro model of pig oocyte maturation, we examined the biological impact of both glyphosate and Roundup on female gamete evaluating nuclear maturation, cytoplasmic maturation and developmental competence of oocytes, steroidogenic activity of cumulus cells as well as intracellular levels of glutathione (GSH) and ROS of oocytes. Our results indicate that although exposure to glyphosate and Roundup during in vitro maturation does not affect nuclear maturation and embryo cleavage, it does impair oocyte developmental competence in terms of blastocyst rate and cellularity. Moreover, Roundup at the same glyphosate-equivalent concentrations was shown to be more toxic than pure glyphosate, altering steroidogenesis and increasing oocyte ROS levels, thus confirming that Roundup adjuvants enhance glyphosate toxic effects and/or are biologically active in their side-effect and therefore should be considered and tested as active ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Spinaci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Chiara Nerozzi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Car Lo Tamanini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diego Bucci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Galeati
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Crump K. The Potential Effects of Recall Bias and Selection Bias on the Epidemiological Evidence for the Carcinogenicity of Glyphosate. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2020; 40:696-704. [PMID: 31889327 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide worldwide. The International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2015 declared that glyphosate is probably carcinogenic to humans, noting a positive association for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The principal human data on glyphosate and NHL come from five case-control studies and two cohort studies. The case-control studies are at risk of recall bias resulting from information on exposure to pesticides being collected from cases and controls based on their memories. In addition, two of the case-control studies are additionally at risk of a form of selection bias that can exacerbate the effect of recall bias. Both biases are in the direction of making glyphosate appear carcinogenic. If odds ratios (ORs) are not biased and a pesticide plays no role in causing NHL, the probability that an OR for that pesticide is greater than 1.0 is approximately 0.5. The fractions of ORs for pesticides other than glyphosate that are greater than 1.0 in the case-control studies are 0.90 (n = 92), 0.90 (n = 152), 0.93 (n = 59), 0.76 (n = 140), and 0.53 (n = 54), the first two from studies that are at risk for both types of bias. In the two cohort studies, which are not subject to these biases, the comparable fractions for relative risks for all cancers are 0.51 (n = 70) and 0.48 (n = 158). These results comply closely with what would be expected if evidence for carcinogenicity of glyphosate in these studies results from statistical bias in the case-control studies.
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17
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Donato F, Pira E, Ciocan C, Boffetta P. Exposure to glyphosate and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma: an updated meta-analysis. LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2020; 111:63-73. [PMID: 32096774 PMCID: PMC7809965 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v111i1.8967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies on the association between occupational exposure to glyphosate and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS We conducted a systematic search of the literature, and identified 18 relevant publications, from which we extracted results from seven non-overlapping studies of NHL and three of MM. We performed random-effects meta-analyses for ever-exposure to glyphosate, dose-response, and risk of specific NHL subtypes. RESULTS The meta-relative risk (RR) of NHL was 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-1.21), that of MM was 1.04 (95% CI 0.67-1.41). The meta-RR of NHL for highest category of exposure was 1.49 (95% CI 0.37-2.61; 3 studies). The meta-RR for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was 1.31 (95% CI 0.93-1.75); that for follicular lymphoma was 0.82 (95% CI 0.93-1.70), and that for chronic lymphocytic leukemia was 0.85 (95% CI 0.20-1.49). There was indication of publication bias for studies on NHL. CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis provided no overall evidence of an increased risk for both NHL and MM in subjects occupationally exposed to glyphosate. In secondary analyses we detected a small increase in risk for the category with highest level of exposure as well as for DLBCL. The evidence of publication bias suggests caution in the interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Donato
- department of pediatrics and public health, university of turin, italy.
| | - Enrico Pira
- department of pediatrics and public health, university of turin, italy.
| | - Catalina Ciocan
- department of pediatrics and public health, university of turin, italy.
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18
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Hanson ML, Solomon KR, Van Der Kraak GJ, Brian RA. Effects of atrazine on fish, amphibians, and reptiles: update of the analysis based on quantitative weight of evidence. Crit Rev Toxicol 2020; 49:670-709. [DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2019.1701985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark L. Hanson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Keith R. Solomon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Caiati C, Pollice P, Favale S, Lepera ME. The Herbicide Glyphosate and Its Apparently Controversial Effect on Human Health: An Updated Clinical Perspective. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2020; 20:489-505. [PMID: 31613732 DOI: 10.2174/1871530319666191015191614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glyphosate (G) is the most common weed-killer in the world. Every year tons and tons of G are applied on crop fields. G was first introduced in the mid 1970s and since then its usage has gradually increased to reach a peak since 2005. Now G usage is approximately 100 -fold what it was in 1970. Its impact on human health was considered benign at the beginning. But over the years, evidence of a pervasive negative effect of this pesticide on humans has been mounting. Nonetheless, G usage is allowed by government health control agencies (both in the United States and Europe), that rely upon the evidence produced by the G producer. However, the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) in 2015 has stated that G is probable carcinogenic (class 2A), the second highest class in terms of risk. OBJECTIVE In this review, we explore the effect of G on human health, focusing in particular on more recent knowledge. RESULTS We have attempted to untangle the controversy about the dangers of the product for human beings in view of a very recent development, when the so -called Monsanto Papers, consisting of Emails and memos from Monsanto came to light, revealing a coordinated strategy to manipulate the debate about the safety of glyphosate to the company's advantage. CONCLUSION The story of G is a recurrent one (see the tobacco story), that seriously jeopardizes the credibility of the scientific study in the modern era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Caiati
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Unit of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Pollice
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Unit of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Favale
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Unit of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Erminio Lepera
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Unit of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Martens MA, Bleeke MS, Leopold VA, Farmer DR. Toxicology and human health risk assessment of polyethoxylated tallow amine surfactant used in glyphosate formulations. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 107:104347. [PMID: 31082430 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Roundup® branded herbicides contain glyphosate, a surfactant system and water. One of the surfactants used is polyethoxylated tallow amine (POE-T). A toxicology dataset has been developed to derive the most representative points of departure for human health risk assessments. Concentrated POE-T was very irritating to skin, corrosive to eyes, and sensitizing to skin. The irritation and sensitization potential of POE-T diminishes significantly upon dilution with water. Repeated dosing of rats with POE-T produced gastrointestinal effects but no systemic effect on organ systems. POE-T was not genotoxic and had no effect on embryo-fetal development or reproduction. The occupational risk assessment of POE- T for the agricultural use of glyphosate products has demonstrated that margins of exposure (MOEs) are 2517 and 100,000 for maximum and geometric mean dermal exposures, respectively. In the food risk assessment for relevant agricultural uses, the range of MOEs for consumption of foods from plant and animal origin were 330 to 2909. MOEs ≥100 are generally considered to be of no toxicological concern. Based on the results of the occupational and food risk assessments, it is concluded that there are no significant human health issues associated with the use of POE-T as a surfactant in glyphosate products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Martens
- MMTA bvba, Consulting in Preclinical Development and Toxicology, Jachthuislaan 26, B-3210, Lubbeek, Belgium.
| | - Marian S Bleeke
- Bayer US Crop Science Division, 700 Chesterfield Parkway, St Louis, MO, United States.
| | - Vincent A Leopold
- Bayer US Crop Science Division, 700 Chesterfield Parkway, St Louis, MO, United States.
| | - Donna R Farmer
- Bayer US Crop Science Division, 700 Chesterfield Parkway, St Louis, MO, United States.
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21
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Yingchun L, Huihan W, Rong Z, Guojun Z, Ying Y, Zhuogang L. Antitumor Activity of Asiaticoside Against Multiple Myeloma Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells Is Mediated by Autophagy Induction, Activation of Effector Caspases, and Inhibition of Cell Migration, Invasion, and STAT-3 Signaling Pathway. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:1355-1361. [PMID: 30785126 PMCID: PMC6391856 DOI: 10.12659/msm.913397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence suggests that plant-derived molecules may prove extremely beneficial in the development of chemotherapy for deadly cancer types. Multiple myeloma is a rare and incurable type of cancers. Very little research has been directed towards the development of chemotherapy for the management of multiple myeloma. Here, the anticancer effects of a plant-derived triterpenoid, Asiaticoside, were examined against the drug-resistant myeloma cell line KM3/BTZ. Material/Methods Cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay and autophagy was checked by transmission electron microscopy. ROS levels were determined by flow cytometery. Cell migration and invasion were examined by Transwell assay. Protein expression was assessed by Western blotting. Results The results showed that Asiaticoside inhibits the growth of the KM3/BTZ cells and exhibited an IC50 of 12 μM. Further, it was observed that the anticancer effects of Asiaticoside are due to the induction of autophagy allied with upsurge of the expression of LC3-II. Moreover, the expression of the effector caspases in the KM3/BTZ cells was also altered. Asiaticoside also caused accretion of the ROS in the KM3/BTZ cells and inhibited their migratory and invasive properties via modulation of the STAT-3 signaling pathway. Conclusions Asiaticoside may prove useful in the management and treatment of the multiple myeloma and needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yingchun
- Department of Hematology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Wang Huihan
- Department of Hematology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Zhang Rong
- Department of Hematology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Zhang Guojun
- Department of Hematology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Yang Ying
- Department of Hematology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Liu Zhuogang
- Department of Hematology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
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22
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Wang L, Kumar M, Deng Q, Wang X, Liu M, Gong Z, Zhang S, Ma X, Xu-Monette ZY, Xiao M, Yi Q, Young KH, Ramos KS, Li Y. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces peripheral blood abnormalities and plasma cell neoplasms resembling multiple myeloma in mice. Cancer Lett 2018; 440-441:135-144. [PMID: 30343114 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Although epidemiologic studies have suggested a possible association between occupational exposures to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and the risk of development of multiple myeloma, definitive evidence in support of this association is lacking. In the present study, we employed the Vk*Myc mouse model of multiple myeloma to assess the impact of TCDD exposure on multiple myeloma pathogenesis. TCDD induced splenomegaly and multiple peripheral blood abnormalities, including anemia and high serum IgG levels. In addition, TCDD triggered bone lytic lesions, as well as renal tubular casts, a phenomenon associated with human myeloma kidney disease. Even in wild-type C57BL/6 mice, TCDD increased serum IgG levels, induced anemia, and increased plasma cell presence in the spleen and bone marrow, hallmarks of benign monoclonal gammopathy. Lastly, TCDD induced AKT activation and the DNA damage response, key pathogenic events in myeloma pathogenesis, in animal spleen and/or bone marrow. These data indicate that TCDD accelerates monoclonal gammopathy development and promotes progression to multiple myeloma in genetically-predisposed mice. This work offers the first direct experimental evidence establishing TCDD as an environmental risk factor for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Munish Kumar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Raman Fellow (UGC), Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Qipan Deng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaojian Gong
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Zijun Y Xu-Monette
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qing Yi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ken H Young
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth S Ramos
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Duke SO. The history and current status of glyphosate. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2018; 74:1027-1034. [PMID: 28643882 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate is the only herbicide to target the enzyme 5-enolpyruvyl-3-shikimate phosphate synthase (EPSPS). It is a high use rate, non-selective herbicide that translocates primarily to metabolic sinks, killing meristematic tissues away from the application site. Its phloem-mobile properties and slow action in killing weeds allow the herbicide to move throughout the plant to kill all meristems, making it effective for perennial weed control. Since commercialization in 1974, its use has grown to dominate the herbicide market. Much of its use is on transgenic, glyphosate-resistant crops (GRCs), which have been the dominant transgenic crops worldwide. GRCs with glyphosate provided the most effective and inexpensive weed management technology in history for a decade or more. However, as a consequence of the rapid increase in glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds, the effectiveness of glyphosate use in GRCs is declining. Critics have claimed that glyphosate-treated GRCs have altered mineral nutrition and increased susceptibility to plant pathogens because of glyphosate's ability to chelate divalent metal cations, but the complete resistance of GRCs to glyphosate indicates that chelating metal cations do not contribute to the herbicidal activity or significantly affect mineral nutrition. The rates of increases in yields of maize, soybean, and cotton in the USA have been unchanged after high adoption rates of GRCs. Glyphosate is toxic to some plant pathogens, and thereby can act as a fungicide in GRCs. Ultra-low doses of glyphosate stimulate plant growth in glyphosate-susceptible plants by unknown mechanisms. Despite rapid and widespread increases in GR weeds, glyphosate use has not decreased. However, as GR weeds increase, adoption of alternative technologies will eventually lead to decreased use. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen O Duke
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, Thad Cochran Research Center, University, MS, USA
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24
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Infante PF, Melnick R, Vainio H, Huff J. Commentary: IARC Monographs Program and public health under siege by corporate interests. Am J Ind Med 2018; 61:277-281. [PMID: 29397007 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluates causes of cancer with help from independent international experts in an open and transparent manner. Countries, research and regulatory agencies, and other organizations adopt IARC evaluations for communication of human cancer hazards, and for strategies to prevent cancer. Scientists worldwide endorse IARC cancer evaluations and process. Those with economic interests, however, challenge IARC's cancer evaluations, most recently for glyphosate and red and processed meats, and are conducting a campaign including intervention from US Congressional Representatives to discredit IARC's review process and to undermine financial support-a campaign intimidating to IARC and Working Group members. Challenges to scientific interpretations serve to advance science and should be resolved by scientific experts who do not have conflicts of interest. Such interference does not bode well for the free flow of scientific information that informs and protects the public from risks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James Huff
- Dean, Faculty of Public Health, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Hawalli
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Critical Review of the Effects of Glyphosate Exposure to the Environment and Humans through the Food Supply Chain. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su10040950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glyphosate is a synthesis product and chemical substance that entered in the global market during the 70s. In the beginning, the molecule was used as an active principle in a wide range of herbicides, with great success. This was mainly due to its systemic and non-selective action against vegetable organisms and also to the spread of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) crops, which over the years were specifically created with a resistance to glyphosate. To date, the product is, for these reasons, the most sprayed and most used herbicide in the world. Because of its widespread diffusion into the environment, it was not long before glyphosate found itself at the center of an important scientific debate about its adverse effects on health and environment. In fact, in 2015 the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France), an organization referred to as the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland), classified the substance as “likely carcinogenic” to humans. This triggered an immediate and negative reaction from the producer, who accused the Agency and claimed that they had failed to carry out their studies properly and that these conclusions were largely contradictory to published research. Additionally, in 2015, just a few months after the IARC monography published on glyphosate, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy), another WHO related organization, declared that it was “unlikely” that the molecule could be carcinogenic to humans or that it could cause any type of risk to human health. The conflict between the two organizations of the World Health Organization triggered many doubts, and for this reason, a series of independent studies were launched to better understand what glyphosate’s danger to humans and the environment really was. The results have brought to light how massive use of the herbicide has created over time a real global contamination that has not only affected the soil, surface and groundwater as well as the atmosphere, but even food and commonly used objects, such as diapers, medical gauze, and absorbent for female intimate hygiene. How human health is compromised as a result of glyphosate exposure is a topic that is still very debatable and still unclear and unambiguous. This paper is a review of the results of the main independent recent scientific studies.
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Abstract
Pyrethroids are commonly used around the home and in agricultural production to control insects. Human contact to one or more pyrethroid insecticides is likely. Numerous epidemiology studies have evaluated the association between health outcomes in humans and pyrethroid exposure. The purpose of this review was to identify and evaluate the quality of pyrethroid-related epidemiology studies that addressed chronic health effects, and compare findings with animal toxicology studies. We evaluated the quality of 61 studies published between 2000 and 2016 by using elements of outcome, exposure metric, exposure level, and study design. None of the 61 publications demonstrated strong quality for all elements. A few of the outcome measures were strong, particularly those relying upon medical diagnoses. Most of the pyrethroid epidemiology studies used a poor exposure metric, relying upon a single sample of pyrethroid urinary metabolites, which is subject to misclassification of past exposures. In addition, many studies were a cross-sectional design, preventing an evaluation of the temporality of the exposure-disease association. Furthermore, none of the effects observed in the epidemiological literature was concordant with toxicological effects noted in extensive testing of pyrethroids in animals. In order to provide more robust data on potential health outcomes from low dose exposure to pyrethroid insecticides, future epidemiological studies should fully characterize an adverse outcome, include exposure validation components, and quantify exposure over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol J Burns
- a Burns Epidemiology Consulting, LLC , Sanford , MI , USA
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27
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Hu L, Luo D, Zhou T, Tao Y, Feng J, Mei S. The association between non-Hodgkin lymphoma and organophosphate pesticides exposure: A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 231:319-328. [PMID: 28810201 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Several epidemiological studies show the association between organophosphate pesticides (OPs) and the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), yet various research results remain controversial. To explore the hazard of OPs exposure to human health, three kinds of OPs (Terbufos, Malathion, and Diazinon) that are non-halogenated aliphatic compounds were included in the meta-analysis. We searched PubMed and Web of Science Databases for articles published from 1985 to February 2017. The databases were also searched for eligible studies through a manual references search. The random-effect model was utilized to compute the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confident intervals (CIs). A total of ten observational studies (five cohort, four case-control, and one nested case-control) were included in our meta-analysis, with a pooled OR of 1.22 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.43) of Malathion, Terbufos and Diazinion. The general heterogeneity for OR was moderate (Ph = 0.032, I2 = 41.2%). The OR estimates in the subset analyses were utilized to compare the association between the three kinds of OPs and NHL; Terbufos (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.36) and Malathion (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.67) had a statistically non-significant relationship, whereas Diazinon (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.73) was significantly associated with an increased NHL risk. Because immune dysfunction was thought to increase NHL risk, the toxicity levels in the immune system of the three types of OPs were compared. Malathion attacked immune cells via a direct effect and Diazinon disrupted the neuro-immune system, which involves the cholinergic system of lymphocytes via indirect immune damage, whereas an immunotoxic effect involving Terbufos was not reported. Overall, the present meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant association between Diazinon exposure and NHL risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yun Tao
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Jingwen Feng
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Surong Mei
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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28
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Bus JS. IARC use of oxidative stress as key mode of action characteristic for facilitating cancer classification: Glyphosate case example illustrating a lack of robustness in interpretative implementation. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 86:157-166. [PMID: 28274811 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has formulated 10 key characteristics of human carcinogens to incorporate mechanistic data into cancer hazard classifications. The analysis used glyphosate as a case example to examine the robustness of IARC's determination of oxidative stress as "strong" evidence supporting a plausible cancer mechanism in humans. The IARC analysis primarily relied on 14 human/mammalian studies; 19 non-mammalian studies were uninformative of human cancer given the broad spectrum of test species and extensive use of formulations and aquatic testing. The mammalian studies had substantial experimental limitations for informing cancer mechanism including use of: single doses and time points; cytotoxic/toxic test doses; tissues not identified as potential cancer targets; glyphosate formulations or mixtures; technically limited oxidative stress biomarkers. The doses were many orders of magnitude higher than human exposures determined in human biomonitoring studies. The glyphosate case example reveals that the IARC evaluation fell substantially short of "strong" supporting evidence of oxidative stress as a plausible human cancer mechanism, and suggests that other IARC monographs relying on the 10 key characteristics approach should be similarly examined for a lack of robust data integration fundamental to reasonable mode of action evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Bus
- Exponent, Inc., 1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States.
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29
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Burstyn I, De Roos AJ. Visualizing the Heterogeneity of Effects in the Analysis of Associations of Multiple Myeloma with Glyphosate Use. Comments on Sorahan, T. Multiple Myeloma and Glyphosate Use: A Re-Analysis of US Agricultural Health Study (AHS) Data. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 1548-1559. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 14:E5. [PMID: 28025514 PMCID: PMC5295256 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We address a methodological issue of the evaluation of the difference in effects in epidemiological studies that may arise, for example, from stratum-specific analyses or differences in analytical decisions during data analysis. We propose a new simulation-based method to quantify the plausible extent of such heterogeneity, rather than testing a hypothesis about its existence. We examine the contribution of the method to the debate surrounding risk of multiple myeloma and glyphosate use and propose that its application contributes to a more balanced weighting of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Burstyn
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Anneclaire J De Roos
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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30
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Williams GM, Aardema M, Acquavella J, Berry SC, Brusick D, Burns MM, de Camargo JLV, Garabrant D, Greim HA, Kier LD, Kirkland DJ, Marsh G, Solomon KR, Sorahan T, Roberts A, Weed DL. A review of the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate by four independent expert panels and comparison to the IARC assessment. Crit Rev Toxicol 2016; 46:3-20. [DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2016.1214677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gary M. Williams
- Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | | | - John Acquavella
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sir Colin Berry
- Department of Pathology, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - David Garabrant
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, EpidStat Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Helmut A. Greim
- Department of Toxicology and Environmental Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Gary Marsh
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Occupational Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Tom Sorahan
- Department of Occupational Epidemiology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ashley Roberts
- Intertek Regulatory & Scientific Consultancy, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Douglas L. Weed
- DLW Consulting Services, LLC, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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