Toxicity Of Glyphosate Research Articles

Non-invasive recording of heartbeats in Danio rerio and Daphnia magna to assess the toxicity of imidacloprid and glyphosate

Non-invasive optical registration and subsequent analysis of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in transparent aquatic animals have recently been proposed as convenient toxicological endpoints, well-suited for automation data acquisition and processing. This approach was evaluated in experiments involving juvenile Daphnia magna and zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos exposed to glyphosate solutions (20 mg/L, 2 mg/L, 0.2 mg/L, and 0.02 mg/L) and imidacloprid solutions (30 mg/L, 3 mg/L, 0.3 mg/L, and 0.03 mg/L). The findings indicate that cardiac performance assessment is a promising approach for short-term toxicity evaluation. However, the sensitivity of this physiological endpoint to various external factors may limit its broader application. Results from the two model species highlight their differing sensitivities to the tested substances, emphasizing the need for thorough preliminary studies before establishing this method as a standardized toxicological tool. The potential development and improvement of techniques for assessing heart rate in zebrafish and daphnids are discussed.

L-Tryptophan improves the sperm quality of threatened Abant trout (Salmo abanticus) against glyphosate toxicity: impact on oxidative stress and DNA damage

The current study focused on the ameliorating impact of TRP (5 mM) on Salmo abanticus spermatozoa exposed to sub‑lethal concentrations of GLY (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/L). Sperm quality parameters, oxidative stress indices, and DNA damage were analyzed in the post‑exposure sperm. Our data reveal that GLY has an adverse effect on motility rate and duration, sperm kinetics parameters, antioxidant status and DNA damage, and triggers antioxidant defense mechanisms at the highest dose (10 mg/L) and it has insufficient therapeutic effect. Overall, GLY poses potential hazards to male reproductive cells and may adversely affect subsequent generations of natural populations.

Evaluation of the Toxicity of Glyphosate and its Impact on the Tolerance of Ancistrotermes guineensis to Chlorpyrifos-ethyl and the Methanolic Extract of Tithonia diversifolia

The massive use of glyphosate as a means of weed control is increasingly observed in cocoa plantations in Ivory Coast. Added to this is the ineffectiveness of the treatments. These observations led us to evaluate the level of resistance of A. guineensis to Chlorpyrifos-ethyl and T. diversifolia extract after exposure to glyphosate. The toxicity of glyphosate on A. guineensis workers was evaluated by direct toxicity. For the evaluation of the impact of glyphosate on the tolerance of A. guineensis workers, 50 workers taken at random from 75 workers previously exposed to glyphosate for 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours at concentrations 1.9, 2.14 and 3.56 g/l, were used for the bioassays with Chlorpyrifos-ethyl (22.4 mg/l) and T. diversifolia extract (10 mg/l). The study revealed no toxicity of glyphosate on A. guineensis workers. On the other hand, it showed that the exposure of workers of A.guineensis to glyphosate could modify their sensitivity to Chlorpyrifos-ethyl. This modification begins 4 hours after contact with glyphosate and at the lowest concentration. Tolerance of A. guineensis workers to Chlorpyrifos-ethyl is linked to the duration of exposure to glyphosate. After 24 hours of Chlorpyrifos-ethyl treatment, the mortality of unexposed workers and those exposed (4 and 24 hours) to glyphosate (1.9g/l) was respectively 60.00±3.65, 23.00± 1.9 and 15.00±1.15. Unlike Chlorpyrifos-ethyl, the study revealed no impact of glyphosate on the sensitivity of A. guineensis workers to the T. diversifolia extract. After 24 bioassays with T. diversifolia, the mortality of unexposed workers and those exposed (4 and 24 hours) to glyphosate (1.9g/l) was respectively 30.40±1.67, 30.40±1 .69 and 29.20±2.28. Given the cases of resistance observed with chemical products, the fight against termites must be done with natural plant extracts.

The combined effects of tetracycline and glyphosate on growth and rhizosphere bacteria community in hulless barley over the whole growth period

The toxic effects of tetracycline and glyphosate on hulless barley and its environment, as well as their interrelationship, remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify biomarkers reflective of tetracycline and glyphosate toxicity, examine root damage and rhizosphere bacterial communities throughout the growth cycle, and assess the final grain quality. Results indicated that the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content in the underground parts of barley could serve as a sensitive biomarker for detecting tetracycline and glyphosate toxicity in barley. In addition, a synergistic effect between 5mg/kg tetracycline and 5mg/kg glyphosate was observed at the tillering stage, which not only induced H2O2 accumulation across all growth stages but also ultimately reduced seed quality. During the tillering phase, Proteobacteria dominanted, while Actinobacteria showed greater relative abundance during the jointing stage.By the ripening stage, Acidobacteria predominantly colonized the associated soils. Importantly, the study further identified metagenome-assembled genomes containing cytochrome P450 fragments capable of metabolizing these compounds. This study provides novel insights into the transformation of co-contaminants and the adaptive responses of rhizobacteria to tetracycline and glyphosate exposure, offering valuable information for agricultural practices.

Glyphosate Herbicide Impacts on the Seagrasses Halodule wrightii and Ruppia maritima from a Subtropical Florida Estuary

Seagrass meadows are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth, with losses attributed to increasing coastal populations, degraded water quality and climate change. As coastal communities work to improve water quality, there is increased concern regarding the use of herbicides within the watersheds of these sensitive ecosystems. Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide on Earth because it is non-selective and lethal to most plants. Also, the targeted amino acid synthesis pathway of glyphosate is not carried out by vertebrates, and it is generally considered one of the safer but effective herbicides on the market. At least partially due to its cost-effectiveness compared to other techniques, including mechanical harvesting, glyphosate use in the aquatic environment has increased in coastal areas to manage aquatic weeds, maintain navigable waterways and mitigate upland flooding. This has prompted concerns regarding potential ecosystem-level impacts. To test the acute toxicity of glyphosate to seagrasses, mesocosm experiments exposed Ruppia maritima and Halodule wrightii to 1 ppm, 100 ppm and 1000 ppm of glyphosate (as glyphosate acid). No significant decrease in leaf chlorophyll a (Chl a) was identified for either species at 1 ppm versus a control; however, significant decreases were observed at higher concentrations. In all except 1000 ppm mesocosms, water column Chl a increased, with a 7-fold increase at 100 ppm. These data demonstrate that at very high glyphosate concentrations, both acute toxicity and light limitation from enhanced algal biomass may have adverse impacts on seagrasses. Despite these observations, no significant adverse impacts attributed to acute toxicity were observed at 1 ppm, which is >1000 times higher than concentrations measured in the Indian River Lagoon system. Overall, herbicide use and associated decaying biomass contribute nutrients to these systems, in contrast to the removal of nutrients when mechanical harvesting is used. Based on our data and calculations, when used at recommended application rates, contributions to eutrophication, degraded water quality and harmful algal blooms were more likely to impact seagrasses than acute toxicity of glyphosate.

Effects of transgenic modification on the bacterial communities in different niches of maize under glyphosate toxicity

Transgenic glyphosate-resistant maize has emerged as a way to expand the use of glyphosate for weed control. Studying the microbiome in the tissues and rhizosphere soil of transgenic plants is vital for understanding the glyphosate-resistant mechanism and optimizing the transgenic design of crops. In our study, the expression of a mutant cp4epsps gene in transgenic maize, which confers tolerance to glyphosate, was performed using the maize variety Xianyu 335 as the genetically modified acceptor line. This transgenic modification did not affect the initial bacterial community in the leaf, stem, or root of maize, but promoted a differential bacterial community in the rhizosphere soil. Under glyphosate application, the abundance of beneficial bacteria involved in N fixation and P solubilization in plant tissues and the rhizosphere soil of glyphosate-resistance maize were higher than those in the glyphosate-sensitive maize. In contrast, the abundance of pathogens had the opposite trend, suggesting that the enhanced health of transgenic maize prevented microbiome deterioration under glyphosate. The re-inoculation of bacterial strains isolated from glyphosate-resistance maize into the leaf and rhizosphere soil of glyphosate-sensitive maize resulted in an enhanced photosynthetic capacity in response to glyphosate, demonstrating the vital role of specific bacteria for glyphosate resistance. Our study provides important evidence of how transgenic maize tolerance to herbicides affects the bacterial communities across the maize niches under glyphosate toxicity.

Serum N-Glycan Changes in Rats Chronically Exposed to Glyphosate-Based Herbicides.

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in many herbicides, has been widely used in agriculture since the 1970s. Despite initial beliefs in its safety for humans and animals due to the absence of the shikimate pathway, recent studies have raised concerns about its potential health effects. This study aimed to identify glycomic changes indicative of glyphosate-induced toxicity. Specifically, the study focused on profiling N-glycosylation, a protein post-translational modification increasingly recognized for its involvement in various disorders, including neurological conditions. A comprehensive analysis of rat serum N-glycomics following chronic exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results revealed significant changes in the N-glycan profile, particularly in sialylated and sialofucosylated N-glycans. The analysis of N-glycans across gender subgroups provided insights into gender-specific responses to GBH exposure, with the male rats exhibiting a higher susceptibility to these N-glycan changes compared to females. The validation of significantly altered N-glycans using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) confirmed their expression patterns. This study provides novel insights into the impact of chronic GBH exposure on serum N-glycan composition, with implications for assessing glyphosate toxicity and its potential neurological implications.

Analysis of 5 patients with acute glyphosate poisoning clinical characteristics and metabolic concentration

Objective: To analyze the correlation between changes in the concentration of glyphosate (GLY) and its metabolites (AMPA) in patients with acute glyphosate poisoning and clinical symptoms, and to provide reference for the study of glyphosate toxicity. Methods: Urine samples from 5 patients with oral glyphosate poisoning admitted to the Emergency Department of Yangzhou Third Class A General Hospital from February to July 2021 were collected. Urine concentrations of GLY and AMPA were measured using derivatization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and analyzed based on the patient's clinical manifestations and treatment process. Results: The main symptoms of the patient after poisoning were acute gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc. The concentration of GLY in the patient's urine reached its maximum on the first day and gradually decreased over time. On the day of discharge, the final concentration of GLY was 10% lower than the initial concentration. At discharge, the clearance rates of GLY in cases 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 96.97%, 95.91%, 96.87% and 92.87%, respectively. Conclusion: The glyphosate has a shorter maintenance time after entering the human body; There is no correlation between the concentration of glyphosate and its metabolites admitted to the hospital, the dose of poisoning, and clinical symptoms in poisoned patients.

Temporal trends of exposure to the herbicide glyphosate in the United States (2013–2018): Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide in the United States, is applied to control broadleaf weeds and grasses. Public concern is mounting over how pesticides affect human and environmental health. Glyphosate toxicity in animals is known, but human carcinogenicity is controversial, and limited epidemiologic evidence suggests associations between exposure and respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma) and adverse child neurodevelopment. Understanding the extent of the general U.S. population exposure to glyphosate is important. To examine temporal trends in exposure to glyphosate, we determined urinary concentrations of glyphosate among U.S. children and adults from three cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted 2013–2018. Most of the population (70.0%–81.7%, depending on cycle) was exposed, including children as young as 3 years of age. Concentrations decreased from 2013 to 2018 by 38%; the decline was smaller in younger age groups. The downward trend likely reflects changes in glyphosate use resulting, at least in part, from changes in agricultural practices, regulatory actions, and shifts in public awareness regarding glyphosate toxicity. Continuing glyphosate biomonitoring will help understand how changes in use and actions to restrict applications of this common pesticide affect human exposures.

Pseudomonas putida HE alleviates glyphosate-induced toxicity in earthworm: Insights from the neurological, reproductive and immunological status

The proceeding study aimed to isolate glyphosate-degrading bacteria from soil and determine optimal degradation conditions through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The detoxifying efficacy of the isolate on glyphosate was assessed using earthworm model. The results indicate that Pseudomonas putida HE exhibited the highest glyphosate degradation rate. Optimal conditions for glyphosate degradation were observed at an inoculation percentage of approximately 5%, a pH of 7, and a temperature of 30 °C. Glyphosate induced notable neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity in earthworms, evidenced by reduced activity of the neurotoxicity-associated enzyme AChE. Additionally, an increase in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and lactate dehydrogenase was observed. H&E staining revealed structural disruptions in the earthworm clitellum, with notable atrophy in the structure of spermathecae. Furthermore, glyphosate activation of earthworm immune systems led to increased expression of immune-related genes, specifically coelomic cytolytic factor and lysozyme. Notably, the introduction of strain HE mitigated the glyphosate toxicity to the earthworms mentioned above. P. putida HE was able to increase soil enzyme activities that were reduced due to glyphosate. The isolate P. putida HE, emerged as an effective and cost-efficient remedy for glyphosate degradation and toxicity reduction in natural settings, showcasing potential applications in real ecological settings.

Microplastics mitigate the effects of glyphosate on the shikimic acid pathway enzymes in cyanobacteria

Microplastics, an environmental contaminant, can directly harm aquatic organisms and alter the toxicity and availability of other pollutants. The herbicide glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) exerts its toxicity by inhibiting 5-enol-pyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), a key enzyme belonging to shikimic acid pathway that leads to the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids; tolerance, instead, is dependent on a glyphosate -resistant EPSPS. We tested the effects of 0,2mM glyphosate alone and in combination with 170 mg/mL polyethylene microplastics (MPs) on the expression of EPSPS and chorismate synthase (ChS) on a culture of the cyanobacterium Limnospira maxima. Glyphosate caused the highest mortality after one week, with the resistant population surviving thereafter.However, when the culture was exposed to the combined treatment the mortality decreased. Proteomic profiles of treated cultures demonstrated that both enzymes were accumulated during the 21 days glyphosate treatment, suggesting that the surviving population of L. maxima might express glyphosate-resistant target enzymes. Treatment with combined solution caused a decrease of EPSPS and ChS levels compared to those of glyphosate alone. Our results strongly suggest that microplastics mitigate the toxicity of glyphosate towards target enzymes of the shikimic acid pathway, thereby increasing the resistance capacity of the L. maxima strain.

Effectiveness of lycopene dietary enrichment for growth performance, digestive enzymes, blood health, immunity, and antioxidant status of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) against chronic glyphosate toxicity

For food safety challenges, sustainable aquaculture emerges as a significant source in recent years; however, despite its potential, the industry still facing challenges, notably the exposure of cultured animals to pesticidal pollution. This pollution originating from agricultural practices that can enter aquaculture system directly: to integrated-agriculture aquaculture practices, or indirectly via soil leakage. Current research based on glyphosate (GLY) toxicity and its amelioration by lycopene (LYC). Four fish groups used for six-weeks experiment in which four groups were used. Control group (CL) was fed with basal commercial diet only without any LYC and GLY exposure; 2) LYC group: exposed to LYC supplemented diet (15 mg/kg per fish diet); 3) GLY group: exposed to glyphosate only (1/5th of 96 h LC50: 0.0892 mg/L) with basal commercial diet, and; 4) GLY + LYC group: exposed to both lycopene supplemented diet (15 mg/kg per fish diet) and glyphosate (1/5th of 96 h LC50: 0.0892 mg/L). GLY observed to decrease growth parameters and feed utilization whereas, lycopene ameliorated growth rate (WG, SGR, HSI, CF) and feeding utilization (FCR) as compared to the control group. Also, GLY induced toxicity within hematobiochemical parameters with alleviation by LYC supplementation. GLY induced cytotoxicity was observed within RBCs as lobbing, notching, vacuolation, blebbing, micronuclei, and condensation. Increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were observed by GLY exposure. Also, there is observed reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, POD, TPC and GSH) upon GLY exposure. Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde: MDA), 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine) and DIY (dityrosine) observed to increase by GLY toxicity. There was improvement in immune responses; increased AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activity, lysozyme content, ACP (acid phosphatase), NBT (nitro blue tetrazolium), NO (nitric oxide) and IgM levels (immunoglobulin M) and digestive enzyme activities (protease, lipase and amylase) observed by LYC supplemented diet. Taken together, LYC supplementation observed to alleviate GLY induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity with improved immunity, digestive actions and blood health within C. carpio. Therefore, dietary supplementation with lycopene can protect common carp from the harmful effects by glyphosate within agri-integrated aquaculture practices, so suggesting it as potential feed additive.

Glyphosate-environmental variables interaction: How does it affect the parasite Chordodes nobilii?

The worldwide used herbicide Glyphosate can interact with environmental variables, but there is limited information on the influence of environmental stressors on its toxicity. Environmental changes could modify glyphosate effects on non-target organisms, including parasites such as gordiids. The freshwater microscopic larvae of the gordiid Chordodes nobilii are sensitive to several pollutants and environmental variables, but their combined effect has not been evaluated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of temperature, pH and exposure time on the toxicity of Glyphosate to C. nobilii larvae. A protocol was followed to evaluate the infectivity of larvae treated with factorial combinations of concentration (0 and 0.067 mg/L), exposure time (24 and 48 h), temperature (18, 23 and 28 °C), and pH (7, 8 and 9). The reference values were 23 °C, pH 8 and 48 h. The interaction effect on the infectivity of gordiid larvae was assessed post-exposure using Aedes aegyptii larvae as host. Results were evaluated using GLMM, which does not require data transformation. The modeling results revealed three highly significant triple interactions. Glyphosate toxicity varied depending on the combination of variables, with a decrease being observed after 24 h-exposure at pH 7 and 23 °C. Glyphosate and 28 °C combination led to slightly reduced infectivity compared to temperature alone. This study is the first to report the combined effects of glyphosate, temperature, pH and time on a freshwater animal. It demonstrates that a specific combination of factors determines the effect of glyphosate on a non-target organism. The potential use of C. nobilli as a bioindicator is discussed. In the context of global warming and considering that the behavioral manipulation of terrestrial hosts by gordiids can shape community structure and the energy flow through food webs, our results raise concerns about possible negative effects of climate change on host-parasite dynamics.

Chromatographic Methods for the Determination of Glyphosate in Cereals Together with a Discussion of Its Occurrence, Accumulation, Fate, Degradation, and Regulatory Status.

The European Union's recent decision to renew the authorization for the use of glyphosate until 15 December 2033 has stimulated scientific discussion all around the world regarding its toxicity or otherwise for humans. Glyphosate is a chemical of which millions of tons have been used in the last 50 years worldwide to dry out weeds in cultivated fields and greenhouses and on roadsides. Concern has been raised in many areas about its possible presence in the food chain and its consequent adverse effects on health. Both aspects that argue in favor of toxicity and those that instead may indicate limited toxicity of glyphosate are discussed here. The widespread debate that has been generated requires further investigations and field measurements to understand glyphosate's fate once dispersed in the environment and its concentration in the food chain. Hence, there is a need for validated analytical methods that are available to analysts in the field. In the present review, methods for the analytical determination of glyphosate and its main metabolite, AMPA, are discussed, with a specific focus on chromatographic techniques applied to cereal products. The experimental procedures are explained in detail, including the cleanup, derivatization, and instrumental conditions, to give the laboratories involved enough information to proceed with the implementation of this line of analysis. The prevalent chromatographic methods used are LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/SIM, and GC-MS/MS, but sufficient indications are also given to those laboratories that wish to use the better performing high-resolution MS or the simpler HPLC-FLD, HPLC-UV, GC-NPD, and GC-FPD techniques for screening purposes. The concentrations of glyphosate from the literature measured in wheat, corn, barley, rye, oats, soybean, and cereal-based foods are reported, together with its regulatory status in various parts of the world and its accumulation mechanism. As for its accumulation in cereals, the available data show that glyphosate tends to accumulate more in wholemeal flours than in refined ones, that its concentration in the product strictly depends on the treatment period (the closer it is to the time of harvesting, the higher the concentration), and that in cold climates, the herbicide tends to persist in the soil for a long time.

Glyphosate presence in human sperm: First report and positive correlation with oxidative stress in an infertile French population

Environmental exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as pesticides, could contribute to a decline of human fertility. Glyphosate (GLY) is the main component of Glyphosate Based Herbicides (GBHs), which are the most commonly herbicides used in the world. Various animal model studies demonstrated its reprotoxicity. In Europe, GLY authorization in agriculture has been extended until 2034. Meanwhile the toxicity of GLY in humans is still in debate. The aims of our study were firstly to analyse the concentration of GLY and its main metabolite, amino-methyl-phosphonic acid (AMPA) by LC/MS-MS in the seminal and blood plasma in an infertile French men population (n=128). We secondly determined Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and Total Oxidant Status (TOS) using commercial colorimetric kits and some oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) by ELISA assays. We next analysed potential correlations between GLY and oxidative stress biomarkers concentration and sperm parameters (sperm concentration, progressive speed, anormal forms). Here, we detected for the first time GLY in the human seminal plasma in significant proportions and we showed that its concentration was four times higher than those observed in blood plasma. At the opposite, AMPA was undetectable. We also observed a strong positive correlation between plasma blood GLY concentrations and plasma seminal GLY and 8-OHdG concentrations, the latter reflecting DNA impact. In addition, TOS, Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) (TOS/TAS), MDA blood and seminal plasma concentrations were significantly higher in men with glyphosate in blood and seminal plasma, respectively. Taken together, our results suggest a negative impact of GLY on the human reproductive health and possibly on his progeny. A precaution principle should be applied at the time of the actual discussion of GLY and GBHs formulants uses in Europe by the authorities.

Adenosine triphosphate alleviates high temperature-enhanced glyphosate toxicity in maize seedlings

Extracellular ATP plays a key role in regulating plants stress responses. Here, we aimed to determine whether ATP can alleviate the glyphosate toxicity in maize seedlings under high temperature by regulating antioxidant responses. Foliar spraying with 100 μM glyphosate inhibited the growth of maize seedlings at room temperature (25 °C), leading to an increase in shikimic acid accumulation and oxidative stress (evaluated via lipid peroxidation, free proline, and H2O2 content) in the leaves, all of which were further exacerbated by high temperature (35 °C). The growth inhibition and oxidative stress caused by glyphosate were both alleviated by exogenous ATP. Moreover, the glyphosate-induced antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant accumulation were attenuated by high temperature, while ATP treatment reversed this inhibitory effect. Similarly, qPCR data showed that the relative expression levels of antioxidant enzyme-related genes (CAT1, GR1, and γ-ECS) in maize leaves were upregulated by ATP before exposure to GLY. Moreover, high temperature-enhanced GLY residue accumulation in maize leaves was reduced by ATP. ATP-induced detoxification was attenuated through NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibition. Higher NOX activities and O2•− production were noted in ATP-treated maize leaves compared to controls prior to GLY treatment, indicating that the extracellular ATP-induced alleviation of GLY toxicity was closely associated with NOX-dependent reactive oxygen species signalling. The current findings present a new approach for reducing herbicide toxicity in crops exposed to high temperatures.

Glyphosate Toxicity: Effects on the Behavioural and Growth Responses of Juvenile Clarias gariepinus

Glyphosate Toxicity: Effects on the Behavioural and Growth Responses of Juvenile Clarias gariepinus

Toxicity of glyphosate to animals: A meta-analytical approach

Glyphosate (GLY)-based herbicides (GBHs) are the most commonly applied pesticide worldwide, and non-target organisms (e.g., animals) are now regularly exposed to GLY and GBHs due to the accumulation of these chemicals in many environments. Although GLY/GBH was previously considered to be non-toxic, growing evidence indicates that GLY/GBH negatively affects some animal taxa. However, there has been no systematic analysis quantifying its toxicity to animals. Therefore, we used a meta-analytical approach to determine whether there is a demonstrable effect of GLY/GBH toxicity across animals. We further addressed whether the effects of GLY/GBH vary due to (1) taxon (invertebrate vs. vertebrate), (2) habitat (aquatic vs. terrestrial), (3) type of biological response (behavior vs. physiology vs. survival), and (4) dosage or concentration of GLY/GBH. Using this approach, we also determined whether adjuvants (e.g., surfactants) in commercial formulations of GBHs increased toxicity for animals relative to exposure to GLY alone. We analyzed 1282 observations from 121 articles. We conclude that GLY is generally sub-lethally toxic for animals, particularly for animals in aquatic or marine habitats, and that toxicity did not exhibit dose-dependency. Yet, our analyses detected evidence for widespread publication bias so we encourage continued experimental investigations to better understand factors influencing GLY/GBH toxicity to animals.

The exposure in ovo to glyphosate on the integrity of intestinal epithelial tight junctions of chicks

Glyphosate is an ingredient widely used in various commercial formulations, including Roundup®. This study focused on tight junctions and the expression of inflammatory genes in the small intestine of chicks. On the sixth day of embryonic development, the eggs were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group (CON, n = 60), the glyphosate group (GLYP, n = 60), which received 10 mg of active glyphosate/kg egg mass, and the Roundup®-based glyphosate group also received 10 mg of glyphosate. The results indicated that the chicks exposed to glyphosate or Roundup® exhibited signs of oxidative stress. Additionally, histopathological alterations in the small intestine tissues included villi fusion, complete fusion of some intestinal villi, a reduced number of goblet cells, and necrosis of some submucosal epithelial cells in chicks. Genes related to the small intestine (ZO-1, ZO-2, Claudin-1, Claudin-3, JAM2, and Occludin), as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFNγ, IL-1β, and IL-6), exhibited significant changes in the groups exposed to glyphosate or Roundup® compared to the control group. In conclusion, the toxicity of pure glyphosate or Roundup® likely disrupts the small intestine of chicks by modulating the expression of genes associated with tight junctions in the small intestine.

Human poisoning with glyphosate-surfactant herbicides: Retrospective analysis of mortality outcomes of patients treated in a poison center.

The toxicity and carcinogenicity of glyphosate have long been debated. Nevertheless, the mortality rate in patients with acute glyphosate-surfactant poisoning varies across different groups. Between 2002 and 2020, 109 patients with glyphosate-surfactant poisoning received treatment at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Patients were stratified into two subgroups according to their prognosis: good (n = 74) or poor (n = 35). Baseline demographics, psychiatric comorbidities, medical complications, and laboratory data were collected, and mortality data were analyzed. The patients were 54.1 ± 17.5years of age and were mostly male (68.8%). Most patients (91.7%) ingested pesticides intentionally, and patients arrived at the hospital within 7.1 ± 12.7 h. Psychiatric comorbidities were prevalent, and the top three comorbidities were mental (71.6%), depressive (48.6%), and adjustment (14.7%) disorder. Patients with poor prognoses were older than those with good prognoses (p = .007). Moreover, patients with poor prognoses had lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores (p < .001) and diastolic blood pressure (p = .008), but higher incidences of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (p < .001), aspiration pneumonia (p < .001), hypotension (p < .001), hyperglycemia (p = .002), acute kidney injury (p < .001), and metabolic acidosis (p < .001) than patients with good prognoses. The mortality rate was 5.5%. A multivariate-logistic-regression model revealed that the Glasgow Coma Scale score was a significant risk factor for poor prognosis (odds ratio 0.653, confidence interval 0.427-0.998; p = .049). However, no risk factors for mortality were identified. A total of 32.1% of patients with glyphosate-surfactant poisoning had poor prognoses, and 5.5% of patients died despite treatment. The mortality outcome is comparable to that of published reports from other international poison centers.