Search Results (179)

Sugar beet, one of the most important natural sources of sugars in the world, is well known as a recalcitrant crop for genetic transformation. In the present study, several key components of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of sugar beet have been studied. The correct choice of explant and plant regeneration potential of domestic breeding lines was evaluated; however, most attention was paid to the search for the most efficient selectable marker gene and selection agents. To produce transgenic plants, we applied a method based on the agrobacterial inoculation of wounded morphogenic structures previously initiated on in vitro cultivated leaves. Four selective marker genes conferring antibiotic or herbicide resistance were evaluated. In the case of selection using kanamycin or G418 (nptII gene controlled by the nos promoter), no transgenic plants were obtained, while the addition of the aminoglycoside antibiotic hygromycin (hpt gene, driven by the nos promoter) to the medium ensured the successful production of transgenic plants from three breeding lines with a frequency ranging from 1.5 to 5.1%. The selection of transgenic tissues using herbicides such as phosphinothricin and glyphosate after transformation with the bar and cp4-epsps genes (both controlled by the CaMV 35S promoter) also ensured the obtaining of transgenic plants, but the transformation efficiency was significantly low, reaching only 1.0 and 0.4%, respectively. Primary transgenic sugar beet plants grown in the greenhouse demonstrated enhanced resistance to herbicides in dosages commonly used in the field. In addition, after self-pollination of the primary T0 transgenic lines, homozygous T2 offspring were successfully selected, which demonstrated stable resistance to glyphosate due to the constitutive expression of the introduced cp4-epsps gene. Full article

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum, systemic herbicide that has attracted concern over its non-target effects, environmental persistence, and the presence of residues in food. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major invasive pest of maize that can be controlled by application of its homologous nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV), an occluded virus in the family Baculoviridae. We examined the effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on S. frugiperda growth and survival and on virus occlusion bodies (OBs) exposed to product label-recommended concentrations of the herbicide. Larval growth, time to pupation, pupal weight, duration of the pupal stage and sex ratio were not affected by exposure to the herbicide (1% v/v solution) applied to the surface of semi-synthetic diet. Exposure to 1–2% herbicide solution had no effect on the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of OBs, the susceptibility of second instar larvae to virus infection, or the production of OBs in virus-killed larvae. Virus acquisition did not vary significantly when larvae fed on virus-sprayed maize plants at 1 and 6 days after they had been treated with herbicide, compared to healthy plants. Finally, the presence of 2% herbicide solution did not influence the persistence of OBs in non-sterilized soil samples over a 6-week greenhouse experiment. Although the laboratory and greenhouse experiments indicated that the glyphosate-based herbicide tested was unlikely to influence the transmission or persistence of SfMNPV OBs, future studies should verify these findings across a range of field conditions, soil types and different herbicide formulations. Full article

The widespread use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) has raised concerns about their potential role in hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer. This systematic review aimed to evaluate preclinical evidence on the effects of glyphosate (pure compound) or glyphosate-based herbicide formulations (GBHs) exposure on breast cancer cell proliferation and related molecular pathways. A structured search was conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Springer Nature Link, Web of Science databases, covering studies published up to 9 November 2025, following a PROSPERO-registered protocol (ID: CRD42021238350). Eligible studies included original in vitro and in vivo preclinical research using human breast cancer cell lines (e.g., MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-231, MCF-12A, and MCF-10A) or relevant animal models. Outcomes assessed included cell viability, proliferation, tumor growth, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and molecular markers associated with endocrine signaling. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data, resolving disagreements via discussion or third-party adjudication. From an initial pool of 699 articles, seven in vitro studies met the inclusion and quality criteria. Glyphosate exposure demonstrated weak estrogenic activity in ER-positive breast cancer cells, primarily via ERα modulation and altered gene expression related to proliferation and DNA repair. GBHs showed greater cytotoxic and epigenetic effects in non-tumorigenic cells, often independent of ER signaling. No included study employed in vivo breast cancer models. Overall, preclinical evidence suggests glyphosate may act as a weak endocrine disruptor under specific conditions, but findings are limited by the short-term in vitro designs, heterogeneous methodologies, and lack of chronic or in vivo data. Further research using long-term exposure and animal models is needed to clarify potential risks and inform regulatory and public health decisions. Full article

Glyphosate (GLY) is a systemic herbicide used in agriculture and has a carcinogenic effect after long-term usage. Herein, a molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on palladium@yttrium oxide@boron nitride nanosheets (Pd/Y₂O₃@BN) nanocomposite was developed for the detection of GLY in drinking water. After the preparation of Pd/Y₂O₃@BN nanocomposite by using sonication and NaBH₄ reduction methods, Pd/Y₂O₃@BN nanocomposite as electrode material was applied on glassy carbon electrode by infrared lamp. Then, a molecularly imprinted glassy carbon electrode based on Pd/Y₂O₃@BN (MIP) was designed with cyclic voltammetry (CV) in presence of pyrrole monomer and GLY molecule. After the spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations, the linearity in the range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁹–1.0 × 10⁻⁸ M with a detection limit (LOD) of 3.3 × 10⁻¹⁰ M was obtained for GLY molecule. After MIP electrode was applied to drinking water samples with high recovery, the selectivity, stability, repeatability, and reproducibility features were studied. These promising results suggested that the as-fabricated MIP electrode presented a novel and highly effective approach for GLY assay. Full article

The invasive plant Sphagneticola trilobata (Asteraceae), known for its rapid growth and strong adaptability, has spread widely across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, posing a serious threat to local plant diversity. Traditional weed control approaches have limited effectiveness, and the overuse of chemical herbicides such as glyphosate not only leads to resistance but also harms the environment. This study elucidated the important roles of jasmonic acid (JA) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in jointly promoting the herbicide resistance of S. trilobata. Firstly, the herbicide tolerance of S. trilobata was tested. Then, a field experiment was conducted to test the relation between AMF colonization and herbicide resistance in S. trilobata by high-throughput sequencing, and the metabolomics analysis was conducted to test the secondary metabolite difference by AMF colonization. Lastly, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the synergistic effects of JA and AMF on S. trilobata’s herbicide resistance. Results showed that invasive S. trilobata has stronger glyphosate tolerance than its native congener. The field experiment showed that glyphosate treatment significantly increased the AMF colonization in S. trilobata and altered the composition of the rhizosphere AMF community. Metabolomics analysis revealed that AMF colonization upregulates the expression of stress-related metabolites, especially JA content. The greenhouse experiment further validated that both AMF colonization and JA application could enhance the stem and root length and plant biomass. Under glyphosate application, AMF and JA enhanced plant growth and relative chlorophyll content, while reducing relative flavonol and anthocyanin contents. Furthermore, the interaction of AMF and JA treatments led to a significant synergistic effect in plant growth and resistance to glyphosate. Our findings emphasize the necessity to simultaneously consider eliminating the promoting effects of JA and AMF on the herbicide resistance when implementing chemical control management strategies for the control of S. trilobata. This study provides new theoretical bases and sustainable control strategies for invasive plant management, as well as important references for research on plant-microbe interactions and stress resistance mechanisms. Full article

Glyphosate-based herbicides are among the most widely used pesticides worldwide, but data on their occurrence in food products, particularly honey, remain limited. The analytical determination of glyphosate, its primary metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), and glufosinate ammonium is technically challenging due to their high polarity and distinctive physicochemical properties, requiring the development of dedicated single-residue analytic methods. In this study, honey samples were prepared by derivatizing the target analytes with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-Cl), followed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) using hydrophilic–lipophilic balanced (HLB) cartridges to improve matrix clean-up and enhance analytical sensitivity. Quantification was performed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The optimized method was validated according to the SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines, with all parameters, including sensitivity, linearity, mean recovery (accuracy), precision (RSDr), and limit of quantification (LOQ), meeting the required performance criteria. The validated method was applied to 126 honey samples of various botanical origins, representative of Italian production. The results indicated a frequent detection of glyphosate residues, although concentrations were generally low and remain below levels of regulatory concern. Full article

Chemical control of weeds with the herbicide glyphosate under vines in the vineyards is currently easy, effective, and cheap. There are currently no completely equivalent alternative herbicides or suitable mechanical control methods that have the same efficacy in suppressing weeds under vines in vineyards as glyphosate. Therefore, in this research, we tested two alternative technologies for controlling weeds under the vines as a counterweight to the predominant control approach with the herbicide glyphosate: (1) chemical control with pelargonic acid, acetic acid, and the plant extract-based fertilizer Stopeco^® with herbicidal action, and (2) mechanical control with a combined tool consisting of a rotary star tiller and finger weeder. A comparative analysis was conducted on time and fuel consumption, the extent of the carbon footprint, grape yield, and quality, which showed that the tested alternative methods of weed control were not comparable to the herbicide glyphosate in terms of effectiveness in weed suppression but were comparable at grape yield. In our trial, at the number of treatments we performed, differences in environmental footprint between different treatments were significant (glyphosate variant 10.55–11.21 gha anno⁻¹; other variants 7.48–8.08 gha anno⁻¹). Alternative mechanical and chemical methods need to be applied at least three to four times a year to achieve results comparable to those from two applications of glyphosate. For this reason, it is possible that, in the case of a slightly increased number of passes by mechanical tools or a slightly increased number of sprayings with alternative preparations to reach the efficacy level of glyphosate treatments, the foot print parameter, CO₂ emissions and global warming potential (GWP) parameter in alternative treatments would no longer be more favorable than when using the herbicide glyphosate twice a year. Full article

Glyphosate, a widely used non-selective herbicide, has been a subject of intense scientific debate due to its environmental persistence and potential health risks. This review examines glyphosate’s mechanisms of action, its effects on crop production, and its broader environmental impact, including soil degradation, water contamination, and biodiversity loss. Furthermore, it examines the expanding body of research linking glyphosate exposure to various human health concerns, including metabolic, neurological, reproductive, and oncological disorders. The review also assesses glyphosate’s role in hindering the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to food security, health, access to clean water, and the protection of marine ecosystems. Finally, potential alternatives to glyphosate-based weed control, including organic and non-chemical methods, are discussed to promote sustainable agricultural practices that balance productivity with ecological and public health considerations. The evidence reviewed highlights glyphosate’s pervasive presence across ecosystems and its potential to disrupt both environmental and human health. The findings underscore the urgent need to regulate glyphosate use, prioritize soil and water protection, and accelerate the transition toward sustainable, low-toxicity weed management strategies that align with global sustainability objectives. Full article

Herbicide glyphosate and its main metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), have raised concerns due to their potential neurotoxicity in non-target aquatic species. This study evaluated neurotoxic effects in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) following a 28-day dietary exposure to glyphosate (325.2 and 3310.0 μg/kg) and AMPA (335.2 and 3441.0 μg/kg) at two concentrations, including control and four treatment groups. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in all exposed groups, while muscle acetylcholinesterase activity remained unchanged. Brain dopamine was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased only in the highest AMPA group. Plasma butyrylcholinesterase activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the low-dose glyphosate group. The level of mRNA expression of ache was significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in the brain across all treatments and upregulated in the gills only at the highest AMPA concentration. Histological analysis of the brain revealed vascular congestion in both glyphosate-exposed groups, indicating pathological changes. These results suggest that dietary exposure to glyphosate and AMPA can affect cholinergic and dopaminergic pathways in fish, with the brain being a particularly sensitive target tissue. Our findings contribute to understanding the potential neurotoxic risks posed by glyphosate-based compounds in aquatic environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are widely used agrochemicals implicated in nephrotoxicity through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. Natural peptides such as melittin possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, their therapeutic use is limited by instability and toxicity. Nanotechnology-based encapsulation presents a promising approach to overcoming these challenges. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of melittin-loaded chitosan–TPP nanoparticles (MEL-NPs) against glyphosate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats, with emphasis on oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways. Methods: Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, glyphosate (5 mg/kg/day, 25 days), glyphosate + free melittin, and glyphosate + MEL-NPs (40 µg/kg, orally, 3 times/week). Renal function biomarkers, oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT, NO), cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and serum protein/iron indices were assessed. Western blotting (Nrf2, NGAL), histopathology (H&E), and immunohistochemistry (Bax) were performed. Nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, FTIR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Results: Glyphosate exposure caused renal dysfunction, including elevated plasma urea and creatinine levels, and reduced creatinine clearance, indicating impaired glomerular filtration efficiency, oxidative stress (↑increased MDA, NO; ↓decreased GSH, SOD), and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Histology revealed tubular degeneration and inflammatory infiltration, while NGAL and Bax were strongly induced. Nrf2 expression was elevated as a compensatory response. Free melittin partially ameliorated these alterations, whereas MEL-NPs provided superior protection, restoring renal function, normalizing oxidative balance, reducing NGAL and Bax expression, and preserving renal histoarchitecture. Conclusions: Melittin nanoparticles confer robust renoprotection against glyphosate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by modulating oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation, and regulating Nrf2/Bax signaling. These findings highlight nano-melittin as a promising therapeutic platform for managing herbicide-related renal disorders. Full article

Metabolic disorders such as obesity have increased globally in recent decades and are a major public health concern. Previous research suggests that herbicide exposures may contribute to metabolic dysfunction, but few studies have examined mixture effects of multiple herbicides on obesity at a population level. Using county-level data from 2013 to 2018, we examined the associations between obesity rates and the application of 13 commonly applied herbicides in the U.S. We first conducted adjusted single-pollutant mixed-effects models and then used quantile-based g-computation mixture modeling to assess combined herbicide mixture effects on county-level obesity rates. Models were adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic covariates and accounted for geographic clustering. Significant positive associations were identified between county-level obesity rates and applications of glyphosate, 2,4-D, atrazine, acetochlor, metolachlor, and several other herbicides in adjusted single-pollutant models. Glyphosate showed one of the strongest individual associations (β = 0.29 per standard deviation increase, 95% CI: 0.21–0.36). Increases in herbicide mixture were significantly associated with higher obesity rates (Psi = 0.71 per quantile exposure mixture, 95% CI: 0.65–0.76) from mixture modeling. Inclusion of significant interaction terms did not appreciably increase the mixture effect. Glyphosate, 2,4-D, metolachlor, dimethenamid-P, and glufosinate contributed most strongly to the weighted mixture effect. Mixture effects varied by rurality, with stronger associations observed in rural counties, particularly in micropolitan regions. Our findings highlight the importance of considering cumulative herbicide mixture exposures rather than individual chemicals in isolation. The observed rural–urban disparities emphasize the need for targeted public health interventions and policy actions in rural communities, which may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse metabolic impacts of herbicide mixtures. Full article

Clinical studies have linked glyphosate exposure to substantial morbidity, with acute kidney injury occurring in some cases. Although the toxic effects of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) have been reported in several studies, their molecular impact on renal function remains poorly understood. Given the kidney’s critical role in excretion, it is particularly susceptible to damage from xenobiotic exposure. In this study, we aim to identify N-glycomics and proteomics change in the kidney following chronic GBH exposure, to better understand the mechanisms behind glyphosate-induced kidney damage. Kidney tissues from female and male rats were analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The results revealed notable changes in the N-glycan composition, particularly in the fucosylated and sialofucosylated N-glycan types. The proteomic analysis revealed the activation of immune signaling and inflammatory pathways, including neutrophil degranulation, integrin signaling, and MHC class I antigen presentation. Transcription regulators, such as IL-6, STAT3, and NFE2L2, were upregulated, indicating a coordinated inflammatory and oxidative stress response. Sex-specific differences were apparent, with female rats exhibiting more pronounced alterations in both the N-glycan and protein expression profiles, suggesting a higher susceptibility to GBH-induced nephrotoxicity. These findings provide new evidence that chronic GBH exposure may trigger immune activation, inflammation, and potentially carcinogenic processes in the kidney. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- and hyperthyroidism) and cancer incidence have increased over the past decades, possibly linked to environmental contributions from endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides globally and has endocrine-disruptive properties. Because of the sensitivity of the thyroid gland to endocrine disruption and the increased glyphosate exposure worldwide, this comprehensive review aimed to summarize studies investigating the link between glyphosate/glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) and thyroid dysfunction in human, animal, and in vitro studies. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were used to search for original studies assessing glyphosate or GBH exposure and thyroid-related outcomes through December 2024. Data were extracted on study design, population or model, exposure, and thyroid outcomes. A total of 28 studies, including 9 human, 3 in vitro, and 16 animal studies were included. Results: Human studies showed mixed findings with some suggesting associations between glyphosate exposure and altered thyroid hormone levels, while others found no significant effects. Animal studies, particularly in rodents and amphibians, showed thyroid hormone disruption and altered gene expression, especially after perinatal or developmental exposure. In vitro studies reported changes in thyroid-related gene transcription and cell viability, however at concentrations exceeding those seen in humans. Conclusions: While there is some evidence that glyphosate may disrupt thyroid function, differences in study populations, exposure assessment methods, species models, and exposure doses complicated the comparison and summarization of the results. Further mechanistic and longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the thyroid-specific risks of glyphosate exposure. Full article

Organochlorine insecticides (DDTs), organophosphate insecticides (malathion), carbamate insecticides (carbaryl and thiram), pyrethroid (cypermethrin and fenvalarate) insecticides, and herbicides (glyphosate and atrazine) were selected for this study because they disrupt cervical and myometrial function in the bovine oestrous cycle. However, their potential to affect reproductive success in cattle during pregnancy has not been directly confirmed. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the investigated pesticides on cervical contractions in pregnant cows. Cervical strips from cows at 4–6 months of gestation were treated with the eight singular pesticides (used at non-toxic, environmental dose) or oestradiol (E2) under two different conditions (37.5 °C for 24 h and 4 °C for 48 h), which were applied to assess pesticide effects under both physiological and prolonged-exposure settings. The strength of the contractions was then measured. The findings of the study demonstrated that both the carbamates and glyphosate increased the force of cervical strip contractions to a greater extent than cypermethrin. In contrast, fenvalerate was observed to induce a state of cervical relaxation, analogous to the effects of E2, while DDT, malathion and atrazine exerted no effect on cervical motor function during the period of pregnancy under investigation. These preliminary findings indicate a potential impact of pesticides on cervical function during pregnancy, but should be interpreted with caution as they are based on isolated tissue at a single concentration. Further in vivo and dose–response studies are needed to confirm their biological and clinical relevance. Full article

Kalach (KL) is a glyphosate (G)-based herbicide extensively used in agricultural and urban areas in Tunisia. It has been reported that G crosses the placenta in pregnant rats, potentially disrupting organ function in offspring. The present study examined the effects of prenatal and lactational exposure to KL on thyroid function, bone integrity, and phosphocalcic homeostasis in rat offspring. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups, group A (control group) and group B, exposed to KL (each mother rat received 0.07 mL of KL diluted in 1 mL of water by gavage). On postnatal day 14, plasma samples were analyzed for thyroid hormones, calcium, and phosphorus. Histology and immunohistochemical study of bone and thyroid, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy assessed alterations. Additionally, we complemented the in vivo study with an in silico study. We found that KL induced hypothyroidism, necrosis in thyroid tissue, and phosphocalcic imbalance, leading to skeletal abnormalities. Structural and mineralization defects in bone were confirmed by FTIR and XRD analysis. The in silico study revealed that G bids to growth hormone receptors and thyroglobulin with good affinity, corroborating the in vivo findings. In conclusion, KL may interfere with bone tissue, growth hormone receptors, and thyroglobulin, impair hypothyroidism, and function as an endocrine disruptor exposure. Consequently, KL induces disorganization of the femoral growth plate. Full article