Association between urinary glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid concentrations and DNA damage biomarkers among rural populations in Taiwan

Journal or Publishing Institution: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health

Study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1438463925001531

Author(s): Kono, M., Chang, W.H., Chen, N.C., Chen, J.M. and Wu, W.T.

Article Type: Peer Reviewed Study

Abstract:

Objectives

The study aimed to investigate the association between glyphosate (GLY) exposure, using urinary GLY and its primary metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), and the DNA damage biomarkers 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and N7-methylguanine (N7-MeG) in rural populations in Taiwan.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 368 participants from a rural area in Taiwan characterized by extensive agricultural activity. Urinary concentrations of GLY, AMPA, and the DNA damage biomarkers 8-OHdG and N7-MeG were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). GLY and AMPA concentrations were creatinine-adjusted (μg/g creatinine) and log₂ transformed. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the associations.

Results

Urinary GLY and AMPA were positively associated with the oxidative stress biomarker 8-OHdG and the DNA methylation biomarker N7-MeG. In linear regression models adjusted for age, gender, and occupation, the geometric mean ratios (GMR) per doubling of GLY and AMPA were 1.11 (95 % CI: 1.04–1.19) and 1.19 (95 % CI: 1.10–1.30) for 8-OHdG, and 1.10 (95 % CI: 1.03–1.18) and 1.16 (95 % CI: 1.08–1.26) for N7-MeG, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were 1.79 (95 % CI: 1.39–2.31) and 1.69 (95 % CI: 1.30–2.19) for high 8-OHdG, and 1.55 (95 % CI: 1.23–1.95) and 1.74 (95 % CI: 1.33–2.28) for high N7-MeG, per doubling of GLY and AMPA concentrations.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that urinary GLY and AMPA concentrations are positively associated with 8-OHdG and N7-MeG, implicating carcinogenic pathways of oxidative stress and DNA methylation. The results highlight the need for further research and regulatory considerations, particularly in agricultural communities.

Keywords: 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine; Aminomethylphosphonic acid; DNA methylation; Glyphosate; N7-methylguanine; Oxidative stress

Citation:

Kono, M., Chang, W.H., Chen, N.C., Chen, J.M. and Wu, W.T., 2025. Association between urinary glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid concentrations and DNA damage biomarkers among rural populations in Taiwan. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 270, p.114671.

Category:

Health effects

Record ID: 2866