Journal or Publishing Institution: Biological Sciences
Study: https://web.archive.org/web/20180723185304/http://online.rae.ru/237
Author(s): Ermakova, I.V., and Barskov, I.V.
Article Type: Peer Reviewed Study
Abstract:
The effect of a diet containing genetically modified (GM) soybean resistant to the Roundup herbicide (Roundup Ready, line 40.3.2, EPSPS CP4 transgene) on the morphological state of organs in adult rats and the survival rate of the offspring (GM soybean group) was studied. In the control groups of rats, traditional soybean Arcon SJ 91-330 was added to the vivarium feed in the same amount (Trad-soybean group) or nothing was added (Control). All soybean lines were tested for the presence of the EPSPS CP4 transgene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The transgene was detected only in the soybean line – 40.3.2, RR. Two series of experiments were conducted. In the first series, soy was added to the feed of female Wistar rats in the form of flour two weeks before mating, during mating, pregnancy and nursing of the rats at a rate of 6-7 g per rat per feeding. In two repeated experiments, a high mortality rate was found in the rats from the GM soy group (55.6%, n = 45) compared to the rats from the Trad soy (9%, n = 33) and Control (6.8%, n = 44) groups. When analyzing the weight of the rats two weeks after birth, it was found that 36% of the rats from the GM soy group weighed less than 20 g compared to the rats from the Trad soy (6.7%) and Control (6.0%) groups.
In the second series of experiments, soybean seeds were added to the feed of adult males. A morphological analysis of the liver and testicles was performed in rats of the GM Soy, Trad Soy, and Control groups. As a result of the morphological studies, pathological changes were detected in the liver cells (vacuolization) and testicles (impaired blood outflow and pathological mitosis) in rats of the GM Soy group and the absence of these changes in males of other groups. Several versions of the negative impact of GM soy on offspring were put forward to explain the obtained results: 1. Instability and instability of the genetic construct, and the penetration of transgenes into germ/stem cells, blood cells, and reproductive organs of animals according to numerous experimental data [2, 4, etc.]. 2. “Plasmid effect”: penetration of vector plasmids (bacterial circular DNA) used for gene introduction into intestinal bacteria, white blood cells, and cells of various organs of animals [4]. 3. Mutagenic effects of GM feed on animals [5]. 4. Formation of toxic proteins as a result of the activity of transgenes and mutated genes [1]. 5. Ingestion of the toxic herbicide Roundup as a result of its accumulation in GM plants [3].
It was concluded that GM soybeans resistant to Roundup can have a negative effect on rats, leading to pathological changes in the organs of adult animals and to increased mortality and underdevelopment of newborn first-generation rats.
Keywords: Roundup Ready soy, GTS 40-3-2, Glyphosate tolerant soya, Wistar rats, Rodent, GM soybean, Genetically modified soy, Feeding, Mortality, Weight, Morphological, Liver, Testes, Offspring, Rat, Rodents, GMO soybeans, Genetically Engineered, Transgenic
Citation:
Ermakova, I.V., and Barskov, I.V. (2008). Study of the physiological and morphological parameters in rats and their offspring using a diet containing soybean transgenic EPSPS CP4. Biological Sciences, 6, p.19-20.
Category:
- Health effects
Record ID: 633
