The Alarming truth about GMOs.
�Are GMOs bad for human health? The effects of Genetically Modified Organisms which can be found in the food we consume.
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Disadvantages of GMO
The Alarming truth about GMOs. Are GMOs bad for human health? The effects of Genetically Modified Organisms which can be found in the food we consume.
Hypothetical Link Between Infertility and Genetically Modified Food
Even though infertility is a multi-related disease, plenty of medical and non-medical conditions can attribute to it. The present study concentrates mainly on factors associated with physical disorders, no matter primary or secondary, they are all caused by the infection, environmental toxins, cancer and autoimmune disorders [26 ], but seldom on the foods, especially the GMF. INTRODUCTION
With the emergence of GMFs, the health problems accompanied are of particular concern, it seems that GMFs may reduce the fertility , no matter animals or humans, these potential risks are worthy of consideration. A significant problem linked with the effects of GMO to consumers’ reproduction is potentially related with abnormal steroid hormones and their receptors , toxic products which increase risk of endocrine-metabolic processes . INTRODUCTION
The amino acid sequence forming structure of a given protein increases the risk of endocrine-metabolic disorders due to exposure to GMFs. In 2002, results which demonstrated that milk from genetically modified cows increases the levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) in consumers were published [27]. We already know that IGF-1 factor is correlated with development of tumors in some organs, such as lungs, breast, colon, etc. This factor is also relevant to some endocrine-metabolic diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). ENDOCRINE-METABOLIC DISORDERS
In order to find out the health impact of trans-genic products, a group of rats fed with various doses of NK603 modified maize was studied and control group was set . After two years of experiment, the results show disturbances in the function or tumorous development in some organs, and a higher mortality of animals in the experimental groups [15 ]. It was reported that after the consumption of GM maize, the mice showed slight but dose- related significant variations in growth for both genders , resulting in 3.3% decrease in weight in males and 3.7 % increase in females . Moreover, signs of hepatorenal toxicity , marked also by sensitivities’ discrepancy in males and females, were also noted, while triglycerides increased by 24-40% in females [28]. ENDOCRINE-METABOLIC DISORDERS continued
As mentioned, the milk of GM cows increases levels of IGF-1 factor in consumers, showing a positive correlation with occurrence of tumors in lungs, breast and colon, which is associated with the abnormal estrogen receptor . There have been several claims that transgenic DNA could become incorporated into human or bacterial cells and increase the likelihood of cancer [49-51 ]. However, the study about reproductive related neoplasms is limited; the hypothetical link between GMFs and potential reproductive tumor is primarily depending on the overexpression of some cytokines and the abnormal expression of estrogen receptor. Therefore, more studies are needed, and long-term exposure to GMFs/GMOs need carry out in animals and cells experiment. REPRODUCTIVE RELATED NEOPLASMS
Disadvantages Disadvantages can be classified as: - a) Environmental Hazards b) Human Health Risks c) Economic Concerns 9
10 Environmental Hazards:- Unintended harm to other organisms Substantial Health Impacts on Agriculture Workers Pollution of Natural Eco-system Loss of insect biodiversity in Agro Ecosystem Reduced Effectiveness of pesticides Gene transfer to non-target species Creation of insect races Resistance to pesticide
Pollen-mediated gene flow (vertical gene transfer) • The way in which pollen is transferred (wind, insects), the distance between plants, and the life cycle of pollen is affected
Environmental Implication:- “Bt” corn is resistant to corn borers attack but there are concerns that a “Bt” resistant borer may develop. “Super Weeds” might develop a resistance against herbicides. GMO crop may also cross-breed with some other closely related species leading to transgenic pollution Loss of genetic resources due to accidental cross-breeding
13 b) Human Health Risks:- GMOs may cause allergies Unknown/unintended health effects Millions of ordinary people are worried about GMOs, they believe that they have reached the thin edge of wedge, they are messing with building blocks of life and its scary GMOs are feared and hated by environmentalists and public alike yet the scientific assessment of GMOs is remarkably different. Every major scientific evaluation of GMO technology has concluded that GMOs are safe for human consumption and are benefit to the environment
Expense and time bring GMO plants to market Patents and controlled by agro-chemical companies Their cost of production is reported to be increased than that of the traditional crops due to the natural resistance towards pests and insects. This increases the necessity of exposing GM crops to harmful pesticides and insecticides, making these foods free from chemicals and environment friendly as well. Genetically engineered foods are reported to be less in nutrients and contain less minerals and vitamins than those found in traditionally grown foods. c) Economic Concerns regarding GMOs :-
Effects of Genetically Modified foods on Toxicity
Cell Toxicity Glyphosate exposure causes cell damage and even cell death. A 2009 study published in Chemical Research in Toxicology found that glycophosate caused DNA damage to human cells even at lower exposure levels than those recommended by the herbicide's manufacturer. An Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis study found that Roundup induced the presence of mutations in mouse kidneys and livers.17 Additionally, in vivo studies on human cells have demonstrated the genetic toxicity of a metabolite of glyphosate.
Neurotoxicity Glyphosate exposure can impair the nervous system as well. A 2002 Environmental Health Perspectives study showed a significant correlation between glyphosate and adverse neurodevelopmental effects.22 One man who sustained acute glyphosate exposure developed symptoms of Parkinson's disease only 30 days after the accident, possibly due to the neurotoxicity of the herbicide.
GM FEED ANIMALS HAD HIGHER DEATH RATES AND ORGAN DAMAGE The cells in the pancreas of mice fed Round up Ready soy had profound changes and produced significantly less digestive enzymes; in rats fed a GM potato, the pancreas was enlarged. In various analysis of kidneys, GM fed animals showed lesions, toxicity, altered enzymes production or inflammation. Enzyme production in the hearts of mice was altered by GM soy, and GM potatoes caused slower growth in the brain of rats.
T here are several reasons why GM plants present unique dangers. The first is that the process of genetic engineering itself creates unpredicted alterations, irrespective of which gene is transferred. This creates mutations in and around the insertion site and elsewhere. Following are few disadvantages GM diet shows toxic reaction in the digestive tract GM diet causes Allergic reactions GM diet causes liver damage GM diet causes reproductive failure and infant mortality Disadvantages
Gastrointestinal disorders have been on the rise for the past 50 years, and gluten, processed foods, and GMOs are driving it. Irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, and chronic constipation are a few of the many intestinal disorders that are commonplace today. Glyphosate , an herbicide used in GM crops, has been shown to disturb intestinal microflora balance and promote the growth of harmful bacterial strains. This may interfere with the immune system, increase infection rates, and affect mood and behavior. Gut Damage from GMO Foods
Digestive enzymes may be reduced following consumption of GMO foods, leading to impaired digestion. [ 6 ] Studies also indicate that GMO crops, particularly those that contain glyphosate and Bt toxin , damage microvilli in the intestinal tract similar to Celiac disease. [ 7 ] Research is unclear whether or not this could be contributing to the rise of Celiac disease; however, it could be a factor. Continued …
The very first crop submitted to the FDA’s (Food & Drug Administration) voluntary consultation process, the tomato, showed evidence of toxins. Out of 20 female rats fed the GM tomato, 7 developed stomach lesions . The type of stomach lesions linked to tomato could lead to life-endangering hemorrhage, particularly in the elderly who use aspirin to prevent blood clots . Toxic Reaction In Digestive Tract
The digestive tract, which is the first and largest point of contact with foods, can reveal various reactions to toxins and should be the first target of GM food risk assessment. Mice fed potatoes engineered to produce the Bt-toxin developed abnormal and damaged cells, as well as Proliferative cell growth in the lower part of their small intestine (ileum) . Rats fed potatoes engineered to produce a different type of insecticide (GNA lectin from the snowdrop plant) also showed proliferative cell Growth in both stomach and intestinal walls. Continued…
Rats fed the GNA lectin potatoes had smaller and partially atrophied livers. Rats fed Monsanto’s Mon 863 corn, engineered to produce Bt-toxin, had liver lesions and other indications of toxicity . Rabbits fed GM soy showed altered enzyme production in their livers as well as higher metabolic activity. Rats fed Roundup Ready soybeans also showed structural changes in their liver. Continued… GM DIETS CAUSE LIVER DAMAGE
25 Disadvantages of GMO food [Allergies]
The GM food contains newly expressed endogenous proteins to which immune system has not been previously exposed, further sensitization to these new proteins might result in the development of food allergy. The food protein sensitized individuals are associated with allergen-specific immunoglobulin E ( IgE ) mediated antibody reactions which occur within few minutes to a few hours after consumption of the specific food. The severity of food allergic symptoms among allergenic individuals ranges from mild to severe reactions and even deaths in case of highly food-sensitized individuals (anaphylaxis). The manifestation of food induced allergic reactions depends on the direct involvement of IgE , which is a central molecule in allergic asthma atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis. These IgE antibodies are constitutively increased upon re-exposure to the same food proteins which then circulate in the blood and enter body tissues where they can be recognized by specific immune cells e.g. mast cells. Mast cells are present in tissues primarily at sites in the body that come in contact with the environment e.g. skin, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. 26 GMO and food allergy
27 Cont Most GM foods contain newly engineered proteins due to genetic modification introduced into the market for human consumption . Several studies indicate that the GM foods might mediated adverse reaction The crops produced through agricultural biotechnology ultimately result in the introduction of new proteins, the potential allergenicity of the newly introduced proteins must be assessed. Only a few of the many proteins found in foods are allergenic under the typical circumstances of exposure. However, because virtually all allergens are proteins, the allergenic potential of the novel proteins must be determined in every case. The metabolisms of these natural Bt -toxins in the human food diet have not been clearly understood yet and also, few other studies indicate that these Bt -proteins are not fully digested in the human intestine. Therefore, it is of concern that if Bt -toxins cause allergic reactions among the consumers
In a rare long-term GMO feeding study, commissioned by the Austrian government, the longer mice were fed GM corn, the fewer babies they had. Their offspring were also smaller, and therefore less healthy. (21) Bt cornfield appears to have been responsible for allergic-type reactions. In 2003, during the time when an adjacent Bt cornfield was pollinating, virtually an entire Filipino village of about 100 people was stricken by mysterious skin, respiratory, and intestinal reactions .[79] The symptoms started with those living closest to the field and spread to those further away. . Bt -toxin might also trigger reactions by skin contact. A Monsanto rat study on Bt corn showed a significant increase in blood cells related to the immune system. [16 , 18 ] Studies and reports confirm that Bt crops provoke reactions in humans and animals. For example, large numbers of Indian farm workers are getting sick from touching Bt cotton. Their allergic and flu-like symptoms match precisely with those experienced by the hundreds of people in the Pacific Northwest who reacted to Bt spray .
The allergy is not restricted to farm labourers involved in picking cotton but has affected labour involved in loading and unloading Bt from villages to market, those involved in its weighment, labourers working in ginning factories, people who carried out other operations in the field of BT cotton, or farmers who stored cotton in their homes etc. Thus the symptom is affecting people widely exposed at different places. Cont
The symptoms were not restricted to one particular farm but several farms in 6 villages spread around 4 tehsils of 2 districts. The doctor of this area also has reported a spurt of allergic cases in the last 2 seasons in the cotton season. The agro scientist and some farmers and labourers have also pointed a finger on the Bt cotton and given explanations for this type of allergies. After considering all evidences, statement and opinions we a say that BT cotton is causing allergy to people. Cont