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.

1. Disadvantages of GMO

2. 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.

3. Hypothetical Link Between
Infertility and Genetically
Modified Food

4.  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

5.  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

6.  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

7.  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

8.  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

9. Disadvantages
Disadvantages can be classified as:-
a) Environmental Hazards
b) Human Health Risks
c) Economic Concerns
9

10. 10
a)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

11. 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

12.  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. 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

14. • 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:-

15. Effects of Genetically Modified foods
on Toxicity

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. There 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

20.  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

21.  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…

22.  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

23.  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…

24.  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

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Disadvantages of GMO food
[Allergies]

26.  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. 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

28. • 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.

29. • 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

30. • 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

31. Thanks
Thanks