A new study has uncovered troubling effects of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. The research shows that even months after exposure, glyphosate causes brain inflammation, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s-like damage in mice.
1.Study Overview: Glyphosate’s Lasting Effects on Mice
In a study published in The Journal of Neuroinflammation, researchers investigated the impact of daily glyphosate exposure on 4.5-month-old female mice. The study lasted 13 weeks, followed by a six-month recovery period. Despite the extended recovery time, glyphosate and its metabolite, AMPA, remained in the mice’s brain tissue and blood.
2.Key Findings: Inflammation, Anxiety, and Alzheimer’s-like Damage
Researchers observed several concerning changes in the exposed mice. First, there was a significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease. Behavioral tests also showed that the glyphosate-exposed mice exhibited more anxiety-like behaviors.
Additionally, brain tissue analysis revealed higher levels of amyloid-β plaques and phosphorylated tau, both associated with Alzheimer’s. The study also found that exposure led to higher mortality rates in a specific group of mice, although this was not linked to the dose of glyphosate.
3.Alzheimer’s Disease and Environmental Risks
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive condition that affects memory and cognitive abilities. The prevalence of AD is increasing rapidly, with over 6.7 million people affected in the U.S. alone. Researchers have long suggested that environmental factors—such as pollution, diet, and toxins—play a significant role in AD development.
Glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide, is known to cross the blood-brain barrier. This raises concerns about its potential to disrupt the brain’s immune system and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
4.Details of the Study
The study tested two concentrations of glyphosate (50 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) on 3xTg-AD mice, which are genetically prone to Alzheimer’s-like conditions. Researchers conducted behavioral tests and analyzed brain tissue for signs of inflammation and neurodegeneration. They found that glyphosate exposure did not affect body weight but increased mortality, especially during the recovery period.
Brain tissue analysis revealed persistent levels of AMPA, indicating that glyphosate can have long-lasting effects. Moreover, the exposed mice showed reduced brain weight and increased neurodegeneration markers.
5.Long-term Impact on Neuroinflammation
The study also highlighted that glyphosate caused a prolonged inflammatory response in the brain. Both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were elevated, suggesting a dysregulated immune response.
6.Conclusions and Future Research
This study adds to growing concerns about glyphosate’s long-term effects on brain health. While these results are based on mice, they raise important questions about the herbicide’s potential impact on humans, particularly in rural areas where glyphosate exposure is common.
The researchers call for further investigation into glyphosate’s role in neurodegenerative diseases. They stress the need for more studies, especially given glyphosate’s widespread use in agriculture.
Source:NewsMedical
Written by Hugo Francisco de Souza
Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.
Date:Dec 9 2024
Key words:Glyphosate,Alzheimer’s-like damage,Neuroinflammation,Anxiety,Amyloid-β plaques
