A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health

Abstract

We present for the first time a comparative analysis of blood and organ system data from trials with rats fed three main commercialized genetically modified (GM) maize (NK 603, MON 810, MON 863), which are present in food and feed in the world. NK 603 has been modified to be tolerant to the broad spectrum herbicide Roundup and thus contains residues of this formulation. MON 810 and MON 863 are engineered to synthesize two different Bt toxins used as insecticides. Approximately 60 different biochemical parameters were classified per organ and measured in serum and urine after 5 and 14 weeks of feeding. GM maize-fed rats were compared first to their respective isogenic or parental non-GM equivalent control groups. This was followed by comparison to six reference groups, which had consumed various other non-GM maize varieties. We applied nonparametric methods, including multiple pairwise comparisons with a False Discovery Rate approach. Principal Component Analysis allowed the investigation of scattering of different factors (sex, weeks of feeding, diet, dose and group). Our analysis clearly reveals for the 3 GMOs new side effects linked with GM maize consumption, which were sex- and often dose-dependent. Effects were mostly associated with the kidney and liver, the dietary detoxifying organs, although different between the 3 GMOs. Other effects were also noticed in the heart, adrenal glands, spleen and haematopoietic system. We conclude that these data highlight signs of hepatorenal toxicity, possibly due to the new pesticides specific to each GM corn. In addition, unintended direct or indirect metabolic consequences of the genetic modification cannot be excluded.

Genetically-Modified Organisms in United States Agriculture: Mandate for Food Labeling

“…Recently, a randomized, controlled trial of rats fed GMO versus non-GMO maize demonstrated increased tumor formation and mortality in the GMO-fed animals [9]. Additional animal studies support this finding of GMO toxicity [10]. Furthermore, herbi- cide-resistance conferred by GMOs has resulted in farmers applying higher amounts of pesticides, with resultant increased pesticide resistance among weeds and other organisms, as well as increased carcinogenesis from higher pesticide exposure [11].…”

“…An additional study conducted on animals with GMO consumption has demonstrated decreased fertility, birth defects, neurologic problems, cancer, and alterations in liver and kidney function [10]. From that University of Caen study, rats that were fed a GMO diet developed mammary tumors and organ failure, resulting in premature death as compared to controls [10].…”

“…From that University of Caen study, rats that were fed a GMO diet developed mammary tumors and organ failure, resulting in premature death as compared to controls [10]. In view of these reports of toxicity in animal studies, long-term studies should now be performed on humans before universally embracing GMO products.…”

Physiological and Biochemical Significance of Genetically Modified Foods: An Overview

“…There is no confirmation that DNA from dietary sources has ever been integrated into the mammalian genome [89] studied the animal nutrition with GMOs. However, some scientists [90] and advocacy groups such as Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund contemplate that the existing data do not corroborate that GM food does not pose hazards to health, and call for additional and more rigorous testing before marketing genetically engineered food [91]. Worldwide, reports of allergies to all kinds of foods, particularly nuts, fish and shellfish, seem to be increasing, but it is not known if this reflects a genuine change in the risk of allergy, or an increased awareness of food allergies by the communities [91].…”

Genetically engineered (modified) crops (Bacillus thuringiensis crops) and the world controversy on their safety

“…An analysis of blood and organ system was carried out with rats fed three main commercialized Bt maize (deVendomois et al 2009). Approximately 60 different biochemical parameters were classified per organ and measured in serum and urine after 5 and 14 weeks of feeding.…”