Biosafety of genetically modified wheat (Triticum aestivum) Hi-line 111

Abstract

Genetically modified (GM) crops were approved for edible use in several countries but their biosafety for organisms remains to be crucial. The objectives of this work were to compare GM wheat (Triticum aestivum) Hi-line 111 (GMW) with native non-GMW wheat (NGMW) to find the differences, if any, in their biosafety. Three groups of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used to study the biosafety of GMW for 30 days. Group 1 was fed on a basal diet (control), and group 2 on a control diet with 30% replacement of starch with NGMW, while group 3 was fed on the control diet with 30% replacement of starch with GMW. There were no significant signs of adverse impacts noted in the clinical appearance of animals fed on GMW in terms of initial body weight, absolute or relative organ weights and serum profile in comparison with the control group. However, slight histopathological changes were observed in the organs of animals fed on GMW. Though our results demonstrate GMW biosafety regarding its biochemical parameters, however, detailed description of submucosal edema and further studies on allergenic potential with long feeding periods should be performed to conclude its impacts on health.