Impact of glyphosate (Roundup ^TM ) on the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome

Abstract

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the broad-spectrum herbicide Roundup TM , has been a topic of discussion for decades due to contradictory reports of the effect of glyphosate on human health. Glyphosate inhibits the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) of the shikimic pathway producing aromatic amino acids in plants, a mechanism that suggests that the herbicide would not affect humans as this pathway is not found in mammals. However, numerous studies have implicated glyphosate exposure in the manifestation of a variety of disorders in the human body. This review specifically outlines the potential effect of glyphosate exposure on the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome. Evidence has been building behind the hypothesis that the composition of each individual gut microbiota significantly impacts health. For this reason, the potential of glyphosate to inhibit the growth of beneficial microbes in the gut or alter their functionality is an important topic that warrants further consideration.

Examining Sound, Light, and Vibrations as Tools to Manage Microbes and Support Holobionts, Ecosystems, and Technologies

“…Other examples involve the lack of protection for microbiomes. Two prominent examples concern the world-wide approval and distribution of the antimicrobial toxicant glyphosate [4], and the continued pervasive inclusion of Akkermansia-toxic, food emulsifier obesogens (e.g., polysorbate 80) in most processed foods [5]. The cost of ignoring the microbiome despite evidence of its increasing importance plays out across a lifetime.…”

Examining Sound, Light, and Vibrations as Tools to Manage Microbes and Support Holobionts, Ecosystems, and Technologies

“…Other examples involve the lack of protection for microbiomes. Two prominent examples concern the world-wide approval and distribution of the anti-microbial toxicant glyphosate [4], and the continued pervasive inclusion of Akkermansia-toxic, food emulsifier obesogens (e.g., polysorbate 80) in most processed foods [5]. The cost of ignoring the microbiome despite evidence of its increasing importance plays out across a lifetime.…”

Maternal body condition affects the response of larval spined toads’ faecal microbiome to a widespread contaminant

“…While several studies on vertebrates and invertebrates have tested the effects of glyphosate exposure on gut microbiota composition (Blot et al, 2019; Cuzziol Boccioni et al, 2023; Ding et al, 2021; Fréville et al, 2022; Iori et al, 2020; Lehman et al, 2023; Lozano et al, 2018; Mesnage et al, 2021; Motta et al, 2018; Owagboriaye et al, 2021; Puigbò et al, 2022; Ruuskanen et al, 2020; Walsh et al, 2023), only two have focused on the effects of AMPA on invertebrate models, and reported slight effects on gut microbiota (Blot et al, 2019; Iori et al, 2020). Considering the higher presence of AMPA in the environment and its ability to affect microorganism growth by inhibiting bacterial cell wall biosynthesis (Atherton et al, 1982; Azam and Jayaram, 2016; Carles et al, 2019; Coupe et al, 2012; Poiger et al, 2017), there is still a lack of research linking the harmful effects of AMPA to a gut microbiome dysbiosis.…”

“…Because of its mode of action which is to inhibit the enzyme 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) of the shikimate pathway, a metabolic pathway specific to plants but also microorganisms (Herrmann and Weaver, 1999), several studies have tested the effects of glyphosate exposure on vertebrates and invertebrates gut microbiota composition (Blot et al, 2019; Cuzziol Boccioni et al, 2023; Ding et al, 2021; Fréville et al, 2022; Iori et al, 2020; Lehman et al, 2023; Lozano et al, 2018; Mesnage et al, 2021; Motta et al, 2018; Owagboriaye et al, 2021; Puigbò et al, 2022; Ruuskanen et al, 2020; Walsh et al, 2023). Yet, only two have focused on the effects of AMPA on invertebrate models and reported slight effects on gut microbiota (Blot et al, 2019; Iori et al, 2020).…”