A University of Toledo researcher is exploring how glyphosate, a common herbicide found in many foods, may be linked to high blood pressure. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup and is widely used by farmers to manage weeds. As its use has increased, so have reports of high blood pressure cases.
Recent studies have shown that glyphosate can be detected in human urine and has been associated with heart disease-related deaths.
However, there has been little research on its direct effects on blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in the United States. Despite advancements in treatment, high blood pressure remains a global health issue.
People are exposed to glyphosate primarily through food crops like corn and soybeans. Many of these crops are genetically modified to withstand glyphosate, allowing farmers to spray the herbicide without harming the plants. This practice raises concerns about glyphosate contamination in our food supply.
How Glyphosate Works
Glyphosate targets a specific pathway in plants known as the shikimic acid pathway, which humans do not possess. This led to the belief that glyphosate was safe for human consumption. However, this pathway is present in gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in our overall health, including blood pressure regulation.
The gut microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms that help with various bodily functions. Researchers suspect that exposure to glyphosate may alter these microbial communities, potentially impacting health.
In 2015, the research team at the University of Toledo was among the first to establish a link between gut microbiota and blood pressure. They used a rat model that mimics human high blood pressure conditions and administered glyphosate to observe its effects. The results showed a significant increase in blood pressure among the rats exposed to glyphosate.
Key Findings
The researchers discovered that glyphosate exposure changed the composition of gut microbiota in rats compared to those not exposed. Certain bacterial species were either depleted or increased due to glyphosate exposure.
These changes can lead to alterations in metabolites produced by gut bacteria, which may contribute to rising blood pressure levels. The team aims to identify which metabolites are affected by glyphosate exposure and how they relate to blood pressure changes.
Additionally, researchers are investigating whether glyphosate has a direct impact on high blood pressure itself.
Exploring The Gut-Brain Connection
The study also examines the gut-brain axis, which refers to the communication between the gut and brain. A healthy gut-brain axis is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure. The researchers are looking into whether glyphosate disrupts this connection, leading to increased blood pressure.
This research represents a significant step toward understanding how glyphosate exposure may be linked to high blood pressure and highlights potential public health concerns related to herbicide use.
Ishan Manandhar, a PhD candidate at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, is conducting this research under Dr. Bina Joe in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. The ongoing study aims to shed light on the risks associated with widespread herbicide use in the United States.
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