A Review on Impacts of Genetically Modified Food on Human Health

Charu Verma1, Surabhi Nanda2, R.K. Singh, R.B. Singh and Sanjay Mishra
Abstract: Biotechnology offers a variety of potential benefits and risks. It has enhanced food
production by making plants less vulnerable to drought, frost, insects, and viruses and by
enabling plants to compete more effectively against weeds for soil nutrients. In a few cases, it
has also improved the quality and nutrition of foods by altering their composition. However, the
use of biotechnology has also raised concerns about its potential risks to the environment and
people. For example, some people fear that common plant pests could develop resistance to
the introduced pesticides in GM crops that were supposed to combat them. Genetic engineering
provides a means to introduce genes into plants via mechanisms that are different in some
respects from classical breeding. A number of commercialized, genetically engineered (GE)
varieties, most notably canola, cotton, maize and soybean, were created using this technology,
and at present the traits introduced are herbicide and/or pest tolerance. Gene technology
enables the increase of production in plants, as well as the rise of resistance to pests, viruses,
frost, etc. Gene transfer is used to modify the physical and chemical composition and nutritional
value of food. Gene transfer in animals will play a part in boundless possibilities of improving
qualitative and quantitative traits. The yield, carcass composition and meat characteristics the
use of nutritive substances ? not sure what is being said here?, and resistance to diseases can
be improved. On the other hand, negative effects of gene technology on animals, human, and
environment should be considered. The present review article is the compilation of various
studies that present both positive and negative impacts of genetically modified food on human
health.

An overview of general features of risk assessments of genetically modified crops

Wendy Craig, Mark Tepfer, Giuliano Degrassi, Decio Ripandelli
Abstract: The intentional introduction into the environment or market of genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) is nearly always governed by a framework of science-based risk
assessment and risk management measures. This is usually implemented through the
integration of hazard identification and characterisation of all of the elements of risk associated
with a new GM crop or derived product. Typical categories of hazards arising from the
introduction of transgenic crops include: possible unintended negative health effects in a
susceptible subgroup of the consumer (target) population; the evolution of resistance in the
targeted pest/pathogen populations when the transgene confers resistance to a pest or
pathogen; non-target hazards associated directly or indirectly with the transgenic plant or
transgene product outside the plant; and those associated with the integration and subsequent
expression of the transgene in a different organism or species following gene flow. The
consequences of likely exposure to these and other hazards are considered in this introduction
to the main issues raised when evaluating the possible risks arising from the importation or
cultivation of genetically modified crops.

Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods

Artemis Dona & Ioannis S. Arvatoyannis
Abstract: As genetically modified (GM) foods are starting to intrude in our diet concerns have
been expressed regarding GM food safety. These concerns as well as the limitations of the
procedures followed in the evaluation of their safety are presented. Animal toxicity studies with
certain GM foods have shown that they may toxically affect several organs and systems. The
review of these studies should not be conducted separately for each GM food, but according to
the effects exerted on certain organs it may help us create a better picture of the possible health
effects on human beings. The results of most studies with GM foods indicate that they may
cause some common toxic effects such as hepatic, pancreatic, renal, or reproductive effects
and may alter the hematological, biochemical, and immunologic parameters. However, many
years of research with animals and clinical trials are required for this assessment. The use of
recombinant GH or its expression in animals should be re-examined since it has been shown
that it increases IGF-1 which may promote cancer.

Unintended effects and their detection in genetically modified crops

F Cellinia, A Chessonb, I Colquhounc, A Constabled, H.V Daviese, K.H Engelf, A.M.R
Gatehouseg, S Krenlampih, E.J Koki, J.-J Leguayj, S Lehesrantah, H.P.J.M Noteborni, J
Pedersenk and M Smith
Abstract: The commercialisation of GM crops in Europe is practically non-existent at the
present time. The European Commission has instigated changes to the regulatory process to
address the concerns of consumers and member states and to pave the way for removing the
current moratorium. With regard to the safety of GM crops and products, the current risk
assessment process pays particular attention to potential adverse effects on human and animal
health and the environment. This document deals with the concept of unintended effects in GM
crops and products, i.e. effects that go beyond that of the original modification and that might
impact primarily on health. The document first deals with the potential for unintended effects
caused by the processes of transgene insertion (DNA rearrangements) and makes comparisons
with genetic recombination events and DNA rearrangements in traditional breeding. The
document then focuses on the potential value of evolving profiling or omics technologies as
non-targeted, unbiased approaches, to detect unintended effects. These technologies include
metabolomics (parallel analysis of a range of primary and secondary metabolites), proteomics
(analysis of polypeptide complement) and transcriptomics (parallel analysis of gene expression).
The technologies are described, together with their current limitations. Importantly, the
significance of unintended effects on consumer health are discussed and conclusions and
recommendations presented on the various approaches outlined.

Genetically modified crops: Detection strategies and biosafety issues

Suchitra Kamle and Sher Ali
Abstract: Genetically modified (GM) crops are increasingly gaining acceptance but concurrently
consumers' concerns are also increasing. The introduction of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes
into the plants has raised issues related to its risk assessment and biosafety. The International
Regulations and the Codex guidelines regulate the biosafety requirements of the GM crops. In
addition, these bodies synergize and harmonize the ethical issues related to the release and
use of GM products. The labeling of GM crops and their products are mandatory if the
genetically modified organism (GMO) content exceeds the levels of a recommended threshold.
The new and upcoming GM crops carrying multiple stacked traits likely to be commercialized
soon warrant sensitive detection methods both at the DNA and protein levels. Therefore,
traceability of the transgene and its protein expression in GM crops is an important issue that
needs to be addressed on a priority basis. The advancement in the area of molecular biology
has made available several bioanalytical options for the detection of GM crops based on DNA
and protein markers. Since the insertion of a gene into the host genome may even cause copy
number variation, this may be uncovered using real time PCR. Besides, assessing the exact
number of mRNA transcripts of a gene, correlation between the template activity and expressed
protein may be established. Here, we present an overview on the production of GM crops, their
acceptabilities, detection strategies, biosafety issues and potential impact on society. Further,
overall future prospects are also highlighted.

Characteristics and safety assessment of intractable proteins in genetically modified

crops
Dean F. Busheya, Gary A. Bannonb, Bryan F. Delaneyc, Gerson Graserd, Mary Hefforde,
Xiaoxu Jiangf, Thomas C. Leeb, Krishna M. Maddurig, Michael Parizah, Laura S. Privallef, et.al
Abstract: Genetically modified (GM) crops may contain newly expressed proteins that are
described as intractable. Safety assessment of these proteins may require some adaptations
to the current assessment procedures. Intractable proteins are defined here as those proteins
with properties that make it extremely difficult or impossible with current methods to express in
heterologous systems; isolate, purify, or concentrate; quantify (due to low levels); demonstrate
biological activity; or prove equivalency with plant proteins. Five classes of intractable proteins
are discussed here: (1) membrane proteins, (2) signaling proteins, (3) transcription factors, (4)
N-glycosylated proteins, and (5) resistance proteins (R-proteins, plant pathogen recognition
proteins that activate innate immune responses). While the basic tiered weight-of-evidence
approach for assessing the safety of GM crops proposed by the International Life Sciences
Institute (ILSI) in 2008 is applicable to intractable proteins, new or modified methods may be
required. For example, the first two steps in Tier I (hazard identification) analysis, gathering of
applicable history of safe use (HOSU) information and bioinformatics analysis, do not require
protein isolation. The extremely low level of expression of most intractable proteins should be
taken into account while assessing safety of the intractable protein in GM crops. If Tier II
(hazard characterization) analyses requiring animal feeding are judged to be necessary,

alternatives to feeding high doses of pure protein may be needed. These alternatives are
discussed here.
Potential Adverse Health Effects of Genetically Modified Crops
Anita Bakshi (Biology Department, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA)
Abstract: Genetically modified crops have the potential to eliminate hunger and starvation in
millions of people, especially in developing countries because the genetic modification can
produce large amounts of foods that are more nutritious. Large quantities are produced because
genetically modified crops are more resistant to pests and drought. They also contain greater
amounts of nutrients, such as proteins and vitamins. However, there are concerns about the
safety of genetically modified crops. The concerns are that they may contain allergenic
substances due to introduction of new genes into crops. Another concern is that genetic
engineering often involves the use of antibiotic-resistance genes as "selectable markers" and
this could lead to production of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains that are resistant to available
antibiotics. This would create a serious public health problem. The genetically modified crops
might contain other toxic substances (such as enhanced amounts of heavy metals) and the
crops might not be "substantially equivalent" in genome, proteome, and metabolome compared
with unmodified crops. Another concern is that genetically modified crops may be less nutritious;
for example, they might contain lower amounts of phytoestrogens, which protect against heart
disease and cancer. The review of available literature indicates that the genetically modified
crops available in the market that are intended for human consumption are generally safe; their
consumption is not associated with serious health problems. However, because of potential for
exposure of a large segment of human population to genetically modified foods, more research
is needed to ensure that the genetically modified foods are safe for human consumption.

New Analysis of a Rat Feeding Study with a Genetically Modified Maize Reveals Signs of
Hepatorenal Toxicity
Gilles-Eric Sralini, Dominique Cellier, Jol Spiroux de Vendomois
Abstract: Health risk assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) cultivated for food
or feed is under debate throughout the world, and very little data have been published on midor long-term toxicological studies with mammals. One of these studies performed under the
responsibility of Monsanto Company with a transgenic corn MON863 has been subjected to
questions from regulatory reviewers in Europe, where it was finally approved in 2005. This
necessitated a new assessment of kidney pathological findings, and the results remained
controversial. An Appeal Court action in Germany (Mnster) allowed public access in June 2005
to all the crude data from this 90-day rat-feeding study. We independently re-analyzed these
data. Appropriate statistics were added, such as a multivariate analysis of the growth curves,
and for biochemical parameters comparisons between GMO-treated rats and the controls fed
with an equivalent normal diet, and separately with six reference diets with different
compositions. We observed that after the consumption of MON863, rats showed slight but doserelated significant variations in growth for both sexes, resulting in 3.3% decrease in weight for

males and 3.7% increase for females. Chemistry measurements reveal signs of hepatorenal
toxicity, marked also by differential sensitivities in males and females. Triglycerides increased by
2440% in females (either at week 14, dose 11% or at week 5, dose 33%, respectively); urine
phosphorus and sodium excretions diminished in males by 3135% (week 14, dose 33%) for
the most important results significantly linked to the treatment in comparison to seven diets
tested. Longer experiments are essential in order to indicate the real nature and extent of the
possible pathology; with the present data it cannot be concluded that GM corn MON863 is a
safe product. (Sralini, et. al, 2007)

The futures of genetically modified foods: Global threat or panacea?

Clin Gurua and Ashok Ranchhodb
Abstract: Genetically-modified foods represent a potential solution of the world food crises, but
they are also feared as potential dangers for human health, environment and biodiversity.
Considering the history of genetically-modified foods and their present situation, this study
develops and validates three complex scenarios regarding the future evolution of geneticallymodified foods. The plausibility of these scenarios is tested using five food experts, as well as
two demographically-representative groups of French and U.K. respondents. The present
situation and potential evolution of genetically-modified foodsis also analyzed using the
Innovation Diffusion Theory, as well as a Value-based Perspective.

Effect of diets containing genetically modified potatoes expressing Galanthus nivalis

lectin on rat small intestine
Dr Stanley WB Ewen, FRCPatha, and Arpad Pusztai, PhD
Abstract: Diets containing genetically modified (GM) potatoes expressing the lectin Galanthus
nivalis agglutinin (GNA) had variable effects on different parts of the rat gastrointestinal tract.
Some effects, such as the proliferation of the gastric mucosa, were mainly due to the expression
of the GNA transgene. However, other parts of the construct or the genetic transformation (or
both) could also have contributed to the overall biological effects of the GNA-GM potatoes,
particularly on the small intestine and caecum. (Ewen and Pusztai, 16 November 1999)

Genetically modified plants and human health

Suzie Key, Julian K-C Ma, and Pascal MW Drake
Abstract: Genetically modified (or GM) plants have attracted a large amount of media attention
in recent years and continue to do so. Despite this, the general public remains largely unaware
of what a GM plant actually is or what advantages and disadvantages the technology has to
offer, particularly with regard to the range of applications for which they can be used. From the
first generation of GM crops, two main areas of concern have emerged, namely risk to the

environment and risk to human health. As GM plants are gradually being introduced into the
European Union there is likely to be increasing public concern regarding potential health issues.
Although it is now commonplace for the press to adopt health campaigns, the information they
publish is often unreliable and unrepresentative of the available scientific evidence. We consider
it important that the medical profession should be aware of the state of the art, and, as they are
often the first port of call for a concerned patient, be in a position to provide an informed opinion.
This review will examine how GM plants may impact on human health both directly through
applications targeted at nutrition and enhancement of recombinant medicine production but
also indirectly, through potential effects on the environment. Finally, it will examine the most
important opposition currently facing the worldwide adoption of this technology: public opinion.

Toxicity Studies of Genetically Modified Plants: A Review of the Published Literature

Jos L. Domingo
Abstract: According to the information reported by the WHO, the genetically modified (GM)
products that are currently on the international market have all passed risk assessments
conducted by national authorities. These assessments have not indicated any risk to human
health. In spite of this clear statement, it is quite amazing to note that the review articles
published in international scientific journals during the current decade did not find, or the
number was particularly small, references concerning human and animal toxicological/health
risks studies on GM foods. In this paper, the scientific information concerning the potential
toxicity of GM/transgenic plants using the Medline database is reviewed. Studies about the
safety of the potential use of potatoes, corn, soybeans, rice, cucumber, tomatoes, sweet pepper,
peas, and canola plants for food and feed were included. The number of references was
surprisingly limited. Moreover, most published studies were not performed by the biotechnology
companies that produce these products. This review can be concluded raising the following
question: where is the scientific evidence showing that GM plants/food are toxicologically safe?

Toxic Secondary Metabolite Production in Genetically Modified Potatoes in Response to

Stress
Derek Matthews, Huw Jones, Paul Gans, Steven Coates and Lydia M. J. Smith
Abstract: Potatoes produce a number of toxic secondary metabolites, which are divided into
two groups: the sesquiterpenes and the glycoalkaloids (PGAs): whereas PGAs are largely
preformed and present in toxic quantities in both the foliage and green potatoes, it is well
documented that the levels of PGAs and sesquiterpenes are effected by many biotic an abiotic
stresses. The development of genetically modified potato varieties has made it prudent to
ascertain whether there may be changes in the amounts or types of these secondary
metabolites either as a direct effect of the transgene or due to its interactions with environmental
variables. Transgenic potato lines were exposed, along with nontransgenic lines, to a range of
biotic and abiotic stresses and a range of environmental conditions in the field and store.
Following stressing, a comparison was made of levels of potato glycoalkaloid and sesquiterpene
levels between the two groups. Significant differences were observed in the levels of both

glycoalkaloid and sesquiterpene levels between transgenic and control material and between
infected and noninfected material.
Genetic modification of plant metabolism for human health benefits
Kevin M. Davies
Abstract: There has been considerable research progress over the past decade on elucidating
biosynthetic pathways for important human health components of crops. This has enabled the
use of genetic modification (GM) techniques to develop crop varieties with increased amounts of
essential vitamins and minerals, and improved profiles of nutraceutical compounds. Much of
the research into vitamins and minerals has focused on generating new varieties of staple crops
to improve the diet of populations in developing nations. Of particular note is the development of
new rice lines with increased amounts of provitamin A and iron. Research on modifying
production of nutraceuticals has generally been aimed at generating new crops for markets in
the developed nations, commonly to deliver distinctive cultivars with high consumer appeal.
Most progress on nutraceuticals has been made with just a few types of metabolites to date, in
particular in the production of novel long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in oil-seed crops and
to increase amounts of flavonoids and carotenoids in tomato and potato. However, given the
rapid progress on elucidating plant metabolite biosynthetic pathways, wide-ranging success with
metabolic engineering for levels of human health-related compounds in plants would be
expected in the near future. A key aspect for future success will be better medical information to
guide metabolic engineering endeavors. Although the desired levels of many vitamins are
known, detailed information is lacking for most of the nutraceuticals that have attracted much
interest over the past few years.

A literature review on the safety assessment of genetically modified plants

Jos L. Domingo, Jordi Gin Bordonaba
Abstract: In recent years, there has been a notable concern on the safety of genetically modified
(GM) foods/plants, an important and complex area of research, which demands rigorous
standards. Diverse groups including consumers and environmental Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGO) have suggested that all GM foods/plants should be subjected to long-term
animal feeding studies before approval for human consumption. In 2000 and 2006, we reviewed
the information published in international scientific journals, noting that the number of references
concerning human and animal toxicological/health risks studies on GM foods/plants was very
limited. The main goal of the present review was to assess the current state-of-the-art regarding
the potential adverse effects/safety assessment of GM plants for human consumption. The
number of citations found in databases (PubMed and Scopus) has dramatically increased since
2006. However, new information on products such as potatoes, cucumber, peas or tomatoes,
among others was not available. Corn/maize, rice, and soybeans were included in the present
review. An equilibrium in the number research groups suggesting, on the basis of their studies,
that a number of varieties of GM products (mainly maize and soybeans) are as safe and
nutritious as the respective conventional non-GM plant, and those raising still serious concerns,
was currently observed. Nevertheless, it should be noted that most of these studies have been

conducted by biotechnology companies responsible of commercializing these GM plants. These

findings suggest a notable advance in comparison with the lack of studies published in recent
years in scientific journals by those companies. All this recent information is herein critically
reviewed.

Quality and safety evaluation of genetically modified potatoes Spunta with Cry V gene:
Compositional analysis, determination of some toxins, antinutrients compounds and
feeding study in rats
Rafaat ,El Sanhoty, Ahamed Ali Abd El-Rahman, Klaus Werner Bgl
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the composition, nutritional and toxicology
safety of GM potato Spunta lines compared to that of conventional potato Spunta.
Compositional analyses were conducted to measure the proximate chemical composition with
references to 14 components, total solid, protein, lipid, crude fibre, ash, carbohydrate, starch,
reducing sugar, nonreducing sugar, sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and ascorbic
acid. Some toxins and anti-nutrients compounds were determined. Feeding study of GM
potatoes line (G2 and G3) in rats were done for 30 days. Four groups of albino rats were used
for studying the effect and the safety assessment of GM potatoes Spunta G2 and G3. Group (I)
was fed on control basal diet, group (II) was fed on control diet plus 30% freeze-dried
nongenetically modified potato Spunta, group (III) was fed on control diet plus 30% freeze-dried
genetically modified potato Spunta, and group (IV) was fed on control diet plus 30% freeze-dried
genetically modified potato Spunta GMO G3. There were no significant differences between GM
potatoes G2, G3, and Spunta control potato line in the proximate chemical composition. The
levels of glycoalkaloids in transgenic potato tubers and nontransgenic were determined and
there were also no significant differences between the GM potatoes and conventional potato
line, the levels were in agreement with a safety level recommended by FAO/WHO (200 mg/kg)
for acute toxicity. Protease inhibitor activity and total phenol were estimated and no significant
differences between the GM potatoes line and conventional potato Spunta line were found.
During the period tested, rats in each group (I, II, III, IV) grew well without marked differences in
appearance. No statistical difference were found in food intake, daily body weight gain and feed
efficiency. But there is a slightly significant difference in finally body weight between the control
group and experimental groups. No significant difference were found in serum biochemical
value between each groups, and also between relative organs weight (liver, spleen, heart,
kidney, testes). From these results, it can be concluded that the GM potatoes Spunta line (G2
and G3) with Cry V gene are confirmed to have nearly the composition and biochemical
characteristics as non-GM potato Spunta.