We have evaluated the toxicity of four glyphosate (G)-based herbicides in
Roundup formulations, from 10(5) times dilutions, on three different human
cell types. This dilution level is far below agricultural recommendations
and corresponds to low levels of residues in food or feed. The formulations
have been compared to G alone and with its main metabolite AMPA or with one
known adjuvant of R formulations, POEA. HUVEC primary neonate umbilical cord
vein cells have been tested with 293 embryonic kidney and JEG3 placental
cell lines. All R formulations cause total cell death within 24 h, through
an inhibition of the mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity, and
necrosis, by release of cytosolic adenylate kinase measuring membrane
damage. They also induce apoptosis via activation of enzymatic caspases 3/7
activity. This is confirmed by characteristic DNA fragmentation, nuclear
shrinkage (pyknosis), and nuclear fragmentation (karyorrhexis), which is
demonstrated by DAPI in apoptotic round cells.
