Glyphosate-based herbicide as a potential risk factor for breast cancer: an analysis of gene expression, epigenetic modifications and the use of epidrugs
Name: LYVIA NEVES REBELLO ALVES
Publication date: 26/08/2024
Examining board:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| ELDAMARIA DE VARGAS WOLFGRAMM DOS SANTOS | Coorientador |
| ELIZEU FAGUNDES DE CARVALHO | Examinador Externo |
| FAUSTO EDMUNDO LIMA PEREIRA | Examinador Externo |
| FLAVIA DE PAULA | Examinador Interno |
| IURI DRUMOND LOURO | Presidente |
Pages
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm in women worldwide, with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role in its development. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in widely used agricultural herbicides, is recognized as a potential carcinogen and endocrine disruptor, making it a candidate for inducing epigenetic modifications linked to breast cancer. This study investigates the effects of the glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup® on non-tumorigenic (MCF10A) and tumorigenic (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) breast cell lines, focusing on the expression of key breast cancer-related genes. Additionally, the study examines the association with epigenetic modifications and the use of epidrugs (5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine, 3-Deazaneplanocin A, and Trichostatin A) to reverse potential alterations, aiming to understand the risks and mechanisms of herbicide action. Results indicate that Roundup® affects cells through a non-estrogenic mechanism, impacting both hormone-dependent and -independent
cell lines with varying toxic and proliferative effects depending on dose and exposure time. Moreover, it altered the expression of breast cancer-related genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 at low doses. The use of epigenetic modulators was able to reverse some Roundup®-induced changes, suggesting the herbicide's role in epigenetic modifications. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of understanding glyphosate-based herbicide mechanisms in humans, which could enable personalized prevention strategies to mitigate breast cancer risks.
