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Pancreatic response of rats fed genetically modified soybean
Javier A Magaña-Gómez1, Guillermo López Cervantes, Gloria Yepiz-Plascencia
1Coordinación de Nutrición, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. P.O. Box 1735, Sonora 83000, Mexico.
Abstract:
Mice fed genetically modified (GM) soybean were not affected in nutritional performance, but pancreatic microscopic features were disturbed. The mechanisms for these contradictory findings are unknown. This study analysed the histology of acinar pancreatic cells and the expression of pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP) and trypsinogen mRNA in rats fed GM soy protein. Two bioassays were run, each one with 34 Wistar rats distributed into two groups fed with non-GM or GM-soy protein (18% protein) for 0, 1, 3, 5, 15 and 30 days. Nutritional evaluation, plasma amylase levels, pancreatic histological analysis and quantification of PAP and trypsinogen mRNAs levels using quantitative real-time RT-PCR were done. No differences in nutritional performance among rats fed non-GM and GM diets were found. The GM, but not the non-GM, diet induced zymogen-granule depletion after 15 days feeding, returning to normal levels after 30 days (P < 0.05). Acinar disorganization started as early as 5 days after initiation of the GM diet and it recovered after 30 days. Levels of PAP mRNA significantly increased in the GM diet between day 1 and day 3 and decreased to the basal level by day 15. Trypsinogen mRNA peaked at two different times; at day 1 and at day 15, decreasing to basal levels after 30 days. Plasma amylase levels remained unchanged at all times. This indicates that GM soy protein intake affected pancreas function, evidenced by the early acute PAP mRNA increased levels and pancreas cellular changes followed by recuperation of acinar cells after 30 days.
Insights
Genetically modified (GM) soy protein did not impact nutritional performance in rats but caused temporary pancreatic cell disturbances. These changes, including altered mRNA levels, resolved within 30 days, indicating transient effects on pancreas function.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Animal Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Genetically modified (GM) soybean consumption has raised questions regarding potential health impacts.
- Previous studies in mice suggested nutritional performance was unaffected by GM soybean, yet pancreatic microscopic features were disturbed.
- The underlying mechanisms for these contradictory findings remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of GM soy protein on pancreatic histology and gene expression in rats.
- To analyze the expression of pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP) and trypsinogen mRNA in rats fed GM soy protein.
- To evaluate potential impacts on pancreatic acinar cell structure and function over time.
Main Methods:
- Two bioassays were conducted using Wistar rats fed either non-GM or GM soy protein (18% protein) for 0, 1, 3, 5, 15, and 30 days.
- Nutritional performance, plasma amylase levels, pancreatic histology, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR for PAP and trypsinogen mRNA were assessed.
- Histological analysis focused on acinar pancreatic cells and zymogen-granule depletion.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in nutritional performance were observed between rats fed GM and non-GM soy diets.
- GM soy protein induced zymogen-granule depletion and acinar cell disorganization, which resolved by day 30.
- PAP mRNA levels transiently increased early in the study, while trypsinogen mRNA peaked at two time points, with both returning to basal levels by day 30. Plasma amylase remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- GM soy protein intake transiently affected pancreas function in rats, evidenced by acute increases in PAP mRNA and cellular changes.
- Pancreatic acinar cells demonstrated a capacity for recuperation, returning to normal structure after 30 days of GM soy protein consumption.
- The study highlights the need for further research into the specific mechanisms underlying these temporary pancreatic effects of GM soy protein.
