Bromelia pinguin Extract Mitigates Glyphosate-Induced Toxicity in Human Cells.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Immunology
• Phytochemistry

Background:

• Pesticide exposure, particularly to glyphosate, is linked to immunological disorders like apoptosis and inflammation.
• Traditional medicine utilizes Bromelia pinguin for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• This study investigates the protective effects of Bromelia pinguin against glyphosate-induced cellular damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effects of Bromelia pinguin extract on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exposed to a glyphosate-based herbicide.
• To assess the impact of Bromelia pinguin on cell viability and inflammatory/apoptotic markers following herbicide exposure.

Main Methods:

• Human PBMCs were exposed to varying concentrations of glyphosate (Faena® and pure salts) and Bromelia pinguin extract.
• Cell viability was measured, and dose-response curves were generated to determine IC50 values.
• Expression of inflammatory and apoptotic markers (Caspase-1, NLRP3, PARP-1) was analyzed using Western blot.

Main Results:

• Glyphosate exposure dose-dependently reduced PBMC viability, with specific IC50 values for Faena® and glyphosate salts.
• Co-exposure with Bromelia pinguin extract significantly improved cell viability in herbicide-treated cells.
• Herbicide exposure increased Caspase-1, NLRP3, and PARP-1 levels, indicating apoptosis and inflammation; Bromelia pinguin treatment mitigated this upregulation.

Conclusions:

• Bromelia pinguin extract enhances cell viability and reduces inflammatory and apoptotic marker expression in human PBMCs exposed to glyphosate-based herbicides.
• These findings suggest a therapeutic potential for plant-based interventions in mitigating pesticide-induced immunological and inflammatory issues.