Glyphosate Causes Vascular Toxicity through Cellular Senescence and Lipid Accumulation

Abstract

The health risks associated with glyphosate (GLY) have recently received increasing attention. However, its potential vascular toxic effects in occupationally exposed populations remain unclear. This study assessed the effects of GLY on human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HAVSMCs) and the relationship between GLY and atherosclerosis. The results demonstrate that GLY induces a relatively larger and more flattened cell morphology, which is typical of cellular senescence and promotes senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, as well as the expression of p53, p21, and p16 proteins in HAVSMCs. Regarding toxic effects, GLY induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and mitochondrial damage in HAVSMCs. Mechanistically, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 pathway is activated in response to oxidative stress produced by GLY. In an in vivo model, GLY led to dyslipidemia and macrophage recruitment in zebrafish vasculature. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that GLY induces vascular toxicity and may be a potential risk for atherosclerosis. These findings highlight the need for concern about cardiovascular risk in occupational populations chronically exposed to GLY.