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PubMed2005

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction and ligation detection reaction/universal array technology for the traceability of genetically modified organisms in foods.

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system was developed for the simultaneous detection of target sequences in genetically modified soybean (Roundup Ready) and maize (MON810, Bt176, Bt11, and GA21). Primer pairs were designed to amplify the junction regions of the transgenic constructs analyzed and the endogenous genes of soybean (lectin) and maize (zein) were included as internal control targets to assess the efficiency of all reactions. This multiplex PCR has constituted the basis for an efficient platform for genetically modified organism traceability based on microarray technology. In particular, the ligation detection reaction combined to a universal array approach, using the multiplex PCR as target, was applied. High specificity and sensitivity were obtained.

DNA, Plant↗
PubMed2001

Practical approaches to risk assessment.

The importance of using risk assessment in developing food regulations is growing with the globalization of our food supply. The World Trade Organization has entrenched the principles of science-based risk assessment in the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. The relevant international organization for food standards, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, recognises risk analysis, and its component parts risk assessment, risk management and risk communication, as the basis for scientific decision-making. Risk assessment comprises two activities: hazard evaluation; and exposure estimation. A hazard may be chemical, microbiological or nutritional in origin. The practical application of risk assessment in Australia is illustrated in this presentation by four examples involving: (1) food additives, (2) microbiological safety of imported raw milk cheeses, (3) genetically modified foods and (4) imported food inspection.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Food biotechnology: benefits and concerns.

Recent advances in agricultural biotechnology have highlighted the need for experimental evidence and sound scientific judgment to assess the benefits and risks to society. Nutrition scientists and other animal biologists need a balanced understanding of the issues to participate in this assessment. To date most modifications to crop plants have benefited producers. Crops have been engineered to decrease pesticide and herbicide usage, protect against stressors, enhance yields and extend shelf life. Beyond the environmental benefits of decreased pesticide and herbicide application, consumers stand to benefit by development of food crops with increased nutritional value, medicinal properties, enhanced taste and esthetic appeal. There remains concern that these benefits come with a cost to the environment or increased risk to the consumer. Most U.S. consumers are not aware of the extent that genetically modified foods have entered the marketplace. Consumer awareness of biotechnology seems to have increased over the last decade, yet most consumers remain confused over the science. Concern over the impact on the safety of the food supply remains low in the United States, but is substantially elevated in Europe. Before a genetically engineered crop is introduced into commerce it must pass regulatory scrutiny by as many as four different federal regulatory bodies to ensure a safe food supply and minimize the risk to the environment. Key areas for more research are evaluation of the nutritional benefits of new crops, further investigation of the environmental impact, and development of better techniques to identify and track genetically engineered products.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1991

Biotechnology and the American agricultural industry. Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association.

To meet the needs of a rapidly growing population and minimize the toxic influences of traditional farming practices on the environment, the American agricultural industry has applied molecular technology to the development of food crops and livestock. By placing genes specific for highly desirable phenotypes into the DNA of plants, animals, and bacteria, farmers have increased crop and livestock survival, enhanced the nutritional quality of foods, increased industry productivity, and reduced the need for toxic pesticides and herbicides. However, introduction of genetically modified foods into the marketplace has raised a spectrum of public health issues. Physicians, as the most proximal scientific resource for most individuals, are uniquely positioned to address patient concerns regarding the safety of genetically altered foods. This report provides an overview of the inherent risks and benefits of "agrogenetics" and offers a series of recommendations designed to promote the education of the medical community and dispel public misconception regarding genetic manipulation.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2004

Detection of genetically modified organisms in foods by DNA amplification techniques.

In this article, the different DNA amplification techniques that are being used for detecting genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in foods are examined. This study intends to provide an updated overview (including works published till June 2002) on the principal applications of such techniques together with their main advantages and drawbacks in GMO detection in foods. Some relevant facts on sampling, DNA isolation, and DNA amplification methods are discussed. Moreover; these analytical protocols are discuissed from a quantitative point of view, including the newest investigations on multiplex detection of GMOs in foods and validation of methods.

DNA, Plant↗
PubMed2001

Achieving household nutrition security in societies in transition: an overview.

The achievement of nutrition security at the household level involves adequacy of food supply at the national level and equitable distribution of food among the population in accordance with their physiological needs. The emergence of globalization and market liberalization and the increasing power of some transnational corporations that are advocating pharmaceutical shortcuts have raised concerns in many developing countries. In order to achieve adequacy of food production, earlier mistakes (such as a reliance on unsustainable new technologies) need to be corrected and the resultant imbalances with respect to food production need to be reversed. Emerging new technologies, including genetic modifications, need to be effectively harnessed and adapted with due consideration to safety and sustainability. There is a need to collect convincing evidence of the efficacy and safety of genetically modified foods before they can gain general public acceptance. Information technology will play an important role in future programmes of food production and developing countries must strive to achieve access to this technology. There is considerable scope and need for the expansion of agro-based industries in villages and townships. This could create job opportunities and could also lead to better production and more effective utilization of local food resources by the community and reduce the present considerable loss of perishable food items. Household nutrition security means more than avoidance of chronic starvation. Policy makers of developing countries should set, as their target in the next century, the achievement of adequate nutrition rather than mere survival.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Biopesticides.

The term 'biopesticide' encompasses a broad array of microbial pesticides, biochemicals derived from micro-organisms and other natural sources, and processes involving the genetic incorporation of DNA into agricultural commodities that confer protection against pest damage (plant-incorporated protectants). Some microbial pesticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, have a long history of safe and effective use as a biological insecticide. More recent developments in microbial pest control include the utilisation of other bacterial and fungal species that may competitively inhibit the growth of pathogenic and toxigenic micro-organisms on important agricultural commodities. The use of microbes and their gene products introduces additional considerations to the toxicological dose-response relationship, including a need to determine the plausibility of infectious and immunological effects in association with human exposure to these biopesticides in food or the environment. Studies of substantial equivalence suggest that foods currently derived from plant-incorporated protectants are not likely to differ from conventional foods. However, there is general consensus that the scientific methods to assess risks from genetically modified foods and micro-organisms will continue to evolve in the future.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2006

Allergen-specific IgE testing in the diagnosis of food allergy and the event of a positive match in the bioinformatics search.

Current documents on risk assessment of genetically modified foods recommend including IgE-binding tests on sera from allergic patients. However, there is no generally accepted recommendation on technical aspects of the testing procedures or on the interpretation of the results, despite that fact that both false positive and false-negative results may be caused by variability of the test procedures. The present article discusses the state-of-the-art of serological test procedures for qualitative and quantitative determination of specific IgE and interpretation of test results. It is emphasized that the use of sera from clinically well-characterized subjects is of high importance. In the case of a positive test result, the biological activity of the detected IgE antibodies, i. e., the potential to trigger mediator release from basophils or mast cells in an allergen-specific manner, should be taken into account. However, present data also indicate that validation of such mediator release tests is required, both in terms of experimental protocols and with respect to correlation of the test results with the clinical situation. Further studies are also required to prove the usefulness of targeted serum screening, i. e., the testing of gene products from organisms not known to be allergenic with sera from subjects allergic to related species.

Allergens↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Validation of an immunoassay for detection and quantitation of a genetically modified soybean in food and food fractions using reference materials: interlaboratory study.

An immunoassay for detection of a specific genetically modified soybean (Roundup-Ready) was validated on dried soybean powder in an interlaboratory study. Different percentages of genetically modified soybeans in nonmodified soybean matrix were evaluated in a blind study. Thirty-eight laboratories from 13 countries participated. The immunoassay was evaluated for 2 endpoints: (1) To give a semiquantitative result, i.e., determination of a given sample above or below a given threshold, or (2) to compute a quantitative result, i.e., percentage of genetically modified soybeans in the sample. Semiquantitative results showed that a given sample which contained <2% genetically modified soybeans was identified as below 2% with a 99% confidence level. Quantitative use of the assay resulted in a repeatability (r) and reproducibility (R) that were computed to be RSDr = 7% and RSDR = 10%, respectively, for a sample containing 2% genetically modified soybeans. Application of this method depends on availability of appropriate reference materials for a specific food matrix. Only matrix-matched reference materials can be used for analysis of food or food fractions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2001

Edible genetically modified microorganisms and plants for improved health.

The development of new strategies for the delivery of vaccine antigens or immune modulators to the mucosal tissue includes innovative approaches such as the use of genetically modified food microorganisms and plants. Even though the 'proof-of-concept' has recently been established for these two systems, key questions mainly related to efficacy and risk of breaking oral tolerance remain to be critically addressed in the immediate future.

Antigens, Bacterial↗
PubMed2002

Screening of transgenic proteins expressed in transgenic food crops for the presence of short amino acid sequences identical to potential, IgE - binding linear epitopes of allergens.

BACKGROUND: Transgenic proteins expressed by genetically modified food crops are evaluated for their potential allergenic properties prior to marketing, among others by identification of short identical amino acid sequences that occur both in the transgenic protein and allergenic proteins. A strategy is proposed, in which the positive outcomes of the sequence comparison with a minimal length of six amino acids are further screened for the presence of potential linear IgE-epitopes. This double track approach involves the use of literature data on IgE-epitopes and an antigenicity prediction algorithm. RESULTS: Thirty-three transgenic proteins have been screened for identities of at least six contiguous amino acids shared with allergenic proteins. Twenty-two transgenic proteins showed positive results of six- or seven-contiguous amino acids length. Only a limited number of identical stretches shared by transgenic proteins (papaya ringspot virus coat protein, acetolactate synthase GH50, and glyphosate oxidoreductase) and allergenic proteins could be identified as (part of) potential linear epitopes. CONCLUSION: Many transgenic proteins have identical stretches of six or seven amino acids in common with allergenic proteins. Most identical stretches are likely to be false positives. As shown in this study, identical stretches can be further screened for relevance by comparison with linear IgE-binding epitopes described in literature. In the absence of literature data on epitopes, antigenicity prediction by computer aids to select potential antibody binding sites that will need verification of IgE binding by sera binding tests. Finally, the positive outcomes of this approach warrant further clinical testing for potential allergenicity.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2004

Severe food anaphylaxis: 107 cases registered in 2002 by the Allergy Vigilance Network.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of food allergies increases, relating to diet modifications. The consumption of new foods--exotic foods or foods originally used for animal feed, new proteins, neo allergens due to the use of new technologies and soon, Genetically Modified Foods--are in the spotlight. OBJECTIVE: It is essential to develop a system of food allergy vigilance encompassing the full range of foods being consumed. Understanding this imperative leads logically to the suggestion of developing an allergy vigilance network taking advantage of the ongoing experience of allergists "on the ground". METHODS: The French Allergy Vigilance Network is subscribed to by 302 allergologists (267 of whom are French). The aims of the Network are to record cases of severe anaphylaxis, to establish an epidemiological data bank from prospective multicenter studies, and to monitor the allergic risk from novel foods. RESULTS: In 2002, 107 cases of severe anaphylaxis were recorded: anaphylactic shock--59.8% (one fatal), systemic reaction--18.7%, laryngeal angio-edema--15.9%, acute severe asthma--5.6% (one fatal). The main allergens identified were peanuts, nuts, shellfish, lupine flour and wheat flour. Action has been taken as a result: information by industry on inadequate labeling, withdrawal of wrongly labeled batches, and university hospital centers have been encouraged to establish the allergenic safety of their catering services. CONCLUSION: Setting up such a network in other countries would lead to a significant advance in knowledge of the peculiarities of allergies relating to a wide variety of eating habits.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Characterization of a higher plant herbicide-resistant phytoene desaturase and its use as a selectable marker.

Three natural somatic mutations at codon 304 of the phytoene desaturase gene (pds) of Hydrilla verticillata (L. f. Royle) have been reported to provide resistance to the herbicide fluridone. We substituted the arginine 304 present in the wild-type H. verticillata phytoene desaturase (PDS) with all 19 other natural amino acids and tested PDS against fluridone. In in vitro assays, the threonine (Thr), cysteine (Cys), alanine (Ala) and glutamine (Gln) mutations imparted the highest resistance to fluridone. Thr, the three natural mutations [Cys, serine (Ser), histidine (His)] and the wild-type PDS protein were tested in vitro against seven inhibitors of PDS representing several classes of herbicides. These mutations conferred cross-resistance to norflurazon and overall negative cross-resistance to beflubutamid, picolinafen and diflufenican. The T3 generation of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants harbouring the four selected mutations and wild-type pds had similar patterns of cross-resistance to the herbicides as observed in the in vitro assays. The Thr304 Hydrilla pds mutant proved to be an excellent marker for the selection of transgenic plants. Seedlings harbouring Thr304 pds had a maximum resistance to sensitivity (R/S) ratio of 57 and 14 times higher than that of the wild-type for treatments with norflurazon and fluridone, respectively. These plants exhibited normal growth and development, even after long-term exposure to herbicide. As Thr304 pds is of plant origin, it could become more acceptable than other selectable markers for use in genetically modified food.

Amides↗
PubMed2003

Biotechnology and food systems in developing countries.

Even in a world with adequate food supplies in global markets, which is the situation today, biotechnology offers important opportunities to developing countries in four domains. First, many agronomically hostile or degraded environments require major scientific breakthroughs to become productive agricultural systems. Few of these breakthroughs are likely to be achieved through traditional breeding approaches. Second, biofortification offers the promise of greater quantities and human availabilities of micronutrients from traditional staple foods, with obvious nutritional gains for poor consumers, especially their children. Third, many high yielding agricultural systems are approaching their agronomic potential. Radically new technologies will be required to sustain productivity growth in these systems, and only modern genetic technology offers this hope. Finally, many cropping systems use large quantities of chemical inputs, such as herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers that can be unhealthy for people and soils alike. Biotechnology offers the potential to reduce the need for these inputs in economically and environmentally sustainable ways. Applying these new technologies to society's basic foods raises obvious concerns for both human and ecological health. For some, these concerns have become outright fear, and this has mobilized a backlash against genetically modified foods in any form. These concerns (and fears) must be addressed carefully and rationally so that the public understands the risks (which are not zero) and benefits (which might be enormous). Only the scientific community has the expertise and credibility to build this public understanding.

Biotechnology↗
PubMed2002

Animal models of food allergy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The focus of this review will be on recent animal models of food allergy. Animal models are being used to investigate underlying mechanisms of IgE-mediated disease and for prophylactic/intervention therapies to treat allergic disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Considerable advances have been made in the dosage and use of sensitization routes with and without adjuvant and determinations of the pathophysiology of food allergy in murine, dog and swine food allergy models. Continued research on the neuroendocrine and novel immunoregulatory peptides is also providing new insight into inflammatory regulation and immunity. With the advent of genetically modified food crops, animal models are becoming a central theme for prediction/assessment of allergenicity for novel proteins based upon known food allergens. Therapeutic strategies involving cytokine and allergen, DNA immunizations and the use of probiotics are receiving new interest. SUMMARY: Although murine models still predominate the literature with respect to animal models of food allergy, the atopic dog and neonatal swine model are contributing knowledge with respect to symptoms more closely related to human allergic responses. Continuing investigations into the mechanisms of IgE-mediated food allergy and therapeutic strategies are providing new insights into prevention and intervention therapies for food allergy.

Allergens↗
PubMed2001

Perspectives on nutrition needs for the new millennium for South Asian regions.

South Asia is the most populated region of the world with several nutritional challenges. Though per capita food energy supply, child survival and life expectancy have improved, and even today large segments of the population are below the poverty line with high infant and maternal mortality rates. It is important to recognize the crucial role of nutrition throughout the life cycle-from conception to old age. It is very necessary now to move from food security to nutrition security and improve the quality of foods both in macro- and micronutrients in order to break the transgenerational effects of malnutrition. The key solutions to the problems should address the issue of social development, population stabilization, environmental degradation and inadequate health and nutritional services. Strategies for empowering women and actuating community participation as sustainable programmes for human development, measures to reduce underweight and stunting in children and prevention of micronutrient malnutrition across the population are required. Enhancing food and nutrition security through innovative diversified agriculture and dietary practices, prevention and control of infection, promotion of food safety and fortification of staples with appropriate attention on emerging chronic disorders are essential. Population control measures to stabilize the fertility rates, biotechnological approaches for genetically modified foods, nutrition surveillance based on assessment, analysis and action to address the logistic, technical and compliance issues with emphasis on promotion of breast feeding and complementary foods with adequate attention on the reproductive needs of adolescent girls, pregnant mothers and lactating women would eliminate low birth weight, stunting, and chronic energy deficiency in vulnerable groups. Focused studies on bioavailability of micronutrients and its enhancement, innovative horticulture interventions, fortifications, social marketing strategies would promote the intake of micronutrient and phytonutrient rich foods. In-depth epidemiological research, an insight into foetal origins of adult disease and nutrition-genes interaction and life style alterations will avert the emerging epidemic of chronic diet related disorders. An investment in preventing foetal malnutrition improves nutrition of women in reproductive age, infant and child nutrition and prevents the onset of chronic disease in adult life. Human resource development, IEC measures, technology transfer, operational and logistic research, building of databases, integrated, intersectoral, multidisciplinary plans and sound management information system and surveillance with net working and experience sharing in the region will help to overcome the common challenges and lay the foundation for a better scenario in these regions in the near future.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

The dog as a model for food allergy.

Research during the past decade has shown the dog to be an excellent model for human food allergies. Humans and dogs share many of the same allergies to foods. Furthermore, the dog model shows clinical symptoms typical of humans, that is, both experience vomiting and diarrhea. Present results suggest that the dog may provide a means to test genetically modified foods for unsuspected allergens.

Animals↗