Glyphosate-based herbicides: Evidence of immune-endocrine-microbiome alteration

Glyphosate is the active ingredient of many widely used herbicides. It targets 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), whose lack in humans confers low toxicity to glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs). Nevertheless, its use is currently a debated topic. Several studies indicating toxicity are emerging, including associations between glyphosate and immune-endocrine disturbances. This chapter aims to describe the possible correlation between GBH exposure and immune-endocrine alterations. Data suggest that GBHs should be considered endocrine-disrupting compounds with effects on sex and thyroid hormones. Evidence of immune system alteration are fewer, but highlighted possible noxious effects on it, including lung inflammation, rhinitis, and celiac disease. An attractive hypothesis could be the one that connects microbiome dysbiosis, as several microorganisms express EPSPS and may be affected by glyphosate, and thus subsequent immune-endocrine alterations. Considering the wide use of GBHs, critical analyses are required to better characterize safety profile and possible health consequences of immune-endocrine alterations.