← Back to papers
Paper Summary
Paperzilla title
Computer Model Suggests How Glyphosate *Might* Harm Kidneys (Needs Lab Work to Confirm!)
This computational study suggests that glyphosate may contribute to kidney damage and cancer by interfering with proteins involved in maintaining tissue structure (MMPs and PLG) and by disrupting nitrogen metabolism. These are computer predictions that need to be validated in the lab.
Explain Like I'm Five
This study used computers to figure out how the weed killer glyphosate might harm kidneys. It suggests glyphosate could mess with important kidney proteins and their ability to function properly.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified
Identified Limitations
Lack of experimental validation
This study relies heavily on computational predictions that lack experimental validation in biological systems. While molecular docking and dynamics simulations suggest interactions between glyphosate and target proteins, these need to be confirmed in vitro and in vivo to establish biological relevance.
Limited experimental validation of toxicity predictions
The toxicity predictions are based on computational databases and lack extensive experimental support, particularly regarding the carcinogenicity prediction.
Neglect of AMPA's contribution
The study primarily focuses on direct interactions of glyphosate with target proteins but does not consider the role of its metabolite, AMPA, which also exhibits toxicity and environmental persistence, thus potentially contributing to the overall toxic effects.
Limited investigation of pathway interconnections
While the study identifies key pathways, it does not explore the potential interplay between them, for instance, how disruptions in ECM homeostasis might influence nitrogen metabolism or vice-versa, which could further elucidate the systemic impact of glyphosate.
Rating Explanation
This is a purely computational study that requires experimental validation. While it offers interesting mechanistic hypotheses linking glyphosate to kidney injury and cancer, these predictions are based on in silico analyses and need further investigation using in vitro and in vivo models to assess their true biological relevance. Thus, the study is rated as average (3) pending experimental confirmation of its findings.
Good to know
This is the Starter analysis. Paperzilla Pro fact-checks every citation, researches author backgrounds and funding sources, and uses advanced AI reasoning for more thorough insights.
Explore Pro →
File Information
Original Title:
Network toxicology reveals glyphosate mechanisms in kidney injury and cancer
Uploaded:
August 25, 2025 at 06:56 PM
Privacy:
Public