How glyphosate exposure may affect metabolism and gut bacteria
The Ability of Glyphosate to Impair Metabolic Homeostasis Via the Gut Microbiome and Metabolites
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11329006
This project tests whether exposure to the common herbicide glyphosate changes gut bacteria and bile acids in ways that could raise adult risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11329006 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how glyphosate affects the gut microbiome and the bile acid signaling that helps control energy and glucose balance. The team will use laboratory models and molecular analyses to track changes in bacterial communities and metabolite profiles tied to Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling. Measured outcomes will include shifts in bile acids, microbiome composition, and metabolic markers related to weight and glucose regulation. The work aims to connect environmental herbicide exposure to mechanisms that could contribute to obesity and adult-onset diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults concerned about overweight, obesity, or type 2 diabetes—especially those with potential agricultural or environmental glyphosate exposure—would be the most relevant group for these findings.
Not a fit: People without glyphosate exposure or whose metabolic problems are clearly caused by other factors (for example specific genetic disorders) may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If findings link glyphosate to harmful changes in gut bacteria and bile acid signaling, the work could point to ways to reduce exposure or target the microbiome to help prevent or treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked pesticides and microbiome changes to metabolic effects, but direct evidence tying glyphosate to obesity or diabetes in humans is limited and this question remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DUCA, FRANK ANTHONY — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: DUCA, FRANK ANTHONY
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Cancers