Presence of Glyphosate in Endometrial Cancer Tissue: A Cross-Sectional Study

Glyphosate (GLY), a widely used herbicide classified as a probable human carcinogen, has an unclear role in hormone-dependent malignancies. This cross-sectional study investigated the presence and elevated concentration of this compound in endometrial tissues and its potential link to uterine cancers, also exploring interactions with other natural environmental contaminants such as mycotoxin Zearalenone (ZEN). Patients with endometrial cancers and age- and Body Mass Index-matched controls with benign endometrial diseases were recruited. Serum and excised endometrial tissue samples were analyzed for GLY, ZEN, and related physiological-hormonal indicators. Results revealed significantly elevated serum GLY levels in patients with high-grade endometrial cancer compared to controls (p<0.05). Similarly, endometrial tissues from cancer patients, particularly those with high-grade malignancy, exhibited higher GLY levels than controls. Notably, GLY concentrations were significantly greater in endometrial tissue than in serum across all participant groups. No significant correlations were found between hormonal/physiological indicators and GLY levels. A strong positive correlation was observed between endometrial GLY and ZEN levels. This study is among the first to detect the presence and elevated concentration of GLY in human endometrial tissue, raising concerns that GLY exposure may be a significant factor in hormone-dependent diseases, particularly those mediated by estrogen or estrogen-like substances. The findings also highlight the need for further research into the endocrine-disrupting effects and long-term health consequences of GLY and various mycotoxins, as well as their potential synergistic involvement in the development of uterine cancers. • Glyphosate was detected and quantified in human endometrial tissue for the first time. • Endometrial glyphosate levels were significantly higher than serum levels. • High-grade endometrial cancer was associated with elevated glyphosate concentrations in serum and tissue. • Glyphosate levels strongly correlated with the estrogenic mycotoxin zearalenone, suggesting potential toxicological synergy.