…Article continued:
Other pesticides used often are organophosphates. These types of pesticides can be used alongside glyphosate. These are detrimental due to their acetyl cholinesterase inhibiting activity. A 6-year-old girl with pain, constipation, and episodes of diarrhea had elevated glyphosate at 6 times the upper limit and an organophosphate level at the 95th percentile. She was also shown to have elevated levels of 2,4-D. This is a long-known ingredient in Agent Orange used in the Vietnam War. This pesticide is also commonly complexed with glyphosate in commercial products. In an Afghanistan veteran, we saw an elevation of 9 times the 95th percentile elevation of 2,4-D, along with perchlorate elevations, lead to parasite hallucinations. Glyphosate is also hypothesized to have heavy metal chelating effects. The use of glyphosate and chronic kidney disease from nephrotoxic metals has been assessed as a linked cause.
These toxins discussed, and the others on the GPL-TOX, have significant connections with the Organic Acid Test (OAT). Glyphosate is a microbiome disrupting toxin that allows for the overgrowth of organisms. Highly pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella gallinarum, Salmonella typhimurium, Clostridia perfringens, and Clostridia botulinum are highly resistant to glyphosate. We can see the disruption and overgrowth on the intestinal microbial overgrowth section of the OAT. This is important as Clostridia species produce toxic byproducts that can interfere with neurotransmitter balance. 4-cresol, HPHPA, and other Clostridia toxins on the OAT block the enzymatic function of dopamine beta hydroxylase. This leads to a decrease in norepinephrine/epinephrine production and a buildup of dopamine (which is neurotoxic in high amounts). This is depicted as an elevated HVA/VMA ratio. These toxins can also interfere with an important enzyme known as succinate dehydrogenase. This is a mitochondrial enzyme needed for the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain. Unfortunately, these chemical toxins block this enzyme’s function. This is viewed on the OAT as an elevation in marker 24, succinic acid. In severe cases we can see the other mitochondrial markers rise as well. In the case of a 15-year-old girl with multiple sclerosis, she had levels of MTBE/ETBE, phthalates, and xylene near or above the 95th percentile by 4x. She also showed a significantly elevated succinic acid with concomitantly elevated fumaric acid and lactic acid. In her indicators of detoxification, she had an elevated pyroglutamic acid and 2-hydroxybutyric acid, which indicate a glutathione deficiency. These are just a few reasons to consider an OAT when looking for chemical toxins.
To treat and reduce these exposures, you will want to remove the exposure source or at least ensure personal protective equipment is used. The addition of glutathione or NAC daily will be an added benefit to help the body detoxify the chemical. Also consider sauna therapy. The typical regimen is about an hour a day for six weeks for chemical exposure. In a 9-year-old child with autism, 40 hours of sauna therapy led to a 95% reduction in organophosphate levels on the GPL-TOX.
In the world of environmental medicine, assessing chemical exposures is key. When these exposures are a factor, they can affect a myriad of body symptoms and present in various ways. By utilizing the GPL-TOX profile, we can assess 172 chemical exposures in one urine sample. By adding a Glyphosate panel, you will save time by having these answers at once. In most cases of toxicity, individuals are unaware that their hobby or occupation may be the source of their exposure. By testing we can understand the impact that these chemicals are having on our client’s health, eliminate the source, and help the body to remove the toxic burden. It is our duty as practitioners to leave no stone uncovered when investigating the causes of health concerns for our patients. These profiles are another tool in our toolboxes.
GPL Tox Toxins Chart – A list of the chemicals assessed by the GPL-TOX Profile with its urinary metabolite common exposure sources and concerns of toxicity in humans
| Toxin | Urinary metabolite | Exposure Source | Toxicity Concerns |
| MTBE/ETBE | 2-Hydroxybutyric acid (HIB) | Gasoline additives, contaminated water supply | Hepatic, renal, CNS toxicity, carcinogenic |
| Phthalates | Monoethyl phthalates (MEP) | Everything: cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, insecticides, detergents, plastics, IV bags | Anticoagulant, reproductive damage in adults, impaired sexual development children |
| Xylene | 2-3-4 Methylhippuric Acid (2,-3,-4-MHA) | Solvent, perfumes, paints, insect repellants, cleaners, pesticides | Neurotoxic |
| Styrene | Phenylglyoxylic acid (PGO) | Plastics, building materials, food and beverage packaging | Neurotoxic, muscle weakness, fatigue |
| Benzene | N-acetyl phenyl cysteine (NAP) | Solvent, cigarette smoke, industrial processes | Mutagenic, carcinogenic, neurotoxic |
| Acrylonitrile | N-acetyl(2-cyanoethyl) cysteine NACE) | Cigarette smoke, acrylic fibers, rubber | Carcinogenic, neurological symptoms |
| Perchlorate | Perchlorate (PERC) | Explosives, bleach, water contaminant | Affects thyroid |
| Diphenyl Phosphate | Diphenyl Phosphate (DPP) | Flame retardant plastics | Endocrine disruptor |
| Ethylene Oxide, Vinyl Chloride, Halopropane | 2-Hydroxyethyl mercapturic (HEMA) | Plastics: plumbing PVC, juice bottles | Liver damage, cancer, CNS depression |
| 1-Bromopropane | N-acetyl(propyl)cysteine (NAPR) | ||
| Propylene Oxide | N-acetyl(2-hydroxypropyl)cysteine (NAHP) | Food additive, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, nuts (especially almonds) | A probable human carcinogen |
| Acrylamide | N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)cysteine (NAE) N-acetyl(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)cysteine (NADB) | Solvent, metal cleaning, dry cleaning | Neurotoxic, reproductive harm |
| 1,3 butadiene | N-acetyl(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)cysteine (NADB) | Petroleum byproduct, tires, tire crumbs, soccer fields | Carcinogenic |
| Organophosphates | Diethylphosphate / Dimethylphosphate | Herbicides | Acetylcholine esterase inhibitors |
| 2,4 D | 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2-,4 D) | Herbicide, combined with glyphosate | Neuritis, peripheral neuropathy, seizures, mitochondrial damage |
| Acrolein | N-acetyl-S-(3-hydroxyproply)-L-cysteine (3-HPMA) | Insecticide | Associated with autism, ADD, hormone disruptor |
| Pyrethroids | 3-Phenoxybenzoic Acid (3PBA) | Insecticide | Associated with autism, ADD, hormone disruptor |
| Glyphosate | Glyphosate | Herbicide | Microbiome disruptor, carcinogenic, neurotoxic |
Jasmyne Brown, ND, MS, is a board-certified and licensed naturopathic doctor. She earned her Bachelor of Science in chemistry with a minor in biology from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2013. Then she earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Human Nutrition degrees from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2017. She has been a consultant at GPL for almost two years.
