A >8-year two-generation study on the long-term effects of genetically modified maize (Zea mays) containing cry1Ab/cry2Aj and EPSPS genes on cardiac function and arrhythmia risk of cynomolgus macaques.

The long-term safety of genetically-modified (GM) crops, particularly their effects on cardiovascular health, remains a subject of scientific debate. This study systematically evaluated the effects of GM maize (Zea mays) feed on cardiovascular function in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) through two-generation feeding over 8 years. A comprehensive assessment of effects of the GM diet on myocardial injury, cardiac function, and arrhythmia risk was conducted using cardiac-specific biomarker assays, echocardiography, surface electrocardiography (ECG), and implantable cardiac monitoring. The F0 and F1 generations were included to explore the direct and potential transgenerational effects, respectively, of the GM diet. The results demonstrated no significant differences in either generation between the GM diet and control groups (normal feed and non-GM parental feed) in any of the markers assessed. These findings indicate that long-term feeding with GM maize-based diets does not significantly affect the cardiovascular function or increase the risk of arrhythmias in cynomolgus macaques.