• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.278-288
• /
• 2011

This study was conducted to evaluate the safety of ${\beta}$-carotene biofortified rice, a genetically modified organism (GMO) developed by Rural Development Administration. ${\beta}$-carotene biofortified rice were exposed on Sprague-Dawley rats for 13 weeks. All rats survived until the end of the exposure period. There were no biologically significant differences in body weight, feed and water consumption, weight gains and feed efficiency. There were no clinical signs of toxicity attributable to exposure to GM rice. Mild decreases in AST, ALT, TG levels were observed in Group II (25% GM rice (w/w) and Group III (50% GM rice (w/w), both in females and males. Results of histopathological changes treated with the ${\beta}$-carotene biofortified rice had no significant differences between the control and treatment groups. Based on these results, we deemed that genetically modified ${\beta}$-carotene biofortified rice was as safe as conventional rice.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.289-297
• /
• 2011

As part of safety evaluation of 2A (amono acid), PAT (phosphinotricin Acetyl-transferase), CtrI (Carotene desaturase) and PSY (phytoene synthase), the expressed proteins inserted to ${\beta}$-carotene Biofortified rice were tested for antigencity test. As a result, the group of administering high-concentration PAT, the expressed protein, showed a great content of total WBC; however, other expressed proteins did not show much difference. Against ASA (Active Systemic Anaphylaxis) test, the group of administering high-concentration PAT, the expressed protein, showed mild or medium degree of symptoms, but there was no dead entity. According to the result of the PCA (Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis test), the group of administering high-concentration PAT, 2A, PSY, and mixture of expressed proteins indicated positive response in low anti-serum concentration, and the group of administering the clinical concentration of mixture indicated mild positive response. However, because the group of administering the clinical concentration of expressed proteins, PAT, 2A, PSY, and CtrI, did not show positive response, it is thought that IgE is not generated. Further studies are needed to verify the safety of ${\beta}$-carotene Biofortified rice.