ORIGINAL ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Extensive agricultural activity results in significant exposure to pesticides, particularly glyphosate, which has been linked to immunological disorders, including apoptosis and inflammation. Bromelia pinguin, a species from the Bromeliaceaefamily native to Mexico, is traditionally used in folk medicine for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. This research aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Bromelia pinguin extract on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exposed to Faena®, a commercially available glyphosate-based herbicide. METHODS: PBMCs were isolated from healthy donors. Cells were exposed to varying concentrations of glyphosate commercial formulation Faena®, pure potassium glyphosate salts, and Bromelia pinguin extract alone and in co-exposure studies with the extract. Dose-response curves were performed to determine IC50. Cell viability was assessed, and the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic markers, including Caspase-1, NLRP3, and PARP-1, was analyzed. RESULTS: Exposure of PBMCs to glyphosate salts and Faena® resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of cell viability, with IC50 values of 669.376 µg/mL and 6.555 µg/mL, respectively. Co-exposure of cells with Bromelia pinguin, extract significantly improved cell viability up to 25% in both herbicide-treated groups. Western blot analysis revealed increased levels of Caspase-1, NLRP3, and PARP-1 after herbicide exposure, indicating activation of apoptotic and inflammatory pathways. Treatment with Bromelia pinguin, extract mitigated the expression of these markers. CONCLUSION: The extract of Bromelia pinguin can enhance cell viability and reduce the upregulation of inflammatory and apoptotic markers in human PBMCs exposed to glyphosate-based herbicides. These results provide new insights into the therapeutic potential of plant-based interventions in pesticide-induced immunological and inflammatory problems.