Roundup Transorb reduces growth and expression of somatotropic axis genes in the silverside Odontesthes argentinesis fish larvae

Abstract

Despite the use of herbicides has led to substantial increases in agricultural production, it has also introduced a series of environmental challenges that pose threats to the survival of non-target species in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Species of the genus Odontesthes have significant economic importance as they are valuable resources for artisanal fishing and local populations' income. Moreover, these organisms serve as crucial biological models in ecotoxicological and genetic research. Given the ecological and economic importance of Odontesthes argentinensis, this research aimed to investigate how the gene expression of the somatotropic axis (gh, ghr1, ghr2, igf1, and igf2) is impacted by the herbicide Roundup Transorb (RT), validating them as reliable biomarkers of exposure. O. argentinensis larvae were exposed to glyphosate at concentrations of 0.36, 1.8, and 3.6 mg/L for 96 h. The results indicate that there was a reduction in the expression of all analyzed genes in animals exposed to RT, resulting in decreased body growth. The expression of genes in the somatotropic axis was thus established as an effective biomarker for assessing exposure to Roundup Transorb herbicide.