Sex-specific hepatotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) induced by Roundup WG® exposure

Abstract

The widespread use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH), particularly Roundup®, in agriculture, poses a significant risk of contaminating surface and groundwater sources, raising concerns about its impact on non-target organisms like fish. While the harmful effects of Roundup® are well documented, sex-specific responses to environmentally relevant concentrations are less investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the sex-specific cellular toxicity of Roundup WG® (RWG) on the liver of Danio rerio (zebrafish). Adult fish were divided into three groups: control, 0.065 mg/L, and 6.5 mg/L of glyphosate concentrations, and exposed for 7 and 15 days. Liver tissue structure was analyzed by light microscopy, while hepatocyte ultrastructure was examined under transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, histochemical analyses were conducted to detect acid/neutral polysaccharides and proteins. Our results indicated sex-specific hepatotoxicity induced by RWG. Males were more susceptible at the lowest concentration after 7 days, while females exhibited toxicity mostly after 15 days. Conversely, the highest concentration seems to be more cytotoxic. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding sex-specific responses to toxicants, particularly regarding liver function and its broader implications for other organs like the gonads. Therefore, this research provides valuable insights into environmental health and the risks associated with this globally used herbicide.