Assessing testicular morphofunctionality under Roundup WG® herbicide exposure in zebrafish

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Reproductive biology
• Aquatic ecotoxicology

Background:

• Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are widely used in agriculture, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems.
• Non-target aquatic organisms, including fish, can be exposed to GBH through surface water contamination.
• Previous studies suggest potential adverse effects of GBH on fish health, but reproductive impacts require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the reproductive toxicity of Roundup WG (RWG) in male fish (Danio rerio).
• To assess the morphofunctional alterations in somatic and germ cells following exposure to environmentally relevant RWG concentrations.
• To evaluate the impact of RWG on oxidative stress and DNA integrity in fish testes.

Main Methods:

• Exposure of male Danio rerio to four RWG concentrations (0.0, 0.065, 0.65, 6.5 mg a.i./L) for 7 and 15 days.
• Morphological and ultrastructural analysis of testicular tissues.
• Assessment of gene transcript levels related to autophagy and steroidogenesis.
• Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA fragmentation.

Main Results:

• Significant alterations in testicular structure, including Sertoli cell extensions and germ cell bridges.
• Ultrastructural changes in subcellular compartments, such as mitochondrial dilation and autophagic vesicles.
• Upregulation of gene transcripts involved in autophagy and steroidogenic regulation.
• Increased ROS production and DNA fragmentation in germ cells of exposed fish.

Conclusions:

• Roundup WG exhibits reproductive toxicity in male fish at environmentally relevant concentrations.
• RWG exposure induces significant morphofunctional damage to somatic and germ cells.
• The findings raise concerns regarding the safety of current environmental concentrations of glyphosate-based herbicides for aquatic life.