Combined effects of glyphosate and chemical hypoxia in zebrafish: A new toxicological point of view
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Glyphosate (Gly), a systemic and non-selective post-emergence herbicide used worldwide, has emerged as a pollutant. However, its toxic effects are debated by regulatory authorities. In addition, in the aquatic environment, often the presence of pollutants is associated with a hypoxia condition that could change their toxicological effects. We used zebrafish embryos to evaluate the toxic effects of Gly and its mechanisms in a hypoxic condition chemically induced by cobalt chloride (CoCl 2 ). We found that Gly induced toxicity in a time and concentration-dependent manner. The toxicity of Gly was determined at 96 h post fertilization as a lethal concentration (LC), and LC 10 , LC 20 , and LC 50 values were 85.7, 97, and 122.9 mg/L, respectively. When Gly was combined with CoCl 2 the toxicological endpoints were lower than values referred to the Gly alone indicating the worse effects of chemical hypoxia on Gly toxicity. Histological observations were performed at 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L for Gly both alone and in combination with 10 mM CoCl 2 . Fisher's exact test showed significant differences in the presence of hepatic and gut inflammation at 75 and 100 mg/L of Gly both alone and in combination with CoCl 2 . To deeply investigate the effects of hypoxia on Gly toxicity we decided to test the lowest dose of Gly, 50 mg/L, alone or in combination with CoCl 2 10 mM on liver glycogen storage and oxidative stress. Again the results obtained indicate the worse effects of chemical hypoxia on Gly toxicity. Thus Gly toxicity could be reconsidered in light of the damage it causes to the liver and intestines and its effect in combination with factors that induce chemical hypoxia. • Combined effects of hypoxia-induced by CoCl2 and glyphosate in zebrafish early life stage are studied. • Results confirmed the toxicity of glyphosate in zebrafish's early stages. • The phenotypical alterations are supported by histopathological lesions. • Glyphosate in hypoxia condition is not able to counteract the oxidative stress.
Source: Chemosphere
Institutions: University of Teramo, University of L'Aquila
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,760
OpenAlex ID: W4403146470