Chronic exposure to a glyphosate-containing pesticide leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and increased reactive oxygen species production in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Glyphosate-containing herbicides are among the most widely-used in the world. Although glyphosate itself is relatively non-toxic, growing evidence suggests that commercial herbicide formulations may lead to increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial inhibition. In order to assess these mechanisms in vivo, we chronically (24h) exposed Caenorhabditis elegans to various concentrations of the glyphosate-containing herbicide TouchDown (TD). Following TD exposure, we evaluated the function of specific mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes. Initial oxygen consumption studies demonstrated inhibition in mid- and high-TD concentration treatment groups compared to controls. Results from tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester and ATP assays indicated reductions in the proton gradient and ATP levels, respectively. Additional studies were designed to determine whether TD exposure resulted in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Data from hydrogen peroxide, but not superoxide or hydroxyl radical, assays showed statistically significant increases in this specific ROS. Taken together, these data indicate that exposure of Caenorhabditis elegans to TD leads to mitochondrial inhibition and hydrogen peroxide production.

Critical Review of the Effects of Glyphosate Exposure to the Environment and Humans through the Food Supply Chain

“…In particular, they found that the pesticide destroyed the bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract that acted as guarantors of the natural balance of the intestine of the animals. This is also shown in studies [20,21,53], which consider cattle infections and show their dramatic increase over the past decade. The cause is due to the fact that the debilitated gastrointestinal tract in animals favors the onset of infectious diseases.…”

“…In addition, numerous studies [15,20,27] have been performed on mice and rats by administering high doses of glyphosate. The results show that the substance causes growth delays, kidney damage, liver enlargement and inflammation, and gastric disease [15,20,21]. Also, for aquatic plant organisms, glyphosate is considered toxic and acts by altering the vital functions related to photosynthesis, respiration, and the synthesis of essential aromatic amino acids.…”

“…The cause is due to the fact that the debilitated gastrointestinal tract in animals favors the onset of infectious diseases. Other research [21,27] has shown how the Roundup herbicide and, more precisely, glyphosate, can cause damage to human health. Only a small part of glyphosate ingested through contaminated food is metabolized to AMPA (2%), while the rest enters the bloodstream and is finally eliminated through the urine.…”

“…Consequently, it can be deduced that its uncontrolled use provokes, almost with certainty, damage to the environment, especially to the aquatic one. In general, all habitats characterized by the presence of plants and plant organisms of all kinds, which are located near the sprayed fields, are exposed to the effects of glyphosate [15,20,21].…”

Exposure during embryonic development to Roundup® Power 2.0 affects lateralization, level of activity and growth, but not defensive behaviour of marsh frog tadpoles

“…pH) environmental conditions, glyphosate’s half-life can last from days to months (e.g. 7–70 days in the water; Giesy et al, 2000), leading to possible chronic exposures for organisms living in certain environments (Feng et al, 1990; Borggaard and Gimsing, 2008; Bailey et al, 2018). GBH formulations are generally more toxic than glyphosate by itself, mainly due to the presence of surfactants (e.g.…”