Pesticides are chemical substances widely used in agriculture and play an important role in protecting plants from pests. However, many of them pose environmental risks and are potentially toxic to living organisms, including human health. In particular, glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are among the most commonly used pesticides worldwide and may pose a serious threat to the developing organism during perinatal exposure.This study experimentally evaluated the toxic effects of glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) on the liver of offspring following perinatal exposure. Pregnant Wistar rats were administered GBH at a dose of 70 mg/kg per day through drinking water from the 5th day of pregnancy to the 15th day after delivery. The results showed an increase in calcium ion (Ca²⁺) influx in the offspring’s liver, enhanced signs of oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant defense activity, reduced GSH levels, and increased lipid peroxidation. Biochemical analysis revealed elevated activity of transaminases and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), indicating liver damage. Additionally, iron accumulation was detected in the liver, blood, and bone marrow, accompanied by decreased transferrin levels and increased transferrin saturation. The levels of pro-inflammatory markers — TNF-α and IL-6 — were also elevated, associated with the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, perinatal exposure to glyphosate may induce hepatotoxic changes in the offspring through mechanisms related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and iron metabolism disruption. Such effects of pesticides necessitate a re-evaluation of current safety standards.

pesticides, glyphosate, perinatal exposure, liver, oxidative stress, iron metabolism, inflammation, toxicology

Eliz Xaynts Rieg 2022 Daiane Kattani, Natalya Ferrazzo Naspolini, Vitoriya Hayduk Cenci, Vera Lucia de Liz Oliveyra Kavalli, Amanda Virtuoz Jak, Markus Vinisius Pereyra Dos Santos Nasimento, Eduardo Monguilhott Dalmarko, Ana Karolina Rabello De Moraes, Mariya Klaudiya Santos-Silva, Fátima Regina Mena Barreto Silva, Eduardo Benedetti Parisotto, Ariane Zamoner/ National Library of Medicine/– 2022. – V.454:116245.

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