Effects of 28-Day Sub-Lethal Glyphosate Exposure on Liver and Kidney Histopathology and Oxidative Stress in Mice: An Experimental Study in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, and prolonged exposure to sub-lethal concentrations may affect tissues involved in detoxification and elimination—the present study aimed to evaluate glyphosate-associated fibrotic changes in liver and kidney tissues following repeated exposure. Methods: Monash University’s Animal Research (ARASC), based at Monash University and located at Bangunan L15, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, allowed the researchers to conduct this experimental study on its premises. Male Swiss albino mice were exposed to a sub-lethal dose of glyphosate (50 mg/kg body weight) by oral gavage for 28 consecutive days, while the control group received saline. At the end of the exposure period, liver and kidney tissues were collected and examined histologically. Fibrosis was assessed according to the degree of collagen and extracellular matrix deposition. Results: Mild fibrotic changes were detected in both liver and kidney tissues of glyphosate-exposed mice. The mean fibrosis score was 1.2 ± 0.4 in the liver and 1.0 ± 0.3 in the kidney, whereas the control group showed no detectable fibrosis. The liver exhibited a slightly greater fibrotic response than the kidney. Conclusion: Twenty-eight-day sub-lethal glyphosate exposure was associated with mild fibrosis in both liver and kidney tissues of mice. These findings indicate that repeated glyphosate exposure may initiate early fibrotic tissue remodeling in these organs. Further studies involving longer exposure periods and specific molecular markers of fibrosis are needed to determine the progression and underlying mechanisms of this response.