ISSN (Online): 3108-1584
Volume 1, Issue 4 - January 2026
Glyphosate-based herbicides are major contaminants in aquatic environments, yet the reproductive and transgenerational consequences of chronic sub-lethal exposure to them remain poorly researched in the study area. We therefore, evaluated the physiological, endocrine and multigenerational reproductive effects of chronic sub-lethal exposure to glyphosate in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Sexually mature fish (n = 120) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of glyphosate (0, 5, and 25 mg/L) for 60 days. Growth, behavior, hematological indices, plasma cortisol and glucose, reproductive hormones (17β-estradiol, testosterone, and 11-ketotestosterone), hepatic oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione), gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices, gamete quality, and in vitro fertilization success were assessed. Transgenerational effects were evaluated by monitoring survival, deformities, and growth of F1 larvae for 7 days post-hatch. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, principal component analysis, and dose-response regression. Glyphosate exposure induced a pronounced dose-dependent stress response, with plasma cortisol increasing from 15.8 ± 1.2 to 78.9 ± 3.8 ng/mL (p < 0.001), accompanied by endocrine disruption characterized by male feminization and female masculinization. Hepatic oxidative stress was severe, evidenced by a 4.3-fold increase in malondialdehyde and compensatory antioxidant enzyme activation. Gonadal integrity was markedly impaired, with gonadosomatic index reductions exceeding 50% in both sexes, spermatogenic arrest, and increased oocyte atresia. Fertilization and hatchability declined by 64% and 70%, respectively, while unexposed F1 offspring exhibited reduced survival, increased deformities, and impaired growth. It is therefore concluded that chronic sub-lethal glyphosate exposure compromises reproductive capacity and induces transgenerational fitness deficits with potential population-level consequences.
glyphosate; Clarias gariepinus; reproductive toxicity; endocrine disruption; oxidative stress; transgenerational effects
Muhammad Sanusi Yahaya, Saadiya Saadu Mashi, Shehu Sidi, Rahanatu Shehu, Ogechukwu Marian Amara, Adamu Umaru, "Chronic sub-lethal glyphosate exposure induces endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and multi-generational reproductive impairment in the African catfish (clarias gariepinus)", Cosmo Research & Science International Journal, vol. Jul-25, no. 1, pp. 103-120, 2026.
Muhammad Sanusi Yahaya, Saadiya Saadu Mashi, Shehu Sidi, Rahanatu Shehu, Ogechukwu Marian Amara, Adamu Umaru (2026). Chronic sub-lethal glyphosate exposure induces endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and multi-generational reproductive impairment in the African catfish (clarias gariepinus). Cosmo Research & Science International Journal, Jul-25(1), 103-120.
Muhammad Sanusi Yahaya, Saadiya Saadu Mashi, Shehu Sidi, Rahanatu Shehu, Ogechukwu Marian Amara, Adamu Umaru. "Chronic sub-lethal glyphosate exposure induces endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and multi-generational reproductive impairment in the African catfish (clarias gariepinus)." Cosmo Research & Science International Journal, vol. Jul-25, no. 1, 2026, pp. 103-120.
@article{CRSIJ26000068,
author = {Muhammad Sanusi Yahaya, Saadiya Saadu Mashi, Shehu Sidi, Rahanatu Shehu, Ogechukwu Marian Amara, Adamu Umaru},
title = {Chronic sub-lethal glyphosate exposure induces endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and multi-generational reproductive impairment in the African catfish (clarias gariepinus)},
journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
year = {2025},
volume = {1},
number = {4},
pages = {103-120},
issn = {3108-1584},
url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000068.pdf},
abstract = {Glyphosate-based herbicides are major contaminants in aquatic environments, yet the reproductive and transgenerational consequences of chronic sub-lethal exposure to them remain poorly researched in the study area. We therefore, evaluated the physiological, endocrine and multigenerational reproductive effects of chronic sub-lethal exposure to glyphosate in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Sexually mature fish (n = 120) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of glyphosate (0, 5, and 25 mg/L) for 60 days. Growth, behavior, hematological indices, plasma cortisol and glucose, reproductive hormones (17β-estradiol, testosterone, and 11-ketotestosterone), hepatic oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione), gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices, gamete quality, and in vitro fertilization success were assessed. Transgenerational effects were evaluated by monitoring survival, deformities, and growth of F1 larvae for 7 days post-hatch. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, principal component analysis, and dose-response regression. Glyphosate exposure induced a pronounced dose-dependent stress response, with plasma cortisol increasing from 15.8 ± 1.2 to 78.9 ± 3.8 ng/mL (p < 0.001), accompanied by endocrine disruption characterized by male feminization and female masculinization. Hepatic oxidative stress was severe, evidenced by a 4.3-fold increase in malondialdehyde and compensatory antioxidant enzyme activation. Gonadal integrity was markedly impaired, with gonadosomatic index reductions exceeding 50% in both sexes, spermatogenic arrest, and increased oocyte atresia. Fertilization and hatchability declined by 64% and 70%, respectively, while unexposed F1 offspring exhibited reduced survival, increased deformities, and impaired growth. It is therefore concluded that chronic sub-lethal glyphosate exposure compromises reproductive capacity and induces transgenerational fitness deficits with potential population-level consequences.},
keywords = {glyphosate; Clarias gariepinus; reproductive toxicity; endocrine disruption; oxidative stress; transgenerational effects},
month = {January}
}