Exploring the Subchronic Toxicity of Sulfonylurea Herbicides: Renal and Hematological Implications in Rabbit Models

Sulfonylurea herbicides are among the most extensively applied agents in modern agriculture; however, increasing attention has been drawn to their potential adverse effects on nontarget organisms. In this study, we evaluated the subchronic toxicological impact of the sulfonylurea-based herbicide (Sekator: amidosulfuron and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium) on renal physiology and hematological health in male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Twenty-four animals were randomly allocated into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving oral doses of Sekator at 0.213, 0.426, and 1.066 mg/kg body weight daily for a period of 3 weeks. Biochemical assessments demonstrated significant, dose-dependent elevations in serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid concentrations, accompanied by increased kidney weight, collectively indicating renal dysfunction. After taking a close look at the tissue samples, clear signs of kidney damage were found, like swollen tubes and dead tissue. On the blood side of things, several dominant changes happen: There were drops in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets, which are clear signs of anemia. At the same time, there was an uptick in white blood cells, which suggests some kind of inflammation is going on. All in all, these results strongly show that Sekator has harmful effects on the kidneys and blood in a mammal model. This raises some serious flags about the unexpected risks that sulfonylurea herbicides pose to animals that were not meant to be affected. There is need to dig deeper to figure out how this toxicity works and what it means for the environment and health when people are exposed to these chemicals over time.