The Effect of Glyphosate on Ovarian Tissue and in Vitro Maturation in Superovulated Mice

Introduction: Glyphosate is the most popular broad-spectrum herbicide globally due to the growing demand for glyphosate-resistant crops. Glyphosate exhibits harmful properties, including cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the detrimental effects of glyphosate on ovarian histopathology in mice and the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes following superovulation. Methods: In this study, thirty-two female NMRI mice were randomly divided into the following groups: control, glyphosate, superovulation, and superovulation-glyphosate. Animals received glyphosate (0.5%) continuously through drinking water for three weeks. HMG and HCG were used to induce superovulation. Oocytes were collected from the ampulla, and the quantity and quality of oocytes were analyzed. Then, in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes was performed. At the end of the study, ovarian histopathology was analyzed. Results: Compared to the control group, the glyphosate-treated group exhibited a significant decrease in secondary and Graafian follicles while demonstrating a concomitant increase in atretic follicles (P < 0.05). Additionally, the superovulation-glyphosate group showed fewer germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and MII oocytes than the superovulation group. In the superovulation-glyphosate group, there was a notable reduction in GVBD and MII oocytes following in vitro maturation (IVM). Conclusions: Glyphosate has the potential to damage ovarian tissue and adversely affect IVM and oogenesis.