Forensic implications of glyphosate-induced thyroid and hematological toxicity: protective role of coenzyme Q10 in a rat model

Glyphosate (GLP) is a potentially toxic herbicide, which makes it an issue of concern for public health. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) is an antioxidant. The aim was to evaluate the protective role of CoQ against the toxic effects of GLP on adult male albino rats. Thirty-two rats were divided equally into four groups. I (control): each rat received only a regular diet and tap water to measure the basic values of the tested parameters; II (CoQ): rats received CoQ (10 mg/kg/day) once daily by oral gavage; ІІI (GLP): rats received 375 mg/kg/day (1/10 of the LD50) in 0.5 mL distilled water, oral gavage; ІV (GLP + CoQ): rats received both GLP and CoQ. After eight weeks, 24 h following the last dose, we measured: 1- CBC with differential count. 2- TSH, T3, and T4 in serum. 3- Oxidative stress biomarkers; thyroid tissue MDA and SOD. 4-Apoptotic biomarkers: Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and Bax genes expression in the thyroid tissues. Histopathological study by H&E as well as immunohistochemical staining for detection of iNOS and eNOS markers expression in the thyroid gland and PCNA were done. GLP suppressed RBC indices, PCV, platelets, and most WBC subtypes. Additionally, GLP triggered an elevation in TSH and a reduction in T3 and T4 levels, together with an elevation in thyroid tissue MDA. GLP caused a decrease in tissue SOD, an elevation of Caspase-3 and Bax, and a decrease in Bcl-2 gene expression. iNOS, eNOS, and PCNA staining showed GLP-induced histological damage and strong immunoreaction. All these toxic effects were improved by CoQ. GLP exposure induced significant thyroid and hematological toxicity, causing hormonal disruption, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. This study demonstrates that CoQ effectively mitigates these toxic effects by improving blood parameters and reversing the damage at the cellular and genetic levels. The findings highlight the potential health risks of GLP and suggest that CoQ could be a valuable therapeutic agent, warranting further research into its mechanisms and optimal use. Furthermore, these findings provide a biomarker profile useful for forensic interpretation in suspected GLP poisoning cases. • Glyphosate (GLP) herbicide disrupts thyroid hormone homeostasis: increased TSH and decreased T3 and T4. • GLP exposure suppresses RBC indices, PCV, platelets, and most WBC subtypes. • GLP causes oxidative stress and apoptosis: increased MDA, reduced SOD, decreased Bcl-2, and increased Bax and Caspase-3 gene expression in thyroid tissue. • GLP induces thyroid histological damage: increased iNOS, and eNOS expression, and PCNA, evidence of cell proliferation. • Coenzyme Q10 has a protective role against thyroid and hematological toxicity induced by GLP.