Chronic dietary exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide in broiler hens has long-term impacts on the progeny metabolism

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are the most commonly used herbicides in agriculture. Several studies reported possible adverse effects on human and animal models after a GBH exposure. However, the effects of a temporary maternal exposure on the progeny have been poorly documented, especially in avian models. We investigated the effects of a hen chronic dietary exposure to a GBH on the progeny, obtained during the period following the withdrawal of GBH from the diet. Hens were exposed to a GBH via their food for 6 wk, after which the GBH was removed from their food. Eggs from these hens were collected 3 wk after the GBH was withdrawn for 1 wk. We monitored the growth performances, metabolic parameters, and behavior from the progeny of the hens (Ex-GBH chicks, n = 186) and compared them with those of unexposed control-hen progeny (CT chicks, n = 213). Ex-GBH chicks were more likely to explore their new environment than CT chicks during the open-field test. In addition, they had an increased fattening and blood triglycerides level, whereas their food consumption was similar to CT chicks. Quantitative PCR on the chemerin system and FASN in chicks livers indicate a transcriptional activity in favor of fatty acid synthesis, and lipidomic analysis on chicks abdominal adipose tissue reveal a global increase in monounsaturated fatty acid and a global decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Seven genes involved in the synthesis of fatty acids were identified with the open access LIPIDMAP software, and their disturbance in Ex-GBH chicks was confirmed via qPCR. Taken together, these results suggest that the progeny of hens temporarily exposed to a GBH are more likely to fatten, even with a balanced diet. The removal of GBH from their contaminated environment would therefore not be sufficient to completely restore their health, has it could induce transgenerational effects.