Exposures to Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is on the increase with resultant varied physiological impact related to the light spectrum via the non-visual pathway. This study examined the effects of various spectra of ALAN on Testosterone (Te), Progesterone (Pr) and Estradiol (Es) in rats exposed to Blue (BL), Green (GL), Yellow (YL), Red (RL), White (WL) and Darkness (DD) light wave-lengths while Ambient light (CL) served as the control. Dams with their post-natal day 1 pups were housed in cages exposed to various light wavelengths for 12 hours: (6:00pm–6:00am) daily for 126 days. At d63 and d126, five rats per treatments were euthanized; blood serum was collected and the serum hormones: Te, Es and Pr were analysed using ELISA. The results showed that light treatments had significant effect on the level of Te at d63 but not at d126 in male rats. At d63, onset of puberty, Te was significantly highest (p < 0.05) under BL. In females exposed to YL and WL at d126, Te was significant high and Es was significantly low. Estradiol was heightened significantly (p < 0.05) in both sexes exposed to RL. In conclusion, BL seemed to stimulate early sexual development in males, WL and GL enhanced post-pubertal male albino rat reproductive system while RL provided the best reproductive environment for females in the long term. Long periods of exposure to YL seemed to pose risks for male and female reproductive function.

Abstract This study investigated the possible protective role of Nigella sativa oil (NSO), vitamin C, and E in one hundred and seventeen (117) aflatoxicoses induced neonatal wistar rats with Aflatoxin M1(AFM 1 ), randomly divided into 13 groups of nine rats each (A-M) for 12 weeks. Group A served as control, while groups B, C, D, E received (9ng/l AFM 1 , 9ng/l AFM 1 + Vit.C, +Vit.E, +NSO), groups F, G, H, I had (235 ng/l AFM 1 , 235 ng/l AFM 1 + Vit.C, +Vit.E, +NSO) and groups J, K,L,M received (456ng/l AFM 1 , 456ng/l AFM 1 + Vit.C, +Vit. E, + NSO). Rats were fasted overnight and anesthetized, cardiac blood was collected for the analysis of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobins (HB), Red Blood Cells (RBC), White Blood Cells (WBC), and levels of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) The liver tissues were examined for histopathological changes. AFM 1 concentrations significantly decreased blood levels and liver enzymes. Simultaneous supplementation with Nigella sativa oil, vitamin C, and E showed a significant increase in the PCV, HB, and RBC and a decrease in the WBC as well as the liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, and AST). NSO treatment restored blood loss and repaired damaged liver tissues irrespective of the AFM 1 concentration administered, vitamin C and E restored changes only at low AFM 1 concentrations.

Abstract This study investigated the possible protective role of Nigella sativa oil (NSO), vitamin C, and E in one hundred and seventeen (117) aflatoxicoses induced neonatal wistar rats with Aflatoxin M1(AFM1), randomly divided into 13 groups of nine rats each (A-M) for 12 weeks. Group A served as control, while groups B, C, D, E received (9ng/l AFM1, 9ng/l AFM1 + Vit.C, +Vit.E, +NSO), groups F, G, H, I had (235 ng/l AFM1, 235 ng/l AFM1 + Vit.C, +Vit.E, +NSO) and groups J, K,L,M received (456ng/l AFM1, 456ng/l AFM1 + Vit.C, +Vit. E, + NSO). Rats were fasted overnight and anesthetized, cardiac blood was collected for the analysis of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobins (HB), Red Blood Cells (RBC), White Blood Cells (WBC), and levels of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) The liver tissues were examined for histopathological changes. AFM1 concentrations significantly decreased blood levels and liver enzymes. Simultaneous supplementation with Nigella sativa oil, vitamin C, and E showed a significant increase in the PCV, HB, and RBC and a decrease in the WBC as well as the liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, and AST). NSO treatment restored blood loss and repaired damaged liver tissues irrespective of the AFM1 concentration administered, vitamin C and E restored changes only at low AFM1 concentrations.

A survey on the diversity and abundance of earthworms in southwestern Nigeria was carried out. Earthworm and soil samples were collected from thirty different locations within the sub-region. Earthworms were identified and soil samples were analysed for mineral and metal loads, using standard procedures. Taxonomic analysis of collected earthworm samples revealed 24 species belonging to eight families namely Moniligastridae, Megascolecidae, Acanthodrilidae, Octochaetidae, Ocnerodrilidae, Eudrilidae and Almidae. These include some genera and species that are reported for the first time from Nigeria. Analysis of earthworm biomass showed that Libyodrilus violaceus had the highest biomass (104.4g/m2) while Hyperiodrilus africanus had the highest density (160 worms/m2). Earthworm biomass correlated negatively but significantly with pH (p<0.01). Analysis of earthworm abundance in relation to soil types indicates that E. eugeniae was present in all seven soil types studied, while only Alma millsoni and H. lagosensis can be used as indicators of ferruginous tropical soils and red-yellow ferralsols. Earthworms from this study revealed affinity for various combinations of sand and loam soils. The present results revealed a decline in earthworm abundance when compared with previous works. This work revealed the need to harness the habitat factors, which support earthworm abundance for use in both earthworm and soil conservation efforts.

The advent of spray drones for agrochemical applications calls for continuous exploration of potentially affordable and sustainable liquid biofertilizers. Thus, we evaluated the effects of earthworm urine foliar spray on the growth performance (height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth) and stomata opening of Amaranthus hybridus (Green amaranth). Earthworm urine was obtained by placing 500 g of Libyodrilus violaceus in one litre of earthworm saline, for one hour. Amaranthus hybridus seeds were planted into 90 pots, divided into three treatment groups of 30 pots each. Upon germination, the first group was sprayed with earthworm urine, the second and third groups with saline water and ordinary water, respectively. Earthworm urine significantly (p < 0.05) increased all the measured growth parameters, and stimulated the opening of stomata, relative to saline water and ordinary water. This result is a strong indication that earthworm urine contains hormones that boost plant growth, and is potentially suitable for use as a liquid biofertilizer, for increased production of Amaranthus hybridus and related vegetables.

Nephrotoxicity of gasoline fumes has been documented, but the mechanisms underlying the toxicity remain vague. This study determined the residue of gasoline components in the kidney of 72 male albino rats with a view to providing the basis for a detailed understanding of the nephrotoxicity of gasoline fumes. The rats were randomized into 6 groups and daily exposed to distilled water (control) or gasoline fumes for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 h for 10 weeks. Some standard clinical blood biochemistry, activities of some kidney antioxidant and membrane-bound ATPase enzymes and kidney histological changes were examined. Gasoline hydrocarbons were extracted, identified and quantified in the kidney of rats with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Significant (p < 0.05) changes were observed in the biochemical parameters examined in the blood and kidney of the exposed rats compared to the control. Residues of some gasoline metabolites including 2,3-diphenylcyclopropyl) methyl phenyl sulfoxide; Cyclotrisiloxane and 2.2-Paracyclophane were identified in the kidney of rats exposed to gasoline fumes. The kidney of the exposed rats also displayed mild histological changes. Retention of some hydrocarbons in the kidney of rats exposed to gasoline fumes could potentially result in oxidative stress capable of inducing renal dysfunction.Key policy highlights Continuous exposure to gasoline fumes for varying hours over a period of time may result in the retention of some gasoline hydrocarbons and metabolites in the kidney of the exposed animal.Presence of gasoline hydrocarbons and metabolites in the kidney may induce a high production of reactive oxygen species and consequently lead to oxidative damage to the organ.Metabolic process of gasoline hydrocarbons in the kidney of the exposed animal varies with the hours of exposure.

Few studies have reported reproductive toxicity of gasoline fumes in animals, but none of the findings has been fully ascertained and the mechanism underlying the observed toxicity still remains unknown. Here we present insights into the potential mechanism underlying the reproductive toxicity of gasoline fumes in 72 adult male albino rats randomly assigned to six groups of 12 rats per group. Rats in group 1 (control) were exposed to distilled water while those in groups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were daily exposed to gasoline fumes for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 h respectively for 10 weeks. Serum level of reproductive hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin); testicular oxidative stress indices; epididymal sperm health assessment (count, motility, and morphology); activities of testis membrane-bound enzymes (Ca/ATPase, Mg/ATPase, Na/K-ATPase, total ATPase); and testicular histopathology were monitored. Gasoline compositions and its residues were quantified in the testis of exposed rats using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). There were significant (p < 0.05) alterations to all the reproductive hormones and oxidative stress indices and sperm health in the exposed rats. Some gasoline residues and metabolites were detected in the testis of exposed rats and, in turn, reduced the activities of the testis membrane-bound ATPase enzymes. Several degrees of histopathological lesions were seen in the testis of rats exposed to gasoline fumes. Accumulation of gasoline residues and metabolites in the testis of exposed animal could potentially result in generation of ROS capable of inducing reproductive dysfunction.

Background. In addition to improving soil fertility and crop production, earthworms have been found to be useful in the removal of contaminants from soil, known as vermiremediation. Previous studies on vermiremediation have focused primarily on organic wastes, with relatively less attention paid to inorganic contaminants. In addition, some basic terms used in environmental health studies have often not been properly clarified. Objectives. The present study is a review of the state of the literature on the effectiveness of using earthworms to remediate organic and inorganic (metal) soil contaminants. Earthworms’ actions in remediation of organic and inorganic contaminants are described. Some terms that are used interchangeably in environmental health are clarified. The challenges and limitations of vermiremediation are highlighted. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted to access online academic publications indexed in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Clarivate Analytics (Web of Science), ScienceDirect, ResearchGate and Springer Link. A total of 165 publications on the subject matter were accessed, out of which 47 were used for the review. Discussion. Empirical and theoretical information from the literature showed evidence of the significant contributions of earthworms to the removal of soil organic contaminants and metals. Earthworms indirectly facilitate the conversion of organic contaminants by promoting microbial and enzyme activities. Some organic contaminants are directly taken up through dermal and intestinal absorption and accumulated by preferential sequestration in sub-organismic and tissue fractions of earthworms. Metals are directly removed and accumulated by the mechanism of detoxification and sequestration, via metallothioneins induction. The terms ‘contaminants’ and ‘pollutants’ have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Although vermiremediation presents an ideal clean-up technique, it is limited in application to only mildly contaminated soil environments. Ethical concerns should not pose a serious issue because vermiremediation simply takes advantage of earthworms’ natural soil-conditioning abilities. Many vermiremediation processes, especially of organic wastes, are harmless to earthworms, improving the soil for their growth and survival. Conclusions. Vermiremediation presents a good long-term biological option to clean up mildly contaminated soil. It may be deployed as a secondary measure to rid the soil of residual contaminants after applying physicochemical remediation techniques to an overtly polluted soil environment. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

While the impact of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) on earthworms has been studied, little is known about their effects on the earthworm gut microbiome. This study investigated the impact of a GBH on the gut microbial communities of three earthworm species (Alma millsoni, Eudrilus eugeniae and Libyodrilus violaceus). Earthworm species accommodated in soil were sprayed with 115.49 mL/m² of Roundup® Alphée or water. Gut microbiome composition was analysed using 16S rRNA Bacterial Tag–Encoded FLX Amplicon Pyrosequencing (bTEFAP) at the 8th week post-herbicide application. A profound shift in bacterial populationswas observed in all exposed earthworms with Proteobacteria becoming the dominant phylum. Affected bacteria were mostly from the genus Enterobacter, Pantoea and Pseudomonas, which together represented approximately 80 % of the total abundance assigned at the genus level in exposed earthworms, while they were present at a minor abundance (∼1%) in unexposed earthworms. Although consistent results were observed between the three groups of worm species, it is not possible to generalize these outcomes due to a lack of biological replicates, which does not allow for inferential statistical analysis. Nevertheless, our study is the first to report the effects of a GBH on the earthworm gut microbiome and paves the way for future more comprehensive investigations.

Aflatoxin levels in nuts and fruits pose a great threat to food storage and availability. This study aimed at determining the mycoflora and aflatoxin level in stored walnut under various conditions. Freshly harvested walnuts were stored for 90 days in three different media: jute bags, Plastic containers and sterile polythene bags under room (37ᵒC) and refrigeration (4ᵒC) temperature. After 90 days of storage, the stored walnuts were examined for fungal growth at one month interval after which colonial and morphological characterization were carried out to identify the fungi present. Proximate analysis and aflatoxin content of the walnut samples were determined by standard methods. Fungi isolated from the walnuts include; Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisae, Penicillum notatum, Aspergillus sydowi, Fusarium oxysporium, and Rhizopus stolonifer. Walnuts stored in plastic container at room temperature had the lowest aflatoxin level of 0.002 ng/kg while that stored in polythene bags had the highest (0.054 ng/kg). Proximate analysis also revealed that walnuts stored in polythene bag reduced significantly (p<0.05) in protein, ash content, fat, fibre, moisture and carbohydrates while samples stored in jute bag and plastic container remained unchanged. This study shows that storage methods contributed to the overall quality, shelf life and aflatoxin content of walnut and hence care should be taken during post harvesting process.

Wildlife species are under serious exploitation by the rural populace in Nigeria because hu­man beings have understood their ecology. The need to update the existing knowledge of wildlife population is therefore essential. Twenty-three games markets along five Roads in South-west Nigeria were visited to document the wildlife displayed for sale. Two hundred and fifty copies of structured questionnaire were administered using systematic random sampling (odd) method for wildlife species information from market stakeholders. Direct method was counting for species and their numbers. Data generated were analysed through Species Diver­sity Indices Assessment. All emergent species were compared with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) abundance rating. Road seasonal distribution of the marketed wildlife was determined by percentages, standard deviation, standard error of mean, mean differences, t-test, and tests of significance and Diversity Indices. Results revealed that 69,398 wild animals were displayed. Also more wildlife were sold during rainy than dry seasons. Appropriate recommendations of government sensitization of rural and urban settlers against over-utilization of wildlife resources, encouragement of the public towards animal domesti­cation and others were made.

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) and diisobuthylphthalate (DIBP) have found wide applications as plasticizers; however, they are covalently bonded to materials and are subsequently leached into the environment. Methods: This study evaluated the effects of BPA, DIBP and mixtures of BPA and DIBP on the antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD)] activities using standard methods and DNA profile of earthworm (Hyperiodrilus africanus) using randomly amplified polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) method. A total of 2 kg soil samples collected from FADAMA Farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta were spiked to obtain 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 ppm of BPA, DIBP and mixtures of BPA and DIBP. Earthworms were exposed to the unpolluted and spiked soil samples and were collected on the 7th and 14th day for SOD, POD and DNA analysis. Results: SOD activity was more pronounced at 5 and 10 ppm concentrations. POD activity was increased in all concentrations, including the control, meanwhile POD activity induced by BPA and DIBP was significantly higher (p < 0.05) at 10 ppm compared to other concentrations. RAPD-PCR analysis revealed varying DNA fragment lengths due to excessive oxidative stress generated by the treatments, resulting in DNA damage. BPA and DIBP mixtures generated more fragments of DNA on day 14 than other treatments. Conclusions: This study established that antioxidant activity decreases with exposure time to BPA and DIBP, while DNA damage increases with exposure time. Copyright (c) 2020, KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.

It remains unknown if casts produced by earthworms exposed to a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) will retain their agricultural benefit. This study investigated the agricultural importance of surface casts produced by three earthworm species (Alma millsoni, Eudrilus eugeniae and Libyodrilus violaceus) exposed to a GBH on growth, fruit yield and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). We sprayed 60 buckets (i.e 20 buckets/earthworm species) containing 20 adult earthworms of each species with 115.49 ml/m(2) of Roundup (R) Alphee (Exposed) while another 60 buckets with earthworm species were sprayed with water (Control). Surface casts produced by the earthworms were collected for 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week post herbicide application. Tomato planting experiment on soil treated with the casts, NPK fertilizer and normal soil were grouped into 32 treatments. Tomato growth performance, yield and quality were evaluated with standard methods. Only the tomatoes planted with the casts of the exposed earthworms were unable to set fruit. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in yields of tomatoes planted with the control casts of E. eugeniae and A. millsoni compared to those planted with fertilizer. Vitamin C and beta-carotene contents increased in fruits of tomatoes planted with control cast of A. millsoni while reductions were recorded in the fruits of tomatoes planted with the control casts of E. eugeniae and L. violaceus relative to those planted with fertilizer. Surface casts of earthworms exposed to GBH could not enhance tomato growth while casts produced by unexposed earthworms greatly improved the performance of tomato plant. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The global use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) and release of glyphosate residues in soil environment have over the years been a major concern. In this study, we aim to evaluate the biochemical response and vermiremediation potential of three indigenous earthworm species; namely Alma millsoni, Eudrilus eugeniae and Libyodrilus violaceus in GBH treated soils. Study design: Three weed plants (Tridax procumbense, Ludwigia pasntris and Pannicum maximum) were transplanted into 140 plastic pots and 20 adult individual earthworms of each species were later introduced into 60 pots. In total, each earthworm species treatments representing 20 pots and 20 pots without earthworm were sprayed with 115.49 mL/m(2) (equivalent to 83.2 g a.i/m(2) ) of Roundup (R) Alphee. The remaining 60 pots with earthworm species were left unsprayed. Activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), metallothionine (MT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were monitored at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th weeks Post Herbicide Application (PHA) using standard methods. Glyphosate residues in the soil and earthworm species were quantified with a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector. Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) was also calculated. Results: Higher activities of GST and LDH and reduction in MT activities were observed in the three earthworm species exposed to GBH compared to the unexposed while AChE activity was insensitive to the herbicide. The antioxidant defence system was able to protect E. eugeniae and L. violaceus against oxidative stress. The presence of earthworms reduced glyphosate residues in the soil. E. eugeniae and L. violaceus were bioaccumalators and biomagnifiers of glyphosate as indicated by the BAF ( > 1) obtained after 8th week PHA. Relationships exist between glyphosate BAF in E. eugeniae and L. violaceus and exposure duration as well as between glyphosate residues in tissues of the earthworm species and their biochemical parameters. Conclusions: Alterations in the enzymatic activities and antioxidant defence of the earthworm species could be an index for GBH contaminated soil monitoring and assessment; both E. eugeniae and L. violaceus showed potential to vermiremediate soils contaminated with GBH.

There have been growing concerns and uncertainty about reports attributing the metabolic disturbance induced by a commercial formulation of glyphosate-based herbicide to its active ingredient. We therefore compared the effects of Roundup Original® and its active ingredient glyphosate on some hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) hormones and oxidative stress markers, biochemical and hematological profiles in 56 adult male albino rats randomly assigned to seven treatments of eight rats per treatment. The rats were orally exposed to Roundup Original® and its active ingredient daily at 3.6 mg/kg body weight (bw), 50.4 and 248.4 mg/kgbw of glyphosate equivalent concentrations for 12 weeks, while control treatment received distilled water. Serum concentrations of corticosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, aldosterone and concentration of oxidative stress marker, biochemical and hematological profiles in the blood were determined. Concentrations of corticosterone and aldosterone were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in rats treated with Roundup in a dose-dependent manner. Reduced glutathione concentration, catalase, and butyrylcholinesterase activities reduced significantly in rats treated with Roundup relative to those treated with the active ingredient. Lipid peroxidation was observed in rats treated with Roundup. Biochemical and hematological profiles of rats treated with Roundup were significantly altered (p < 0.05). However, significant changes in only acid phosphatase, lactase dehydrogenase, bilirubin, and white blood cells in rats treated with the active ingredient at 50.4 mg/kg were observed. The severe metabolic disturbance and stress observed in rats treated with the commercial formulation of Roundup herbicide may not be associated with the mild changes induced by the active ingredient.

BACKGROUND:Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic contaminants and pose health risks to humans and the ecosystem due to their persistence in the environment.OBJECTIVES:This study determined the concentrations of PAHs in sediment, two species of fish (Drepane africana and Pomadasys jubelini), crabs (Callinectes amnicola) and shrimps (Penaeus notialis) around the Atlas Cove jetty, Lagos, Nigeria.METHODS:Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were extracted from fish, shrimp, and crabs that were purchased from local fishermen. Sediments were collected at five locations impacted by ship movement and cargo offloading around the Atlas Cove jetty during the period of June to August 2016, using standard methods. Potential toxicity of PAHs in the sediments on the surrounding aquatic organisms was assessed. The PAHs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Human health risk assessment was calculated from biota using dietary daily intake and carcinogenic potencies of individual PAH concentrations.RESULTS:A total of 17 PAH congeners were detected in sediment samples and ten were detected in biota samples. Concentrations of total PAHs obtained in sediment and fish samples ranged from 2.15 - 36.46 mg/kg and 11.89 - 71.06 mg/kg, respectively. The total PAHs concentration pattern follow the order of P. notialis > C. amnicola > P. jubelini (whole) > D. africana (whole) > D. africana (fillet) > P. jubelini (fillet) > sediment. Concentrations of total PAHs were higher in whole fish than in fillet samples (muscle) in both fish species. High values of PAHs were recorded in the dietary intake (0.10 - 2.33 mg/kg body weight/day) of the organisms. Toxic equivalent quotient values (0.01 to 0.10 mg/kg) were observed to be higher than the screening values (0.0014 to 0.0599 mg/kg). In the muscle of Drepane africana and Pomadasys jubelini, splitting and atrophy of the muscle bundles were observed.CONCLUSIONS:The concentrations of PAHs in analyzed sediment and organisms were higher than the maximum permissible limit of the United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Most of the detected PAHs were of petrogenic origin, which is an indication that anthropogenic activities were influencing PAH concentrations.COMPETING INTERESTS:The authors declare no competing financial interests.

The act of eating insects (entomophagy) has been on the increase due to their medicinal and nutritional importance. This study examines the gender differences in the nutritive value of adult variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (L.). The proximate (crude protein, fibre ash, fat and carbohydrate), mineral (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Fe2+), vitamin (A, B1, B2 and C), anti-nutrients (flavonoids, tannin, saponin, alkaloid and antraguinone) assays and heavy metals compositions (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Ni) of newly emerged male and female adults were analyzed by standard methods. Adult female Z.variegatus had significantly higher (p<0.05) crude protein, ash, fibre and carbohydrate than the male. Similar trend was observed for mineral composition and vitamins assay of the adults. Anti-nutrients and heavy metal composition of the adults varied from 0.210–8.82% and 0.113–1.264 mg/100g, respectively with the female showing higher values. Adult female Z.variegatus is thus more nutritious than the male.

There have been major concerns that the nephrotoxicity of commercial formulations of Roundup herbicide is due to the active ingredient glyphosate. We therefore investigated and compared the mechanisms underlining the nephrotoxicity of Roundup herbicide and glyphosate alone in rat. Fifty-six adult male rats randomized into 7 groups of 8 rats per group were exposed to Roundup formulation and glyphosate alone daily by gavage at 3.6, 50.4, and 248.4 mg/kg body weight (bw) of glyphosate concentrations for 12 weeks with distilled water administered to the control group. Kidney biomarker (serum urea and creatinine, plasma cystatin-C, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin), oxidative stress indices in the kidney tissue, activities of kidney membrane-bound enzymes (Mg-adenosine triphosphatase [ATPase], Ca-ATPase, Na/K-ATPase, and total ATPase), and histopathological changes in the kidney were monitored. Glyphosate concentration in the kidney was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Significant (P < 0.05) alterations in the levels of the kidney biomarker, oxidative stress markers, and membrane-bound enzymes were observed in the rats exposed to Roundup compared to the rats exposed to glyphosate alone. Rats exposed to Roundup accumulated more glyphosate residue in their kidney tissue. Severe histopathological lesions were only seen in the kidneys of rats exposed to Roundup. The nephrotoxicity observed cannot be due to the active ingredient in the Roundup formulation, as glyphosate alone has virtually no effect on the renal function of the exposed animals. Therefore, the general claim attributing nephrotoxicity of a glyphosate-based herbicide to its active ingredient should be discouraged.

The survival of snails has been associated with the microclimate variables of their environment. Therefore, a comparative analysis of the biochemical composition of the haemolymph, mineral and proximate analysis of the flesh of the giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) obtained from five southwestern states of Nigeria was conducted. Mature snails purchased from notable markets in Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Osun and Ondo states were dissected. An analysis of the biochemical composition of the haemolymph and proximate composition of the flesh was done using standard methods, while a mineral composition analysis of the flesh and haemolymph was done using a Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Flame Photometer. Snails from Oyo state had significantly higher (p<0.05) concentrations of glucose (35.00 +/- 0.20), protein (54.15 +/- 0.02) and lipid (22.90 +/- 0.05) in their haemolymph than those from the other locations. Concentrations of Na+, Ca2+, Cl- and PO42- were observed to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in the haemolymph of the snails than in the flesh. Protein was observed to be higher than other metabolites in both the haemolymph and the flesh of A. marginata collected from the five states. The flesh of snails obtained from Ogun state recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) values of ash (1.73 +/- 0.02), crude fibre (1.01 +/- 0.01), crude protein (20.22 +/- 0.02) and carbohydrate (1.09 +/- 0.01) content than those from the other states examined. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in the values of Mg2+, PO42- and Cl - across the five states. Although climatic conditions could have influenced some biochemical composition of the snails, the snails collected from the five southwestern states of Nigeria examined were equally nutritious.