Protective potential of betulinic acid against glyphosate-induced toxicity in testis and epididymis of male wistar rats

Betulinic acid (BA), a novel pentacyclic triterpene, widely distributed in plants .This study examined possible protective potentials of Betulinic acid on antioxidant parameters and histology of testis and epididymis of glyphosate-treated rats. Glyphosate significantly elevated Malondialdehyde (MDA) in testes and epididymis by 41.8 % and 49.5%, respectively, compared with controls.BA significantly decreased MDA by 47.8% and 34.0%, respectively, compared with glyphosate group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly reduced by 66.7% and 73.7% in testes and epididymis, in glyphosate group, whereas BA supplementation significantly elevated (p < 0.05) SOD by 77.8% and 72.2% respectively. Catalase (CAT) activities were reduced in glyphosate group by 29.2% and 21.7% in testes and epididymis, while BA elevated CAT activities by 23.8% and 28. 0% respectively. Glyphosate reduced, Reduced Glutathione (GSH) level by 35.2% in testes, compared with controls, while BA supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) GSH level by 43.8%, compared with glyphosate group. Glyphosate induced cellular degeneration and deformity in testis and epididymis, and supplementation with BA was observed to reverse these effects. From the results, glyphosate disrupted the antioxidant defense system and histological features of testicular and epididymal tissues, while Betulinic acid exhibited the potential to prevent these toxic effects in male rats.