Abstract
Lead (Pb) is an environmental toxicant reported to impair male reproductive system. Galbanic acid (GBA), a natural sesquiterpene coumarin compound renowned for its diverse biological activities, exhibits anti-apoptotic, anti-hypoxic, anti-proliferative, anti-hepatitis, anti-angiogenic, antibacterial, and anti-thrombotic effects. In this experimental study, we investigated the protective effects of GBA on lead acetate-induced testicular damage in rats. Thirty-two immature male rats were divided equally into four groups: control group, PbAc group (0.3% lead acetate in drinking water), GBA group (1 mg/kg daily) and PbAc + GBA group (0.3% lead acetate in drinking water + 1 mg/kg daily GBA). Our results indicated that the lead-administration significantly reduced the mean number of different cells at seminiferous tubules, increase the ROS and MDA levels and also cause histopathological changes in testis (p < 0.001). Galbanic acid inhibited the reduction in number of cells, generation of ROS and MDA and histophatological changes in PbAc + GBA group (p < 0.001). In addition, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio expression which was up-regulated in PbAc group, downregulated by co-administration of Galbanic acid and lead in in comparison with PbAc group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, PbAc administration adversely impacted on the testis; on the other hand, Galbanic acid co-administration with lead partially ameliorated these adverse effects.